Regular roof cleaning preserves the life of a roof's shingles and tiles, removing damaging algae, grit, grime, moss, and soot, and restoring the color of the roof as well. Roof washing is especially vital for homes in tropical areas or those located near any large beachfront or waterfront property, as sand and grit from a nearby beach can settle into the nooks and crannies of a roof, causing severe damage.

Here are five things every homeowner should know about residential roof washing:

Roof washing is not a DIY job but takes skill and know-how.

Older roofs are best cleaned with a soft wash system.

Moss and algae are not just unsightly but cause severe damage to shingles.

Debris does not need to be visible from the ground to be severe enough to damage to your roof.

Roof power washing is not an overpriced service, but a valuable investment in the condition of your home.

To ensure you are doing everything possible to protect your home's appearance and condition, note five things you need to know about residential roof cleaning in Sarasota and beyond, as well as some general but vital information about power washing your home's exterior overall. Be sure to discuss this information with professional roof cleaning contractors, so you know how to best care for your house and all the exterior surfaces of your property.

Proper Roof Power Washing Is Not a DIY Job

Never assume you can rent a pressure washer and manage roof washing on your own. There are many reasons why properly cleaning a home's roof is not a DIY job; note a few of those reasons here:

Trying to balance on a roof is dangerous on its own; trying to manage a clumsy and powerful pressure washer while standing on a sloped and slick surface is very difficult, and virtually impossible for those not experienced in roofing. Falling off a roof can result in serious injury if not even a fatality.

While balancing on a ladder is also difficult, but a bit more manageable with a power washer, spraying roofing tiles from below can loosen their nails and staples. Those shingles might then be more likely to come loose in high winds and strong storms! Spraying shingles from below can also result in dangerous and bothersome splatter.

A proper and through roof washing takes some skill and expertise, to reach dirt and debris hidden between the cracks and crevices of roofing shingles, or disguised by the dark color of those tiles. You cannot watch “how to clean roof shingles” videos and learn all there is to know about roof washing! A professional pressure washing contractor will know how to clean around chimneys, vents, flashing, and other such features of a roof, thoroughly but without damaging those areas.

Using too much pressure when washing a roof can loosen the granules on shingles, causing those tiles to become thin and brittle. You can even loosen old and loose shingles or blow shingles right off a roof with too much pressure from a power washer!

A professional power washing contractor will know the right detergent or surfactant to use on a roof, to dissolve dirt and grime without drying out the shingles and causing damage.

For all these reasons, it's best to leave roof washing to a professional exterior house cleaning company or someone experienced in roof washing and cleaning.

Older Roofs Are Best Cleaned With a Soft Wash System

A soft wash cleaning begins with the application of particular surfactants or detergents. These cleansers seep into the pits and pores of a home's roof, working their way along the undersides of roofing tiles and shingles as well as around flashing and other roof materials. Soft wash cleansers are gentle but strong, working to dissolve thick grit, grime, dust, dirt, mud, soot, and other such residues.

Soft wash systems use low-pressure rinsing to remove dirt. This pressure is typically just slightly stronger than the force created by a garden hose with a spray nozzle. Low-pressure rinsing won't loosen or cause damage to old, brittle roofing tiles, and won't wash away damaged granules along their surfaces. A professional power washing contractor can note if a soft wash cleaning is recommended for your roof, depending on its age and amount of dirt that needs cleaning.

Moss and Algae Are Damaging to a Home's Roof

Moss and algae are especially damaging to a home's roof. These contaminants hold extra moisture against roof shingles and roof paper; this added moisture causes shingles to get soft and crumbly and can cause roofing paper to tear, leading to water leaks.

Unlike other debris on a home's roof, moss, algae, mold, and mildew continue to grow over time! These contaminants can work their way under a home's roofing shingles and eventually dislodge those tiles as they continue to spread. Never assume that you can ignore moss, algae, and other such growth on your roof, as overlooking needed washing can lead to a damaged roof and dangerous interior water leaks..

Have questions or need more information on how to maintain your roof? Get in touch with us at 360-726-1514, or visit our website at http://jbroofing.net/