Cleaning and maintenance is an important step to prolonging the lifespan of your roof. However, clean your roof the wrong way and it may do just the opposite. Keep your roof in the best shape possible by avoiding these common roof cleaning mistakes:
If there was one rule we could bestow on all of our friends, family, and customers, it would be to never – NEVER – pressure wash your roof! This is one of the biggest, all-too common roof cleaning mistakes that homeowners make. Seeing your roof fade from black to white under a pressure washer may seem like you’re washing away dirt, but what you’re really doing is destroying the granules on your shingles. This greatly decreases the lifespan of your roof. Not to mention, your roof won’t look good to the neighbors, either.
Even if it seems like you have the “right” tools, you could damage your roof from cleaning it if you don’t know how to use your tools properly. Never use harsh chemicals on your roof; it may kill off that algae or mold, but it could also cause discoloration or rust on your roof. Or, in the worst case, it could eat through your roofing material!
Most homeowners will be happy to hear that it’s not a good idea to clean their roofs too much. There are several ways to maintain your roof, such as blowing away excessive debris and trimming back tree branches. Algae and moss should also be treated right away. But there is no reason to go onto your roof and have it cleaned more than once a year. Too much scrubbing on your roof will lower your roof’s lifespan.
Not all roofs are designed the same way. They can be made of different materials, have deeper valleys than others, or be dealing with different weather conditions. That’s why it’s important to hire a professional roofer who knows exactly the type of care your roof needs.
Climbing your roof is dangerous and we don’t recommend for anyone to clean their roof if they’re not a professional. But if you do happen to make it onto your roof, make sure to watch your step! Ridge caps are the seams on top of your roof lines and they may seem like a sturdy ledge to place your foot. However, they are one of the first lines of defense of your roof and too much weight can cause them to crack, leading to more damage on your roof.
IBEX Roof aims to offer the best care for our customers and their roofs and that includes routine roof cleaning services! We never pressure wash shingles or use harmful chemicals to treat your roof. If you live in or around Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR, give us a call at 360-218-3134 for a free estimate today.
