While it may seem tempting to grab a ladder and a power washer to remove black streaks or moss from your roof, high-pressure cleaning is dangerous and ineffective. Instead, use a soft wash solution to remove organic build-up.
To do this, mix laundry-strength chlorine bleach and water in a sprayer. Be sure to pre-soak surrounding plants with plain water so the bleach doesn’t dry on them. More by clicking here.
Use a Ladder
Ladders are essential tools in the roofing industry but can be dangerous if not used properly. Often, following basic ladder safety tips can save lives and prevent accidents, which is why regular ladder inspections and training are required by OSHA for roofers.
When using a ladder, always take care to secure it and ensure it’s at the proper angle before climbing. The general rule of thumb is that the ladder should be angled at a 4-to-1 ratio, meaning one foot back for every four feet up. Also, be sure to use ladder stabilizers and ladder accessories, such as ladder tables or trays, to help keep the ladder stable while you work.
A ladder stand-off bracket, sometimes called a wall standoff or roof standoff, is another great ladder accessory that keeps the ladder from resting directly on the gutter while working and helps spread the load of the ladder over more ground space – protecting the gutter and the house. You can see this in action in this well-executed ladder safety video.
Wear the Right Gear
It’s important to wear proper safety gear when using a roof pressure washer. This includes a pair of thick gloves and a pair of safety glasses to protect your hands and eyes from chemicals and debris. It’s also important to stay hydrated during this process. Drinking water is the easiest way to do this, but you can also try consuming tea or fruit.
You should also make sure to use a wide-angle nozzle when washing your roof. This will reduce the amount of pressure on your roof and prevent any accidental damage.
Finally, be sure to rinse your roof with clean water after you’re done cleaning. This will ensure that any detergent or soap doesn’t dry and cause further damage to your roof. It’s also important to rinse the area immediately afterward to prevent stains from forming.
Be Prepared
If you choose to pressure wash your roof, it’s important that you know what you’re doing. High-pressure water can tear up shingles and damage the siding or brick on your house. It can also strip paint and cause water leaks.
Many cleaning solutions contain bleach, which is highly effective at killing and lightening growths like moss and algae. However, it’s corrosive and harmful to surrounding plants and grass. It also produces a harsh odor and can kill pets and children who come into contact with it.
If you use a solution containing bleach, be sure to cover nearby plants with plastic and thoroughly wet them with plain water before and after. You should also avoid cleaning your roof on a sunny day, as the sun will evaporate the chemical solution before it can do its job. Instead, choose a cloudy, calm day when precipitation is not in the forecast. This will allow the biocide to work without being washed away by rain or wind.
Be Patient
While it’s tempting to quickly blast away black stains, mildew, and moss with high-pressure water, this can damage your roof and tear off shingles. It can also void your roof warranty. Instead, a soft wash is a safer and more effective option for most roof materials.
This cleaning method involves spraying a biodegradable solution onto the surface of the roof, penetrating into crevices, and dissolving built-up residue. It’s important to choose a biodegradable cleaner that’s pressure washer-safe and does not contain a high concentration of bleach.
Chlorine bleach (the kind you use to whiten laundry or scrub a toilet) works well to kill moss and algae spores, but it’s toxic to shingles and degrades wood and other roofing materials. Products containing sodium hydroxide, or lye, are safer but can be caustic to plants and require you to wear protective gear. If you’re using a bleach solution, cover surrounding plants and lawns with plastic to avoid harming them or washing the runoff into them. Discover more interesting articles.