Three Things to Know Before Washing Your Roof
As we head into Spring, Homeowners and Property Managers are taking a look at their homes and planning out the preventative maintenance or addressing concerning issues with their home. Your roof is one of the most important investments in your house, so making sure it is staying in great shape and not showing signs of algae or moss causing discoloration or staining is important. If it is, it’s time to treat it before it gets any worse. Below are three tips to make sure you properly wash your roof.
But before we get into the best ways to wash your roof, its important to distinguish what exactly is causing the discoloration in your roof. This may be a great time to consult with a Roof Cleaning Specialist as the optimal treatment plan will vary depending on what growth is on your roof and your roofing material. The treatment for shingles vs. metal are completely different.
- Gloeocapsa magma is a spore based algae and the culprit for the majority of the panicked “black streaks on my roof” google searches. Common on asphalt shingles, it feeds on the limestone in your singles and can eventually turn your entire roof black.
- Roof lichen is a combination of both fungus and algae. These two depend on each other to grow living organisms. Lichens will use roots to attach securely to your shingles, making them difficult to remove and cause your shingles to curl.
- Roof moss is similar to lichen because it also has a root-like element that attaches itself to your shingles and degrades its coverage. The moss can then create an additional layer of material by collecting windblown soil and spores.
Now on to the tips!
1. Protect the Plants!
You may be looking up at your roof, but it is everything below it that you also need to worry about! Because the best way to properly clean a roof involves a mixture of chemical solutions, it is important to protect your plants so they do not soak up any of that mixture. There are a couple of preventative ways to address this. One way is to simply cover them up with plastic sheeting or tarps, but be careful keeping them covered for too long under the Georgia heat. At Full Blast Pressure Washing, we take great care of plants by soaking them with water first. This ensures that they do not absorb any chemicals. We know how important plants and pollinators are to our southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida coasts, so we do everything possible to protect them.
2. Don't use Pressure!
It may seem counterintuitive since we call ourselves a Pressure Washing company, but using a pressure washer on your roof is one of the worst mistakes you can make. By using pressure, you loosen the granules on your shingles and can quickly shorten its lifespan. Instead, use a garden hose. We use what is called a Roof Pump or Soft Wash system to clean siding and roofs without causing any damage. By properly mixing chemicals and water, you can gently wash off the algae or moss growing on your roof.
3. Clean all Debris and BE SAFE!
Be sure to remove all tree branches or Spanish moss that may have fallen on the roof and check that your gutters are clear of debris so that the water you spray on the roof can be drained quickly. Always ensure that you are taking all necessary safety precautions on your roof and using hazardous chemicals. Wear gloves and eye protection to protect yourself from chemicals. Use non-skid shoes and consider tying into a safety harness to keep yourself from slipping and falling off your roof. Be sure your ladder is secure and you have someone to hold it for you. You should also check the weather to ensure you have a full day of good weather ahead of you.
There is a lot to consider when washing your roof. From identifying the organic material and mixing the correct solution to applying it safely and in an effective manner so you do not need to repeat this in 3 weeks when the growth is still there. If you are unsure about tackling this job yourself, we would encourage you to look at hiring a professional pressure washing company. Full Blast Pressure Washing has been serving Camden, Glynn, Charlton and Nassau county since 2014 and is licensed and insured. As veteran owned business that is operated by Firemen, you can count on professional and friendly customer service as well as great service cleaning your roof, house, windows, fence or driveway. See below to request a free estimate today!
