Pressure cleaning your home’s roof can help extend the life of the roof by removing damaging substances such as bird droppings, moss, lichens and algae. Residential homes primarily use concrete tile for roofs, or asphalt shingles. Each type of roof does require regular cleaning. However, each type of roof is cleaned differently. Big Moose Pressure Cleaning would like to share how tile and shingle roofs should be properly pressure cleaned.
Pressure Washing Asphalt Shingle Roofs
Asphalt shingles have a sandy like texture, which is designed to help protect and prolong the shingles. However because of the grainy and sandy surface, it provides places for moss and algae to grow and also traps dirty. If moss, lichens, or algae grows on shingles, it can actually begin eating away at the shingles. This will lead to mold or fungus growth which becomes a major problem for the underlayment and wood materials of the roof. When pressure cleaning shingles, you will want to use a nontoxic or non-corrosive solution and solvents. Since shingles are so thin, you don’t want to use any harsh chemicals that can damage this roofing material. Look for a non-pressure chemical. It can clean the roof, remove the unwanted substances, and clean the roof effectively. You will want to use a low pressure setting. Too high of a force can damage the shingles. It can also cause the shingles to strip off the roof. Never using anything higher than 1500 PSI and make sure to use either a 35 to 40 degree nozzle tip.
Pressure Cleaning Concrete Tile Roofs
There are many types of concrete tiles that vary in shape and texture. Most concrete tiles are very porous and can be the prefect breeding ground for moss, lichens, and algae. Concrete is also very vulnerable to acid which erodes and weakens the tiles. Bird droppings are very acidic and can damage roofs very quickly. This is why it is important to maintain and clean concrete tile roofs. Again you never want to use too much force. A pressure washing machine can produce a great deal of pressure that can crack and damage concrete tile roofs if used incorrectly. Similar to shingle roofs, you will want to use a non-pressure chemical. It will still remove moss, algae, and lichens but it can do it without damaging the roof. Many tiles are protected with a sealer. When pressure cleaning, it is important to use a soft wash to prevent peeling away the sealer. Surprisingly, when cleaning concrete tile roofs, you should stay between 1200 PSI and go no higher than 1500 PSI, using the same nozzle tip as shingles.
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For those who are not comfortable climbing on roof tops or not sure what method of pressure cleaning their home’s roof needs, then seek the help of a professional. Pressure cleaning roofs can be dangerous and should involve all the proper safety equipment to help prevent accidents. Roof tops are also very sensitive and require a low or soft pressure wash with non abrasive cleaners. If you need help cleaning your home roof then contact Big Moose Pressure Cleaning. We provide many pressure cleaning services including roof cleaning. To schedule out services contact Big Moose Pressure Cleaning today!