Roof Cleaning Amador County, California: Methods & Techniques

Roof Cleaning Amador County, California: Methods & Techniques

Your roof continuously collects dirt, debris, and dust over time. When it gets moistened, it creates perfect growing conditions for algae, moss, and fungi. Not cleaning roofs regularly makes them look dirty and unsightly, affecting the property’s aesthetics and value.

Neglected roofs eventually become damaged from excess organic growth and debris. Regularly cleaning your roof prolongs its durability, mitigates the need for replacement, and protects your investment. Cleaning your roof periodically prevents algae, lichen, and moss proliferation, which can eat away your roof. 

Many methods and techniques can be used to clean a home’s roof, but only two methods can be considered safe for your shingles. Here is a quick look at those two methods.

1. Blowing Off The Roof

This technique involves using either a leaf blower or high-pressure air to blow the debris off the roof. It can remove more visible debris, such as dust, leaves, and sticks. It’s a relatively inexpensive method that takes a short time and can make a huge cosmetic difference.

Roof blowing, however, needs to address the underlying problem. If you have plenty of organic growth, it will continue to grow. Removing leaves and other vegetation may take some time if it’s been rainy. If your roof has mold, lichen, and fungi, a chemical application is the only way to clean it safely.

2. Killing Organic Growth With Soaps and Detergents

While specialized eco-friendly roof cleaning agents are available, they can be a little more expensive and slow-acting- if they work at all. The better option (that we use) is a mix of sodium hypochlorite and soaps that help the mixture cling to the roof and organic matter growing on it.

Sodium Hypochlorite is caustic to plants and vegetation, so caution needs to be taken around lawns and landscaping. Typically, the solution only has around 5% of total sodium hypochlorite. In this method, we first wet the surrounding landscaping with water, then spray the solution on the roof in slow, even strokes.

The solution is left to soak in and dry onto the growth to continue killing down to the root structure. You can tell it’s dead because it changes to a white or light tan color and will get rinsed off the roof over winter.

Never Power Wash A Roof!

Some people may tell you to clean your roof using a pressure washer. They might use ladders or walk right on the roof when cleaning. Pressure washing removes debris and organic growth and can make your roof appear clean quite quickly- but it almost always damages the roof and decreases the lifespan of the shingles.

Power washing your roof can be dangerous and destructive. Suppose you need to use the proper technique. In that case, pressure washing can destroy shingles by removing the limestone filler and even lifting and breaking them. Roof pressure washing often voids the warranty on most roofs.

Besides, pressure washing without treatment doesn’t eliminate fungi, moss, and lichens. When hiring a roof cleaning contractor, make sure they will use a chemical application to treat the growth on your roof.

The Bottom Line 

Roof cleaning will improve the aesthetic appeal and increase the durability of your roofing material. Getting rid of the organic growth and debris effectively reduces the need to replace your roof due to damage. During routine maintenance, you can always clean debris, dust, leaves, and twigs off your roof using a garden hose and a long-arm soft brush. 

Consider hiring a professional roof cleaning contractor for durable, safe, and effective cleaning. If you still need to get one in mind, Michael Hines Painting would love to become your trusted contractor. Call us at 209-256-4587 to book a FREE estimate, and we will gladly give your roof a rejuvenated look. 

For people living in Galt, CA, contact us at Galt House Painter, and we will paint your house with the best painting you will ever see!