The roof is one of the most significant structures of your home. And yet, it’s also one of the most neglected parts, mainly because it’s often out of sight or difficult to reach.
As your home’s first defense against the weather and outdoor elements, it tends to accumulate lots of debris and can get really dirty. Thus, setting aside time in your schedule to clean and maintain your roof to ensure its appeal and longevity is essential.
In this article, you’ll learn the dos and don’ts of keeping your roof clean and well-maintained.
Do Think Safety
Due to its placement, cleaning the roof over your head requires thorough planning to ensure safety. This is particularly true if you have a multiple-story home or a steep roof. Generally, it would help if you had the right tools and safety equipment to reach and clean your roof.
First off, you need a sturdy ladder that can support your weight. It’s essential to wear slip-proof shoes, typically those with rubber soles, to prevent slips. You also want to wear gloves and eye protection to avoid any mishap that can make you lose your balance while cleaning the roof. If possible, wear a rope harness to prevent fall accidents.
Do Call The Expert
Although DIY roof cleaning is possible, leaving the job to the experts is best. The professionals are highly trained and have the right tools to efficiently clean your roof in no time while minimizing safety risks.
For instance, experts like Mccoy’s Pressure Washing, a reputable roof cleaning Murfreesboro company, offer professional pressure washing of your roofing. Generally, a pressure washer is a great tool to wash most surfaces. However, using a pressure washer on your roof without the proper knowledge can cause more harm than good. A professional roof cleaner knows the correct setting based on your roofing material, blasting away stubborn dirt and grime from your roof without causing any damage.
Do Consider Timing
Some homeowners may decide to clean their roofs on a whim without considering the optimal conditions for the task. However, regarding roof cleaning, you want to plan and pick a good day for this chore.
Cleaning your roof on a hot, sunny day might seem like a good idea at first. However, if you’re using a bleaching solution to remove moss or mold on your roof, the scorching sun can cause it to evaporate before it can fully work. The increasing temperature may increase your risk of getting a heat stroke.
Alternatively, you don’t want to clean the roof on a rainy day or with slight rain showers. This makes your roof slippery and increases the risks of slips and falls. Also, rain can wash off the cleaning solution before it can clean your roof.
Ideally, cleaning your roof on a cool, cloudy day is best. Alternatively, you can clean your roof early in the morning, right before the sun rises, allowing you to finish the task before the sun’s rays become too intense.
Don’t Forget The Gutters
When talking about the roof, most people think of that protection over their heads. However, the roofing system includes other vital parts, like your gutter. Gutters are essential for draining collected water from the roof, preventing water damage and moisture leaks.
Gutters can be prone to blockages due to the accumulation of leaves, debris, and dirt. Clogged gutters can’t do their job and cause water to back up, seeping under your roof and creating moisture damage. Furthermore, standing water on gutters can put unnecessary stress on your roof.
Thus, if you want to extend your roof’s lifespan, it’s also essential to clean your gutters. Cleaning the gutters is as easy as removing any debris within the horizontal metal and spraying with a hose to remove settled dust and dirt. This ensures the proper water drainage and overall integrity of your roofing system.
Don’t Ignore The Surrounding Area
When cleaning the roof, you shouldn’t forget about the surrounding areas, particularly your landscaping and garden. Your garden and other structural elements such as decks, patio, plants, and lawn can be easily harmed by the falling water and roof cleaning solutions used during the process.
So, make sure to make the necessary preparations in the surrounding area before you climb onto the roof and start cleaning.
Takeaway
Your roof may always be out of your reach and sight, but it shouldn’t be out of your mind. So, as you spend time cleaning inside your home, you shouldn’t forget to add your roof to your list of annual cleaning cores.
A clean roof helps prevent structural damage and enhances your home’s curb appeal. Whether cleaning your roof for the first time or looking for a more efficient process, follow the above dos and don’ts to ensure a successful roof cleanup.
