How Should You Wash Your Tile Roof
Instead of using a pressure washer on your tile roof, you should exclusively use a spray-on solution. Many home improvement stores sell roof-cleaning solutions that come in bottles that attach to your garden hose. For easier cleaning, you can attach a sprayer to the other end of the garden hose. The cleaning solution may be the same that you would have used in a pressure washer, but the sprayer is much gentler on your roof.
While youre cleaning your roof, its a good idea to also clean out your gutters.
Get Your Roof Power Washed Now
Though using high pressure on a roof is not optimal, there are still cleaning and washing techniques that can be used without causing damage. Thats where Trottas Power Washing can help with our special chemical solutions and gentle techniques, called the The Trotta Soft Wash. With power washing using low pressure and high volume, as well as our 5-soap proprietary blend, your roof will look as clean and new as the day it was put on your home.
Based on the roof size and how dirty it is, a professional roof cleaning from Trottas should cost anywhere between $150 to $1,000. We always aim to give a fair price while also delivering quality service by professionals who will ensure to get your roof as clean as possible, while not damaging any parts of your roof with improper techniques.
Call Trottas today at 330-940-3705 or use our easy online form to request a free quote for your roof power washing!
Why You Should Avoid Power Washing A Cedar Roof
Cleaning your cedar roof is important for overall longevity. Without regular cleaning, the cedar shakes can start to decay over time, giving the roof a dull gray appearance and accelerating aging. Some homeowners might think power washing cedar shingles is the right solution but a closer look reveals that power washing can cause unwanted damage to the shingles.
If you have a home with a cedar roof, we recommend understanding the risks of pressure washing cedar shingles before you decide to do so.
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Benefits Of Pressure Washing Roof Shingles
If you have a roof, then there is no doubt that it accumulates dirt and grime over time. While these may not seem like big issues at first, they can eventually cause serious problems for your home if left untreated. Thats why pressure washing roof shingles every few years is so important to the health of your home. Here are nine benefits of pressure washing your roof shingles.
1) Will Keep Them Clean One of the most obvious benefits of pressure washing your roof shingles is that it will keep them clean. Over time, dirt and grime can accumulate on your roof and cause it to look dirty and faded. Pressure washing can remove all of that built-up gunk and restore your roof to its original condition.
2) Will Help Them Last Longer Not only will pressure washing to help your roof shingles look better, but it can also help them last longer. The high pressure of the water can help remove any built-up debris or corrosion that may be causing damage to your roof shingles. This can prolong the life of your roof and save you money in the long run.
3) Can Help Prevent Leaks One of the biggest dangers of not pressure washing your roof shingles is that it can lead to leaks. Over time, dirt and grime can build up on your roof and cause water to seep through the shingles and damage the underlying structure of your roof. By pressure washing your roof regularly, you can help prevent this from happening.
Pressure Washing Roof Shingles
After Roof Cleaning
Hiring A Professional Roof Cleaning Company Is An Investment In Your Home
Regular, professional roof power washing will restore the overall appearance of your home’s roof, removing built-up soot, grime, dust, and other debris, as well as various stains and areas of discoloration. Roofing shingles and tiles will then look fresh and vibrant so that your entire home seems cleaner and newer.
A soft wash system will also remove algae, mold, moss, and mildew that is typically unreachable with a standard hose or pressure washer. The detergents and surfactants used during a soft pressure washing are meant to penetrate all nooks and crannies of a roof, dissolving dirt and debris trapped under shingles and around roof eaves. Low-pressure rinsing won’t strip away loose tiles or granules on the shingles themselves, while still protecting those tiles from damaging storm residues.
A thorough power washing also reveals areas of damage along the surface of a roof. A home’s roof might have soft spots, indicating the need for structural repair, hidden under water stains or layers of soot and grime. A professional cleaning reveals damaged areas so that repairs can be made promptly, preserving the framework of the home and avoiding roof leaks and eventual water damage.
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The Short Answer Is No
When you search this very same question, youll see the Internet shout back with words like never and dont. The response isnt wrong. Even with growth forming on your roofs surface, you should not break out the pressure washer on your asphalt shingles.
The reason is simple: youll do more harm than good. It takes a professional to clean a roof, and they dont employ the use of high-pressure equipment. If a pressure washer is used, the professional is trained to use minimal pressure or specialized cleaning tools to remove algae colonies, moss, and other growth from asphalt shingles. Its not a job you should undertake yourself.
