Professional roof washing can improve kerb appeal and extend the lifespan of your roof from 10 to 20 more years. Roof tiles are exposed to air pollution and harsh weather conditions, which can lead to the growth of lichen, moss and algae. These organisms may cause structural problems such as leaks or cracks on walls.
How regular cleaning prolongs your roof’s life
How to prolong the life of your roof
It is important to maintain your roof in order to protect your home from water damage. You can avoid the accumulation of harmful substances which may affect your roof’s integrity by scheduling regular cleanings. This will help extend the life of your roofing system and save you money by avoiding costly repairs, or even a complete roof installation.
Structural risks from moss, lichen and stains
Avoiding potential structural issues
- Moss: Moss can cause rotting of wood under roof tiles.
- Lichen: The lichen has root-like structures which penetrate surfaces, causing erosion.
- Stains on Metal Roofs: These can indicate corrosion, which could weaken the structure of the roof if not treated.
Roof cleaning is a must for building managers and homeowners to avoid such problems. For Roof Cleaning Gloucester, visit Stag Softwash, experts in Roof Cleaning Gloucester.
Which cleaning method is better?
Pressure washing vs soft washing: Which is better?
Pressure washing and soft cleaning are the two most common methods of cleaning used by contractors. Pressure cleaning uses high-pressure water in order to remove algae, dirt and grime from roof surfaces. This method is not suitable for all materials, such as roof tiles and EPDM membranes.
Soft washing is a gentler method that eliminates moss, algae, and lichen by using a chemical cleaning solution such as sodium chlorite. This approach does not damage your roofing material. This method lasts up to six times longer than pressure washing because it sanitises your roof.
Summary
This article explains why professional roof cleaning matters, arguing it can extend a roof’s lifespan by 10 to 20 years by removing lichen, moss and algae caused by pollution and weather before they cause leaks or structural damage. It covers risks from moss, lichen and metal staining, and compares pressure washing, which can damage some materials, with gentler soft washing that lasts up to six times longer.
Questions this article raises
- How often should a roof realistically be professionally cleaned?
- Which roofing materials should never be pressure washed?
- Is the chemical solution used in soft washing safe for nearby plants?
