Roofs are the protective shelter of your house. And that’s why it becomes more crucial to use strong materials for roofing. There are several roof materials, and based on this, they require varied cleaning techniques.
If you are finding it difficult to clean your roof type, then read this article to locate the best cleaning steps for different roofing materials. This write-up has listed the different roof materials and their cleaning methods by the experts of ARD Cleaning Services.
5 Different Roofing Materials And The Best Ways To Clean Them
1. Asphalt Shingles- Require less maintenance
Asphalt material roofs are common in homes in the US. The perk of using this material for roofing is that it requires less maintenance and care. And that is the reason why most people prefer this roof type. By using this handful of steps, you can clean this roof type;
- Wear safety goggles and a respirator mask, and rubber gloves and shoes. They will save you from skin allergies due to contact with roof dirt and cleaning detergents.
- Carry the ladder to reach the roof.
- Apply the cleaner to the roof and protect the surroundings with a tarp to make sure that this cleaner does not reach the plants and patio furniture.
- Take a sprayer that is attached to a garden hose and fill it with equal parts of laundry-strength chlorine bleach and water.
- Now, do not rinse off your roof until the cleaner does its job for 15-20 mins.
- It is always advisable to not use harsh chemical content products on this roof type, as they can cause discoloration.
2. Slate Shingle- a beautiful option for roofing
The slate shingle is a beautiful material. But it is a delicate and expensive option. Our experts suggest cleaning the slate roof with these steps;
- Use all the protective measures while cleaning the roof to avoid any mishaps.
- Using the water alone to clean this roof is the best option as any harsh chemicals can cause harm.
- Make sure to clean it with a garden hose with normal pressure and avoid pressure washing.
- But try to use minimal water as it can absorb moisture and can grow mold.
3. Cedar Shake & Shingle- while cleaning, avoid the use of bleach
The cedar shake and shingle roof is the most standard and premium roof. It is made from natural wood materials. And it looks more aesthetically appealing than asphalt roof types.
Most people find it difficult to clean this roof type, but after following our expert’s recommended steps, your work will get effortless;
- Use a soft wash technique instead of running the water at high pressure. If the water flows at high pressure then it can damage your roof.
- After conducting a soft wash, now cleanse the debris with the help of a bristle brush.
- Citric-based solutions are the best for cleaning these types of roofs. Simply lay out this and pay special attention to the surface where there is more dirt.
- Now let this non-toxic solution sit for 15 minutes.
- You can also use a mixture of one-part bleach and five parts water to clean the roof. But the use of more bleach and ammonia can discolor your roof.
- Now, at last, rinse off the roof surface with the water.
4. Metal- Prevent the use of more chemical content products
To maintain the durability of the metal, ensure to check that there is no corrosion or rust on its surface. The corrosion on this roof damages it. Use the following steps to clean your metal roof quickly;
- Prefer to clean the metal roofs during dry weather rather than on sunny days. Cleaning the metal roof during sunny days will prevent moisture to cause rusting and help in easy drying.
- Take the help of the ladder to reach the metal roof. And also take the help of another partner who can notify you of any hazardous conditions.
- Cleaning these roofs at least once a year with water alone works best. And also if it is cleansed with water at high pressure, then there is less need for more chemical content products.
- Treat the stubborn stains with a bucket full of water, and for every part of the water add a 0.05 part mild dish or laundry detergent.
- And at last clean the residues with the help of water.
5. Wood Shake & Shingle- Prevent moss growth for a smooth cleaning process
Clean the wood shake roofs with great care as our experts say that any wrong step to clean it can lead to its damage. And avoid the high-pressure washing approach to clean these types of roofs. Use these steps to clean the wood roofs effectively;
- Wear all protective measures to avoid any risk. Take the help of a ladder and then start the cleaning process.
- Firstly, make a mixture of water and bleach. And even you can use an amalgam of chlorine bleach with 5 percent sodium/calcium hypochlorite or oxygen bleach with sodium percarbonate.
- Now use the soft bristle brush or a sprayer to apply this mixture.
- Wait for 15 minutes, and then remove the residue with the help of water.
Conclusion
While cleaning the roofs, use all protective measures to avoid any accidents. Our experts always recommend hiring professionals for cleansing your roof. They have the experience of working with different roof types. And therefore, they can clean your roofing material in the best way.
The experts know the best products, tools, and methods to clean the roofs. They will also help to prevent mold growth on your roof. Trust them and then see the difference in your roof.