What happens if you do pressure wash asphalt shingles? You could blast off their protective coating, as most modern roofing shingles are treated for optimal effectiveness against algae resistance and/or UV reflection. If you aim the pressure washer at an incorrect angle , the water could jet beneath the shingles, which could lead to water damage.
Water damage is a big no-no, especially in your roofing system because it means the damage doesnt quite stop there. The structure is at risk if the shingles are compromised, and for you that means wildly expensive repairs in your future.
Ask Questions Prior To Pressure Washing
Communicate any concerns prior to pressure washing your roof. If you have fears or concerns, get answers before any problems become reality. Most companies, including Northwest Roof Maintenance, would rather alleviate fears and set expectations before completing a job than have an upset customer afterwards.
Questions about pressure washing roofs or interested in a professional opinion of what would be best for your roof ? Give Northwest Roof Maintenance a call today at or . You can also always contact us online.
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What Do You Clean Cedar Wood With
You can use water mixed with a bit of mild detergent for a basic cleaner. If you need a stronger cleaner, you can dilute bleach with water for a cleaner that will accentuate the natural luster of the cedar. This is particularly effective in the removal of mildew. Wipe the wood gently, and avoid excessive scrubbing.
First Of All What Is An Asphalt Roof Tile
The most commonly used roofing material throughout the US is called asphalt shingles , aka, composition tiles. In some parts of the country clay or concrete tiles, wood shingle or metal roofs will be more common, each of which have their own pros and cons.
In simple terms, asphalt shingles have a base layer and a top, outermost layer. The top layer is exposed to the elements and is coated with granules of slate, schist, quartz, ceramic granules, brick, or stone. New shingles feel like really rough sandpaper.
The purpose of the outer layer is to prevent UV deterioration of the roof, protect the asphalt core, and to add color to the tile. That granules in the rough outer layer are there for a reason and it’s important that they stay right there… and for as long as possible.
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Pressure Wash Roof Shingles
Pressure washing a roof can remove unwanted growth from the shingles. Make sure to use detergent and work in sections to avoid tripping over wet areas. If possible, use a pressure washer with an onboard detergent tank. The detergent will help loosen the dirt. When pressure washing a roof, do not forget to remove any loose moss.
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What Is A Softwash Home Cleaning
Soft washing is a unique cleaning method that involves the use of pressure washers at lower PSI or pressure per square inch.
As the name states, soft washing goes easy – it involves less than 500 PSI for cleaning purposes. To serve this application, the tip of the pressure washer is changed with a wider nozzle or spray to drop the pressure point. Furthermore, it makes use of specialized cleaning solutions to clean dirt as well as organisms living on the surfaces.
The cleaning solutions used in soft washing are eco-friendly and do not harm the protective coatings of your home. It is highly recommended for cedar shake siding, stucco, coquina, outdoor wood furniture, wood panel siding, screens, enclosure, lanais, outdoor rooted plants, vinyl sidings, and so forth. Looking at the benefits, soft washing is mainly preferred for home settings.
Is It Safe To Pressure Wash A Felt Roof
There are several risks associated with pressure washing a felt roof. First, high-powered pressure washers can cause flooding in your loft space. While the typical roof is built to withstand the elements, it was not made to withstand the force of water ejected at high pressures. Furthermore, a high-powered pressure washer can penetrate through tile overlaps, causing water to enter the roof. Another risk of pressure washing is that it can damage the insulation in your loft space.
If you plan to pressure wash your roof, you should consult a professional. These roof cleaning professionals know how to use specific tools and nozzles. They can also clean your roof without damaging it. They can give you advice on the best approach and use the correct cleaning solution.
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Heres Why You Should Never Pressure Wash Certain Dirty Roof Types
Roof pressure wash services can certainly clean up the area, but not all roof materials are best suited for pressure washing. While certain soft washing processes are possible, its often best to employ a professional roof cleaning company to do the work to prevent damage such as:
- Compromising bonding, adhesives or the underlayment of the roofing materials.
- Roof leaks around skylights, flashing or other roofing areas with joisted or worn seals.
- Breaks or cracks in clay, shake, slate, cement and metal roofs.
- Stripping away the granules on asphalt shingles.
- Accidentally dispersing fungus, moss and other organisms from one part of the roof to the rest of the area.
Because cleaning methods, tools and nozzles to handle the task vary from job to job, hiring a professional for roof pressure washing or roofing company is the safest route.
Should You Power Wash Cedar Shingles
Cedar shake siding will grow algae and mold if it’s not cleaned once in a while. Algae and mold will cause deterioration and discoloration to your cedar siding. Much like a wooden deck, you can use detergents and a pressure washer to blast the grime away and reveal the beautiful cedar color within.
