What mistakes to avoid when washing the roof?

People often forget to clean and maintain their roofs, but this is an important job that can help your roof last longer and avoid damage to the house. 

This blog post will talk about washing a roof, including why it's important, the different kinds of roofs, the common mistakes to avoid and the best ways to clean a roof.

Why is it important to clean or wash your roof?

Cleaning your roof is important because it helps get rid of dirt, algae, moss, and other things that can damage it over time. If these things aren't fixed, they can cause the roofs to break down, which can lead to leaks and other expensive problems later on. Cleaning and maintaining your roof regularly can also make it look better generally and add to its kerb appeal.

There are many kinds of roofs

There are different kinds of roofs, and each one needs a different way to be cleaned and washed. 

Here's how to wash some of the most popular types of roofs:

1.Terracotta tile roof:

This is the most common type of roof, there are two options when cleaning a terracotta roof: 

• Pressure cleaning 

• Soft wash. 

Pressure cleaning is effective when other repairs like repointing, or bedding is needed. It's also the better option when selling a house because the results are immediate. 

Soft washing is ideal when the roof is in good condition and a clean is all you are after, it is cheaper and longer lasting, however it takes up to 12 months to see the full results. This is because unlike pressure cleaning where the lichen is blasted off, soft washing kills the lichen and lets rain gently remove it over time. 

2. Cement tile roof:

soft washing is the best option with a cement tile roof, it is more affordable, longer lasting and preserves that paint on the tiles so unlike pressure cleaning you won't need to re paint after the clean, saving thousands. 

3. Metal roof:

Most metal roofs are easy to clean and can be washed with a pressure washer or a cleaning product made just for roofs. But you should avoid using strong chemicals or abrasives that can hurt the metal finish.

What mistakes should you avoid when cleaning or washing your roof?

Not Using the Right Solution

It's a rather serious job to clean a roof. 

Some roof cleaners who don't know what they are doing may try to make the job easier by using generic cleaning solutions that could cause rust and moss to grow. 

Also, it's pretty usual for people to complain about roof stains after a roof cleaning service. As a homeowner, you are best to find out ahead of time what kinds of cleaning solutions the cleaning company will use.

Using only one cleaning method

To clean a roof without causing damage, you need people who are skilled and well-trained. The roof cleaners at Go2 Property Maintenance are trained to use different ways to clean different parts of your roof. Some problems can't be fixed with a soft wash, and other areas may need strong pressure cleaning to make the outside of your house look better.

Too Much Pressure

Even though it might be tempting to use a high-pressure washer to blast the dirt and grime off your roof, you don't want to damage the roof or the building it's on. 

If the pressure washer pushes water into the roof tiles, it makes things worse. Remember that cleaning your roof too hard can damage it and cause you more problems. It is important to use the right tools and methods to clean, and to apply gentle but firm pressure.

The best ways to clean

Here are some general roof cleaning and washing tips to keep in mind:

• First, think about safety. Cleaning a roof yourself can be dangerous, so it's important to take great care. Use a safety belt and be sure to wear shoes that won't let you slip. Sometimes it’s better to leave it with the professionals to keep things simple.

• If you are washing the roof yourself, when cleaning or washing a roof, you should start at the top and work your way down. This will keep dirty water from running down onto already-cleaned areas.

• Use the right tools. Depending on the type of roof, you may need a power washer, a soft-bristled brush, or a special cleaning chemical. Make sure the right tools are used for the job.

• Hire a professional roof washing team in Sydney. It's best to hire a professional if you don't feel safe cleaning your own roof or if your roof needs special cleaning methods. Talk to the roof cleaning team at Go2 Property maintenance about your roof situation.