Can You Pressure Wash a Roof?
In virtually all cases, properties have roofs. These structures protect homes and businesses from the outside world, holding back rain, snow, and hail. However, this takes a toll on roofs over time. In fact, you may one day notice that your roof is covered with various forms of debris. This will leave you scratching your head, wondering what the best way to restore your roof’s beauty is. Can you pressure wash a roof? In that blog, we set out to answer that question and show you how the process works.
We are Port City Power Washing, and we are the Wilmington community’s foremost authority on roof cleaning. We’re ready to share what we know with you, but remember, if you ever need our help, don’t be afraid to schedule an appointment.
Why Roofs Become Dirty
As nice as it would be if roofs stayed clean, that’s just not a feasible thing to wish for. Since roofs are part of the outside world, they are much more prone to gathering debris. This debris can take on many forms—some may even surprise you! Expect to find dirt, pollen, dead insects, and bird droppings caked on your roof. You’ll also encounter organic debris, such as moss, mold, and algae. If these substances aren’t removed, they will actually reproduce and spread across your roof at an alarming rate.
What makes roof cleaning so urgent? The longer your roof goes without cleaning, the less visually appealing it will be. (It goes without saying that an ugly roof makes for an ugly property.) Additionally, when your roof is cleaned, it is at a reduced risk of surface damage. Over time, this results in fewer roof damages—and because of this, less money spent on roof repairs.
What’s the Best Way to Clean a Roof?
So, what’s the best way to clean a roof? Can you pressure wash a roof, or do you need to resort to some sort of alternative technique? Technically speaking, you can’t pressure wash a roof because these surfaces are particularly sensitive. For example, the process can erode shingles, and it can force water underneath shingles, increasing the risk of leaks. However, you can clean a roof with a variant technique called soft washing. Soft washing uses much lower-pressure water to remove grime from roofs without causing any damage in the process.
We highly recommend that you have your roof soft washed once per year. This prevents debris from accumulating to an overwhelming degree. So, if your roof has not been cleaned in a year, that means it is already overdue for service. So… what should you do next?
Can You Pressure Wash a Roof On Your Own?
If you want, you can attempt to clean your own roof. However, bear in mind that the do-it-yourself process isn’t always easy. First and foremost, you’ll need to acquire all the correct equipment for the project. This includes a pressure washer, cleaning solutions (such as sodium hypochlorite), protective gear, and a ladder. Then, you’ll need to carve out another time in your schedule for the work. We recommend giving yourself five to six hours for roof cleaning projects. And don’t forget to rest up before taking on this work. Roof cleaning requires your full focus, especially since you’ll need to climb your ladder repeatedly.
To clean your roof, begin by applying cleaning solutions to the entire surface. (At Port City Power Washing, we swear by sodium hypochlorite because it rapidly breaks down even the toughest grime.) After a few minutes, soft wash the roof with 150 to 300 PSI. This allows you to gently rinse away debris without causing any surface damage.
Professional Roof Cleaning Services
There are many challenges associated with do-it-yourself roof cleaning. So, the question may not be “Can you pressure wash a roof on your own?” but rather “Do you want to pressure wash a roof on your own?”. If you feel uncomfortable with this process, you can always reach out to a local roof cleaning business for the assistance you need. For example, the team at Port City Power Washing would love to be at your service.
By booking our roof cleaning services, you won’t have to lift a finger during your appointment. Instead, you can sit back, relax, and take some time to rest. All the while, our professional team will methodically restore your roof, ensuring no debris is left behind. We will always catch up with you after we finish our work. That way, you can review the final results.
Commercial Roof Cleaning
We want to take a moment to focus on the importance of commercial roof cleaning. If you are a business owner, you are already familiar with the concept of curb appeal. It’s the idea that better-looking properties are more likely to attract attention. This results in more passersby visiting your business and eventually becoming your customers. However, a dirty roof won’t help you reach this outcome—which is another reason why roof cleaning comes in handy.
By scheduling our roof cleaning services, you can focus on your day-to-day business operations while our professionals restore your roof for you. That way, you don’t have to skip your obligations just to get your roof in the best possible condition. Your customers will appreciate your business’s new look, and you may just experience increased foot traffic as a result.
Scheduling Full-Service Roof Cleaning
So, can you pressure wash a roof? You can soft wash it, and if you want, you can even do this work alone. However, if you want to cut yourself some slack, schedule an appointment with Port City Power Washing. Our fully trained experts know how to revitalize roofs, and you can rely on us for pristine results for a fair price.
Contact us online and tell us about your roof to receive a free cost estimate. Then, choose a time and date for your appointment. We will be there soon to lend you a helping hand!