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We all spend time keeping our interiors, windows and patios clean, but not many of us consider the roof. However, there are a number of benefits to cleaning your home’s roof.

In this essential roof cleaning guide, roofing expert Daniel Osbourne at MyJobQuote.co.uk explains why you should consider getting your roof cleaned and outlines the differences between roof cleaning methods.

Why You Should Clean Your Roof

Cleaning your roof might seem like a pointless task, but there are a few good reasons for doing it:

Helps Your Home Stay Weatherproof

The roof plays an important role in keeping your home weatherproof, so it makes sense to look after it. If your roof is prone to moss growth, cleaning it will also stop your gutters from filling up quickly with debris.

Makes Problems Easier to Spot

Problems are easier to spot on a clean roof than on a dirty one. It can be hard to spot small defects like cracked and chipped tiles when there’s lots of debris, moss and lichen growth or dark staining. This can result in issues going undetected until they cause other problems, such as leaks.

Keeps Your Roof in Good Condition

Extensive vegetation growing on or over a roof can prevent it from functioning properly. On flat roofs, moss and debris growth can lead to moisture retention, increasing the risk of leaks. It also decreases the felt’s ability to reflect heat.

Boosts Your Home’s Kerb Appeal

A clean roof will improve the appearance of your home, making it more attractive and potentially increasing its value. A smart red, blue or grey tiled roof will look better than one that is heavily stained. Furthermore, if you’re looking to sell your home, it will give a better first impression to potential buyers and will ensure the home looks well-maintained.

Keeps Solar Panels Working Efficiently

If you have solar panels, cleaning them will ensure they continue to work efficiently. If you live in an area that doesn’t get a lot of rain, you should consider getting them cleaned every year to remove dirt, dust and pollen.

Signs Your Roof Needs Cleaning

It’s easy to see why you should clean your roof, but how do you know when it needs to be done? Here are a few signs to look out for:

·         Extensive moss and lichen growth.

·         Vegetation creeping up over the guttering.

·         A build-up of leaves, twigs and other debris.

·         Tiles that are heavily discoloured or have lots of black streaks.

·         Dull, streaky or stained solar panels.

How to Get Your Roof Cleaned

As roofs are high up and can be damaged if you’re not careful, it’s best to leave roof cleaning to the experts. But who can you call on to do the job? Well, there are specialist roof cleaning companies who can do it, but if there isn’t one in your area, some property maintenance companies and roofing companies also offer roof cleaning services.

Types of Roof Cleaning

Before you hire someone to come and clean your roof, it’s worth understanding the difference between the roof cleaning methods. Here are the four common methods used:

Pressure Washing

Pressure washing is the most well-known of all roof-cleaning methods, but it’s not suitable for all roofs. It’s best used on roofs that are in good condition and have smooth-surfaced tiles such as slate or clay. Pressure washing will remove organic growth and staining, so you can see the natural colour of your tiles again.

Steam Cleaning

If you have an older or more delicate roof, steam cleaning is a much better option than pressure washing. This method gives tiles a low-pressure, high-temperature wash to avoid damaging weathered slats and rough-surfaced tiles.

Brush or Scraper

This is a manual method of cleaning a roof, using a special scraper tool or stiff brush. It’s great for removing extensive moss growth and is often the best method for rough-surfaced tiles or those that have surface colourings or coatings, as it won’t strip these away or leave them looking patchy. However, it doesn’t remove staining, so you may wish to follow this with a soft wash.

Soft Washing

This method uses a chemical cleaner and gentle water spray to kill and remove organic growth, including algae and black spot. So, it will get rid of staining. It’s ideal for concrete and other porous tiles as it won’t saturate them or damage their weatherproofing. If your roof also has a lot of moss growth, this will need to be removed first.

What to Consider

Whenever you decide to get your roof cleaned, it’s essential to choose a method that’s suitable for your roof. Consider the type of tiles or coverings you have and the condition they’re in, and make sure the company you hire offers that type of cleaning service. If you’re unsure which method will be best, hire a specialist company, as they should be able to advise you.

Also, think about whether there are any additional jobs that you can get done at the same time. Do the gutters need cleaning and repairing? Do you have a stained render or a scruffy driveway that could also benefit from a spruce-up? Many roof cleaning experts also offer other exterior cleaning services.

Always check the reputation of the company you hire. Ask around for personal recommendations, check online reviews and make sure they have insurance in place.

Final Thoughts

Getting your roof cleaned has numerous benefits, including boosting kerb appeal and helping your roof to function properly. However, it’s important to get the right people in to do the job and to choose the most suitable cleaning method for your roof.