Safe roof cleaning

For many years, contractors have had long debates about the right way to clean a roof. Many building trade associations have also debated the safe and proper method of cleaning a home roof. Although roof cleaning can be vital to preserving the appearance of your home, and in many cases, simply cleaning a roof increases the value of many properties, contractors must be very careful about the approach they take to clean any particular roof.

Some roofing trade associations warn all homeowners not to allow their roof to be high-pressure cleaned and condemn their use to remove algae and black streaks from ceilings on the grounds that they can do more harm than good. well.

It is my own opinion as a specialist outdoor cleaner that these associations are well justified in their conviction. In most cases, using a high-pressure washer to clean a roof isn't just dangerous for shingles and slates; in most cases, such extreme high pressure can also compromise the integrity of the roof structure. And only a no-pressure or, ideally, low-pressure cleaning method should be applied to remove stains and environmental debris like: mold, moss, and algae from shingles and slates.

Fortunately, some manufacturers have listened to those who have safety concerns regarding pressure washers and have worked hard to design what are now called "soft washers" for contractors and homeowners.

They use a special blend of eco-friendly moss and algae neutralizers, mild surfactants, and biodegradable detergents that are capable of cleaning ceilings from the most hideous stains and can gently restore virtually any ceiling to almost like-new look, all without the slightest compromise. the integrity of the roof structure or damage to the environment.

If you opt to have a "soft roof cleaning" contractor clean your roof, I've put together a few tips that should make the job go smoothly:

1. Never let any contractor use a high pressure washer on your roof. (Even some "soft roof washing" companies sometimes choose to use high pressure washers for short periods of time on certain areas of roofs. The fact is it's either a soft wash or a high pressure wash, there are no terms intermediate)

2. Just like hiring any contractor to work on your home, you should always ask for at least three references from previously satisfied clients. Contractors always enjoy bragging about their good habits, so if a contractor can't show you quotes from previous clients, chances are they don't have any.

3. Never hire a contractor who does not have adequate insurance and particularly "roof cleaning insurance". Most pressure washing services and cleaning companies typically carry adequate insurance coverage for general cleaning. However, because the liability is so much higher, roof cleaning is not always subsequently covered by traditional low-level cleaning insurance; Almost all insurance companies require additional fees for high level cleaning. So when you check the insurance details of the contractors bidding for the job, make sure they apply to the roof cleaning.

4. A good guide to how professional a roof cleaning company is: is the quality of their business image. Good design and quality printed business cards, brochures, etc. are often excellent indicators of the quality of workmanship you are likely to experience. Again, contractors love to show prospect pictures and photos to clients in portfolios of previous jobs, if they can't take the time and effort to make these sales aids look professional, then they probably won't. the time or effort to clean your roof properly.