Pressure Washing, Concrete Surface Cleaning,
If you are getting your home ready for the new season and doing the deep clean inside and out, don’t forget the roof. There are several cleaning methods you can use for this seemingly daunting task. There are pros and cons to the different methods, and understanding each process will help you make the best decision for you.
You can choose to use pressure washing or to apply either a solution made from chlorine bleach or a sodium hydroxide. Any of the methods, when done correctly, will effectively clean roofs with no adverse effects. In order to keep the roof clean, these methods will need to be repeated every six to eighteen months.
Chlorine bleach solutions are one of the most common methods. This application doesn’t require as much rinsing as the other two solutions. This allows a quicker cleaning. This quicker process is good because it produces less wear and tear on the roof. Asphalt shingles respond best to this type of cleaner.
The downside to chlorine is that it is potentially toxic. When using this method, make sure to protect both plants, people and other property on the ground from any spray runoff.
Sodium hydroxide based cleaning is very good at degreasing your roof. This method will take longer than chlorine, since the sodium hydroxide needs to be rinsed thoroughly. This leaves the roof more at risk for damage. Using 100 psi is adequate for washing away the solution on asphalt shingles, but this causes a risk for some of the granules to be sprayed off in the process.
While advertisements claim this is safe to use, there is a risk of toxicity. Make sure to take the same precautions for people, plants and property as with the chlorine solution. You must also be careful to rinse thoroughly since it is potentially corrosive if residue is left on the roof.
Pressure washing is an environmentally friendly way to clean your roof, but make sure that you are aware of the potential pitfalls. It is a time consuming method, and adds strain to your roof with the high pressure. It’s best to use pressure washing for concrete, barrel tiles or metal roofs. Just keep in mind that the high pressure can wash away the coloring. This might mean staining or painting your roof afterwards.
A clean roof is the crowning touch to your home. If you don’t feel like taking on this task yourself, find some help. It will be the best your house has looked.