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Power Washing May Cause Damage To Your Roof
In addition to the considerable health and safety concerns posed by DIY power washing your roof, any attempt to address roofing issues on your own may result in significant, expensive damages to the integrity of your propertys roof and overall structure. Some of these most common property damages include, but are not limited to, the following issues:
How To Clean Roof Shingles
This article was co-authored by Allen Lee. Allen Lee is a Home Improvement Specialist and the Owner of Honest Lee Handyman Services, a licensed and insured handyman business servicing Sacramento, California, and surrounding areas. Working with homeowners and businesses to get their small repairs done in a timely and efficient manner, Honest Lee Handyman Services provides gutter and dryer vent cleaning along with fixture, fence, drywall, and toilet repairs.There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 51,444 times.
Proper cleaning is an important step in roof maintenance. One day you may notice that your roof is turning black or fungus is spreading across of it. Some of this growth, including the stains from algae spores, are cosmetic, but others, such as moss, cause costly damage to your roof. To keep your roof safe and sightly, choose a cool, overcast day, mix a cleaning solution, spray it onto your roof, then rinse after 20 minutes.
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How To Avoid Any Damage To Shingles
The most common complaint about high-pressure washing is that it causes damage to shingles, tiles, and other materials. Yes, often high-pressure washing causes damage to shingles and strips the granules off from the surface. Once these protective granules come out, it is more likely that shingles absorb water and become soft and crumbly.
If the wrong technique is used for pressure washing, it becomes more damaging. As the purpose of shingles and tiles is to survive heavy rainstorms and wind, an incorrect angle or high pressure can loosen the tiles, shingles, flashing, and may also crack the chimney stack bricks. If the wrong cleanser or surfactant is used, it can damage tiles, roofing shingles or other such materials.
While, on the other hand, soft wash roof cleaning doesn’t cause such damage to any of your roof material. As it is a low-pressure wash with mild surfactants.
Extend The Life Of Your Roof With No
The algae, Gloeocapsa magma, feed on the limestone in and around the shingles on your roof. A roof professionally cleaned will not just look like new, but also prevent you from paying thousands of dollars for an expensive and time-consuming replacement roof.
Dont make the mistake of counting on the cold winter months of New England to kill the algae. After all, this particular variety can survive in low temperatures and continue to wreak havoc on your roof all year long.
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Pressure Washing Can Cause Water Runoff
Finally, pressure washing your roof can also lead to water runoff. When you power wash your shingles, the water that runs off can carry away granules, which protect your shingles from the sun and wind. This can leave your shingles exposed and more vulnerable to damage.
In addition, the water runoff from pressure washing can also cause problems for your landscaping and other areas around your home. The high-pressure water can erode soil, damage plants, and even create sinkholes. So, its important to be careful when using a power washer near your home.
So, if youre thinking about pressure washing your roof shingles, you may want to think again. There are a number of risks associated with this method, including leaks, water runoff, and the potential to damage your shingles or remove them entirely.
Instead of pressure washing your roof, consider soft washing. Soft washing is a gentler cleaning method that uses a low-pressure stream of water to clean your roof. This method is much safer and less likely to cause damage than pressure washing.
In addition, soft washing is a more effective way to clean your roof. The low-pressure stream of water will remove all the dirt, algae, and mildew from your roof without causing any damage.
So, if youre looking for a safe and effective way to clean your roof, consider soft washing instead of pressure washing.
Sodium Hypochlorite Is The Most Common Form Of Algaecide Used In The Pressure Washing Industry
Sodium hypochlorite is a common chemical used in soft washing. It is an effective disinfectant and is also commonly used as a bleach. When mixed with a surfactant, it can act as a sanitizer. The chemical is available in various forms.
It is sold as a liquid and as a granular product. Some contain additives to help reduce odor. It can be diluted in water and poured directly on tile, gunite, and other surfaces.
It is also sold as an alkalinity increaser. It is packaged as pH Plus.
It is a chlorine gas with two atoms bonded to nitrogens. It has a 55% chlorine content. The chlorine dissociates into cyanuric acid and hypochlorus acid.
It is the main disinfectant in swimming pools. It is also a stabilizer. It is effective at a wide pH range.
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Pressure Washing Prep Tips
Just because its messy doesnt mean its hopeless. There are things you can do to help minimize the mess made.
- Move vehicles out of the driveway and out of the way of the mess
- Make sure all windows are closed so the mess stays outside
- Move any potted plants or patio furniture away from the roof line