Is it safe to pressure wash your roof? Can all roofs be pressure washed? If you find yourself asking these questions, then you are at the right place. Here is a simple answer: some roofs can be pressure washed, but you should take extra precautions. Pressure washing can damage the protective coating on shingles for example, so you should be very careful and keep reading the tips that Peak Services have compiled. You may want to call your local roofing expert and ask if the problem is doable, ask what chemical works best for killing mold.
Find your roof type first
In order to decide whether or not you should pressure wash your roof, you should know what types of roofs exist, and what is your particular roof made of. If you need pressure washing services in Las Vegas, this will be the first information you will be asked for.
- Asphalt shingles: This is a very popular roofing in the US and it’s fairly easy to maintain. They can be pressure washed, but ideally by a professional.
- Slate shingles: This is a very effective and water-resistant method of roofing, however, they are breakable and many wouldn’t recommend pressure washing.
- Metal roofing: Very resistant and robust type of roofing. It can rust, so it’s important to use chemicals that won’t damage it.
- Wood shakes/shingles: This sort of roof can be cleaned, although it holds water and moss can grow on it. It’s important to check what type of wood is used and then clean it appropriately.
- Clay/concrete tiles: This is a fragile type of roofing, prone to crack under pressure. If you want to pressure wash them, they might wear down, and you will need a fresh coat of paint after.
Roofs then get dirty, moldy or they grow moss, therefore make sure to clean them regularly
Can all roofs be pressure washed and how to clean it?
As your read above, you can wash almost every type of roof with a pressure washer. In general, the roofs are a very neglected area of the homes and this is very normal since they are not seen with the naked eye. Corrosion, rust, and calcium stains can be very difficult to clean, but none of this should be an excuse to be able to give them proper maintenance, maintenance that is preventive and not corrective.
Both on roofs and facades have a problem with living organisms, such as algae, mold, and bacteria, which together with common dirt promote ecosystems that affect the surfaces as such, in addition to the aesthetic issues.
Cleaning your roof
Light sweeping or rinsing a shingle roof with the garden hose is usually enough to remove coarse dirt.. Pressure washing can damage the protective coating on the shingles. This is not necessary unless you have a lot of heavy dirt to remove. Most roofs are able to withstand the elements, but if yours has grown algae, mold, or moss, it might be time to call in a professional. These fungal plants don’t wash away in the rain like normal dirt. They bloom on it and can become so strong that they damage your roof.
You can treat a fungal infection of shingles by applying herbicidal chemicals or by using mechanical force. Scratching is more destructive to shingles, making pressure washing the safer bet. When pressure washing, use as little force as possible to push the fungus out and wash it off the ceiling. For bird droppings, we advise that you contact bird removal in North Las Vegas. This is a team of professionals who have the needed knowledge and the necessary equipment.
Don’t hesitate to contact professionals for roof cleaning
Steps to take
First, attach a 35-degree spray wand to the pressure washer hose and fill the pressure washer with a recommended or homemade cleaning solution. If your problem is black mold, use a mold-removing compound cleaner. The green moss will come off more easily, even under running water. The 35-degree wand allows pressure to be distributed over a wider area. This is better than concentrating force like a narrower spray would, and it’s easier on shingles.
Next, wear shoes with soft, non-slip bottoms. Roofs can easily be damaged by hard shoes. Non-slip shoes will improve your safety when walking on a wet and sloped surface. Place a ladder at a point where it will allow you to climb onto the roof without damaging the trim. Climb up the ladder, pulling the pressure washer hose with you. Position yourself at the highest point of the roof on the far side of the ladder and face down.
Start the pressure washer on the lowest pressure setting. Wash from the bottom, holding the wand of the washer up to allow some of the pressure to dissipate. Wash in the direction of the shingles so water flows over the shingles and down the roof without disturbing the seal. If you aim the rod at the edges of the shingles, the water will push down and loosen the shingles. This will force the water under the shingles where it is likely to enter the roof deck and further increase fungus growth. The idea is that the force of the water skates over the surface of the tiles. This will detach the fungus and take it down.
Can all roofs be pressure washed? Ask the professionals for an answer and assistance
You can always call professionals for help
As you’ve seen, it’s possible to clean your roof on your own. However, if you are unsure or feel unsafe doing it, or if you have solar panels on your roof that need special attention, it’s always best to call professionals. Professional roof cleaners have the equipment, and even some additional services, like if you need pigeon guard for solar panels. It is very important that the work is done in such a way that you do not have to deal with the problem for a few months. If you are still wondering can all roofs be pressure washed, make sure to contact us.
