Power washing your roof can be confusing and mistakes can easily be made. Here are some dos and don’ts to take account of while power washing your roof.
Don’ts
If your roof is still covered by warranty, DON’T try to power wash it. If you clean the roof by yourself or with the assistance of a professional, most manufacturers will invalidate the guarantee. Be careful because it can invalidate your homeowner’s insurance.
DON’T attempt to utilise any old garden hose. You need the appropriate tools whether you choose to power wash yourself or hire someone else to do it. Most roofs may be cleaned with a pressure washer equipped with a 15-degree nozzle.
The lifespan of some roofing materials and shingles can be drastically decreased by improper cleaning methods. Whatever solution you choose, be sure it is entirely biodegradable and non-corrosive.
A roof should NOT be power washed in a windy environment. Strong wind gusts have the potential to damage or completely destroy your roofing materials by propelling debris into the rotating nozzle of your pressure washer. Additionally, you are raising the possibility that flying debris can hurt your house!
Try to avoid working on a hot day because water can turn to steam under intense heat and harm shingles. It is best to power wash late at night or early in the morning so that everything has time to dry before darkness falls.
By using high-pressured water to blast away all types of dirt from the surface, power washing also cleans the roof of any moss and algae. By avoiding the unsightly buildup that over time may harm the shingles, this will increase the lifespan of your roof.
Any area of your house or property that isn’t the roof, concrete, or the driveway should NOT be power washed. If you aren’t very careful, high-pressure water could cause a lot of damage to nearby surfaces!
Pressure washing windows is generally a. no-no if done incorrectly
Dos
Prior to power washing your roof, DO remember to clear out the gutters and downspouts of all debris. You should also remember to put on the appropriate safety gear, such as apron, pants, and safety glasses. You don’t want to spend weeks removing moss from your eyes!
BEFORE you begin cleaning the surface, use a rake to look for any dislodged tiles or nails. You can fix any faulty tiles or nails after the roof’s surface is clean.
Make sure the power washing company is insured and has experience cleaning rooftops if you intend to hire them to do it for you. Never hire an unlicensed professional to power wash your property, even if you decide to do it yourself. Before purchasing any equipment, check your state’s licencing requirements!
In some municipalities, there may be limitations on which roofs can be washed (commercial vs. residential) and by whom. DO check your local rules in advance (licensed vs unlicensed). When trying to improve your home, you don’t want to go afoul of the law!
NEVER pressure wash concrete, please. Chemicals will destroy the concrete and make a terrible mess. Use your pressure washer’s brush attachment to power wash concrete instead.
AVOID attempting to wash your roof while it is raining or has recently rained! This will merely add another layer of water to the surface, which will further exacerbate the situation by encouraging the growth of mildew, algae, and leaking damage.
Power washing your roof is a terrific way to get rid of everything nature has worked so hard to accumulate over time. You can revitalise the exterior of your ancient home without spending money on a professional by utilising a garden hose and the appropriate method!
