Tile Roof Cleaning
Roofs are our first line of defense against the elements including rain, snow, sun, and heat. Thus, roofs should always be in prime condition. Concrete, synthetic, and metal tile roofs are intended to last for at about 50 years, while clay tiles can last for as much as 100 years. However, normal wear and tear due to exposure can shorten the longevity of these roofs.
Regular cleaning is one way of ensuring the good condition of your roof. Other benefits from regular roof cleaning include:
- Aesthetic Value – Moss, stains, and mildew accumulate over time, upsetting the overall good appearance of the house. Regular cleaning will keep your roof looking clean, new, and attractive.
- Discover Damage Early – Minor damages to the roof can lead to more serious problems like leaks, draft, and mildew and mold spores. These problems cost money to repair. Regular cleaning can uncover minute damages early on, and before further damage is done.
- Extends Roof Longevity – You also have the chance and the option to re-seal, prime, and repaint the tiles after cleaning. This will prevent dirt and moss from seeping into the tiles.
Roof Cleaning
Roof cleaning has become an accepted part of home exterior maintenance. All roofing contractors agree that cleaning and maintaining your roof can extend its life. Keeping your roof free of debris, routine gutter cleaning at least once a year, and repairing any loose or missing shingles will go a long way to extend the life of your roof. However, remember that most roofing professionals will recommend that you leave the cleaning and maintenance of your roof to the professionals. These people have the expertise and equipment to navigate your roof safely. Moss, fungi and moisture can make your roof slippery and dangerous to work on.
The question of how often you should clean your roof has many answers. The condition of your roof has everything to do with its lifespan, so paying attention to your roof will save you money in the long term. Also, the type of roof you have will determine the kind of cleaning needed. Other factors include the amount and kind of trees surrounding your home, the type of weather in your area, the age of your roof, and whether or not your roof has sustained any type of damage from severe weather.
Killing Moss With Bleach
Bleach will also kill it. The dead moss will be easier to scrape off. Or, scrape it off while it’s still green with a dull scraper, and hose down any earth that remains. Tile Roof Wash How To Kill Moss With Bleach Metal Roof Cleaner It found that a clean white roof that reflects 80%
Although concrete tiles are among the most durable and water-resistant of roof … Clean out the Garage Now is the perfect …
How to Clean Your Tile Roof Step on the lower portion of the tiles. Distribute your weight. Stay on dry areas. Stand on flat areas. Protect your plants. Section the roof. Buff the tiles.
Why Do Tile Roofs Need Cleaning?
Tile roofing needs to be cleaned for a number of reasons. Chief among those reasons is to make the roofing last as long as possible, keep it looking great, and even to help catch damage early. In addition, cleaning helps preserve the underlayment and helps ensure water runs off easily, and quickly.
Makes Roofing Last Longer
Roofing of any type has the job of keeping the water out of your home. The tile on your roof works with the underlayment to achieve this goal. For the tile and underlayment to last as long as possible cleaning will help prevent algae, mildew, or moss to grow on your tile. The spores associated with those biological growths can literally eat through underlayment if left unattended. If this happens you will be looking at replacing the underlayment on your tile roof.
Helps Roofing Stay Looking Great
It goes without saying that homes which are cared for and receive regular cleanings and upkeep simply look better. Stains from mildew, moss, or algae ruin the look of tile roofing. When your tile is cleaned on a regular basis it makes them last longer and stay looking great! When your roof looks new and attractive your home just looks better and maintains its value better.
Great Chance To Catch Damage Early
Cleaning gives homeowners an opportunity to examine the roof carefully during cleaning. This can help avoid more serious issues with tile roofing such as mold, mildew, leaks, and drafts. When these problems are caught early it costs less to repair them. When the roof is cleaned on a regular basis minor issues will be caught and repaired at significant savings.
3 Roof-Cleaning Methods for Ugly Stains
Homeowners often find confusing and conflicting information when researching roof cleaning services. To assist homeowners with making informed decisions when deciding on which roof cleaning contractor to hire, this article describes the differences between the three main roof cleaning methods.
- The eco-friendly, non-bleach, low pressure roof cleaning method
Roof cleaning companies that use this method use high-grade eco-friendly products that do not contain toxic chemicals such as chlorine-bleach, phosphates or other chemicals that can kill vegetation and pollute waterways. This method also uses a low-pressure rinsing system, avoiding the use of damaging high pressure scrubbing or brushing.
Pros: Typically, the results with this method are instant and complete. Algae, lichens, and moss are completely gone before the contractor leaves the property. Technicians use eco-friendly roof cleaning products such as roof shampoo and equipment designed precisely for safe, gentle roof cleaning. Contractors who use this method clean the roof while preserving the integrity of the shingles and without damaging the landscaping.
Cons: This method may cost a bit more due to the cost of high quality eco-friendly products vs. inexpensive chlorine bleach mixtures.
Tip: When hiring a contractor who uses this roof cleaning method, pick one who guarantees that the algae, lichens and/or moss will be completely gone before they leave your house. Also, look for a contractor who offers an annual roof stain prevention program.
- The chlorine-bleach roof cleaning method
Roof cleaning contractors who use sodium hypochlorite (chlorine bleach) mix it in high concentrations with other chemicals such as trisodium phosphate, also known as TSP.
They spray it on the roof and wait for it to dry and then re-apply it several times as needed. Stains and moss or lichens that don’t come off on the day of treatment may eventually come off with rain in the months to come.
Pros: The bleach method can be less expensive than other methods because the chemicals are inexpensive and the technicians generally don’t get on the roof to rinse or inspect after the application.
Cons: Strong chemical odor and results that may not be instant, particularly when moss and lichen colonies are involved. There is also a possibility of posing harm to people and pets if exposed to the fumes or fluids. The effects of bleach on landscaping can cause permanent damage to plants, trees, grass and shrubs. Contaminating bleach and phosphates can leak into waterways in watershed areas.
Tip: Roof cleaning contractors who use chlorine-bleach typically don’t advertise or divulge that they use bleach. If they need to wet down plants before, during, or after treatment or use a runoff recovery system or cover plants during the roof cleaning process, these are indicators that a harsh chemical such as chlorine bleach is being used.
- The high-pressure power washing method
Some roof cleaning contractors use high pressure power washing methods to attempt to remove roof stains.
Pros: Can’t think of any.
Cons: Not only is this method damaging to shingles, but it’s also not an effective way to remove organisms that cause roof stains. The high-pressure power washing method leaves root systems behind, so the algae will often return rather quickly.
Tip: If you’re not sure if the contractor will be using damaging high pressure, ask him to hold his hand under the spray. If he can’t do that, then the pressure is too high and can damage your shingles.
Knowing the pros and cons of the three main types of roof cleaning services means homeowners will be well prepared to ask the right questions to make informed decisions. Not only will removing ugly roof stains greatly improve a home’s curb appeal, but the roof will be restored to its natural and healthy energy efficient state. A clean roof is a healthy roof that should last for years to come.