Many homeowners choose to have their roofs cleaned by professionals like Roof Cleaning MT Pleasant. This process removes physical debris from the surface of a roof, including branches, leaves, and needles, and it also reveals soft spots that indicate structural damage.
When dirt, moss, lichen, and other debris build up on the roof of your home, it can cause serious damage to the structure. This can include leaks, mildew, mold, and rot. In addition, a dirty roof will attract bugs and other unwelcome guests to the house. These pests can also damage the shingles and make them more likely to fall off. It’s important to have your roof cleaned regularly to prevent this from happening.
When you hire a professional roof cleaning service, they’ll use gentle methods to clean the surface of your roof without damaging it. This method is called soft washing, and it uses mild chemicals that are safe for plants, animals, and humans. The cleaners are applied with low pressure, so they won’t disturb the surrounding environment or damage your roof. This method will also help prevent water runoff from causing problems in the surrounding area.
One of the best things about this cleaner is that it contains no chlorine bleach. Chlorine bleach is a harsh chemical that can damage your home’s exterior surfaces, including the paint on your shutters and window frames. It can also leave behind a strong chemical smell that can offend your family and neighbors. If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly alternative, consider hiring a company that uses natural or green cleaning products.
Green cleaning products are designed to be effective on various materials, including roofing. Many are made from biodegradable ingredients, such as alcohol ethoxylate and sodium citrate. Some of these cleansers are even formulated to be safe for kids and pets. The eco-friendly cleaners will also work effectively on various surfaces, including concrete and brick.
A professional roof cleaning company will use a blend of surfactants to remove mildew, mold, and other stains from the exterior of your home. They’ll also rinse down the gutters and downspouts to make sure they are clear of any debris. This will help to prevent clogged gutters that can lead to rot and water damage.
Many roof cleaning companies use harsh chemicals to remove moss and mildew from asphalt shingles. These chemicals are not only a danger to your health, but they can also damage your home’s roofing material. They can also contaminate nearby plants and animals. This is why it is important to hire a professional who understands the proper use of these chemicals and can protect your property.
Most roof cleaning products contain harmful bleach-like substances. These chemicals break down the organic compounds responsible for staining and odors. However, they can also corrode metal flashing and underlayments. Additionally, they can cause respiratory problems in children and older people.
Some companies offer a “soft wash” or low-pressure chemical cleaning service to reduce the risk of damaging your roof. They spray their cleaning solution onto the roof and let it dwell to break down the organic compounds. Then, they rinse the chemicals off with water. However, there are more safe alternatives to conventional pressure washing.
If you’re thinking about hiring a professional to clean your roof, be sure to ask about their credentials and training. Those who do not have experience and have yet to go through formal training are more likely to damage your roof or use the wrong chemicals. It’s also important to check their insurance coverage to protect you if something goes wrong during the process.
While some contractors claim to offer soft washing, they often do not. They may use sodium hydroxide or sodium hypochlorite, which are dangerous to humans and pets. They might also spray their chemicals on your yard, lawn, and surrounding vegetation, which could damage or kill them.
The truth is that most roof cleaning chemicals are not safe for pets or children. They can even be fatal if ingested. Some are extremely toxic to people and animals, while others can irritate the eyes, skin, respiratory system, and lungs.
The best way to avoid these harmful chemicals is to hire a professional who uses environmentally friendly cleaning solutions. A reputable company will ensure that their chemicals are not harming the surrounding plants and will not leave any chemical residue on your home’s siding or other surfaces. They will also ensure that their equipment is safe for the environment and that plants and shrubs are covered during and after their cleaning process.
Cleaning your roof is a task that requires special safety measures. You must wear protective eyewear, work gloves, and a hard hat. This will prevent any injuries caused by falling objects or debris. Additionally, you should ensure that the ladder is secure and that you have a safe path to exit the roof. It would be best to use a ladder with a slanted side to avoid slipping.
In the soft wash process, technicians use a mild surfactant to loosen up dirt and debris that has built up on a roof. Then, they rinse it off with water at low pressure. This method is very effective in removing moss, mildew, and other debris. It can be used on composition, asphalt shingles, clay tile, and other roofing materials. It is also nontoxic and environmentally friendly.
This method is safer than traditional power washing because it uses lower pressure levels and does not damage the roof’s surface. It is also less invasive and more cost-effective than the conventional pressure washing method. However, it is still not recommended for flat or shingle roofs because it can cause damage to the structure of the roof.
During the cleaning process, it is important to wear protective goggles and heavy rubber gloves. These will protect your eyes and hands from the chemicals and prevent stains. In addition, you should also tie garbage bags to all downspouts and gutters to avoid the corrosive cleaning solution from entering the gutters.
While roof washing is a necessary and important part of a home’s maintenance, it can be dangerous for those unfamiliar. Thousands of people die or become paralyzed every year from falls from one-story roofs, so it’s crucial to take all the necessary precautions.
A roof should be cleaned as often as possible to remove moss, mildew, and algae stains. In addition to reducing the risk of leaking, it can reduce the energy needed to cool the house. Additionally, the removal of these substances will help to improve your roof’s insulation.
If you want your home’s roof to look new and retain its value, you may have to pay extra for professional roof cleaning. A cleaning company’s costs will vary depending on the type of roof and how dirty it is. They also use different cleaning methods. Some clean the entire surface, while others target specific areas of your home. Some companies will even apply preventive treatments for moss and algae growth. The cost of these additional services can add up to hundreds of dollars.
Basic roof cleaning involves applying a high-pressure water spray to the dirt, mildew, and other debris to wash it away. This method is relatively inexpensive and nontoxic, but it can damage shingles or other roofing materials and void your warranty. A more expensive option is soft washing, which uses low-pressure sprays at a lower psi setting. It also uses cleaning solutions that are safe for landscaping and pets.
Another option is a chemical wash, which uses strong chemicals such as lye or sodium hydroxide to kill lichens and other microorganisms on the roof. This method is effective, but it can damage weak tiles. It is also more likely to cause stains on the surrounding surfaces, such as driveways and sidewalks.
In addition to the cleaning solution, the company may use a special blower to remove any debris and leaves that have settled on the roof. This service can add up to $100 for a small house or $250 for a large house with a steeper roof. If the roof has stains, they can also apply a stain-blocking treatment to reduce future buildup.
The company will also clean the gutters and downspouts to ensure they are not blocked by moss or other debris. Keeping the gutters clear lengthens their lifespan and increases the appeal of the home, which could help increase its value when you’re ready to sell it. If moss is a problem, the cleaner may also install zinc strips, which interact with rainwater to release zinc carbonate and keep moss from growing. These strips can cost $25 per roll and are included in some basic cleanings.
