Which Roof Material Requires Chemical-Based Products?
Which Roof Material Requires Chemical-Based Products?
Regular roof cleaning is a necessity for maintaining your roof’s ability to protect your home and prevent structural damage, but it can be a dangerous task. Before starting, you’d need all the proper safety gear, and know the ins and outs of effectively cleaning your type of roof material. You might decide that it is not worth putting yourself in that potentially dangerous situation, or risk possibly damaging your roof. To make sure the job is done properly it might be necessary to hire a professional to do it for you.
Some roof materials do require chemical-based products, and some don’t. Here we provide some tips that will guide you in distinguishing the cleaning requirements for roofing materials.
Asphalt Shingle Roofs, and Tile Roofs: Asphalt shingle roof cleaning should be conducted with a chemical-based product at least once a year in order to protect them from the elements. These roofs are more prone to developing algae or moss. For this reason, the chemicals discourage algae and moss from taking hold in between roof cleanings. To avoid damage or even discoloration, the chemicals are of very specific concentrations.
Slate Roofs: Many slate roofs do not require the use of chemical-based products for cleaning and maintenance. In fact, a simple detergent and water mixture can be used to clean most dirt and grime from the surface of these roofs. Be sure to rinse the roof thoroughly after cleaning to remove all traces of the detergent.
Cedar or Shingle Roof: It’s easy for these types of roofs to attract the growth of mould, algae, and moss, especially if it is in the shade. For these types of roofs, the use of high pressure washing, or power washing is discouraged, as water under high pressure can easily damage the material and push these unwanted invaders deeper into the cracks where they continue to grow.
Concrete and Metal Roofs: These roof materials can be washed using high pressure, mainly because there are no joints between them, where water can get pushed through into the structure below, which can cause damage to the wooden roofing structure and walls below. In this case, blasting the unwanted material off the surface is effective. For tough grime marks, you can use a simple cleaning solution and scrub them off but be careful about using chemical-based cleaning solutions as they can erode these surfaces over time.
If your roof has algae or moss, you may need to use a chemical-based roof cleaner to get rid of it. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and always use caution when working on a roof.
A professional roof cleaning company can effectively clean your roof and keep it in good condition. They will have the experience and expertise to properly treat roofing material and may also be able to offer tips on how to maintain it in good condition. If you are looking for a professional roof cleaning company, be sure to do your research. Look for a company that has a good reputation and is insured and licensed. The company should also have experience cleaning roofs of all types of materials.
Contact West Coast Moss Removal to learn more about our rooftop cleaning services. Find out when it is best to get your roof professionally cleaned. Learn which is best for your roofing material. Get the most life out of your roof. Fill out a brief confidential online form for a free quote.
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