Dirt, mould and mildew make your roof look old and unpleasant, which can negatively effect the ‘kerb appeal’ of your home. Excessive growth can also damage your roof, leading to the need for replacement tiles, which can be expensive. Regular roof cleaning helps to maintain your roof, which is cheaper and more convenient in the long run than getting a new one. In this article we’ll look at some tips on removing dirt, mould and mildew safely.
Wear proper safety gear for roof cleaning
If you are getting on a roof, it’s essential that you have the right equipment. Protective clothing, including long trousers and sleeves, should be worn. Rubber gloves should be used to protect your hands from chemicals, and non-slip shoes are vital, as the roof could be slippery and treacherous.
Ensure you can climb safely
It’s very important that you can safely get on and off the roof. Use a ladder that is tall enough to reach the roof, and don’t be tempted to cut corners by climbing out of a window or up a tree. Make sure you have someone with you at all times, who can hold the ladder and ensure you are safe. If possible, wear a safety harness to protect you from falling. If you have any safety worries at all, call in an expert to do the job instead.
Scrub away the worst of the build up
Use a long handled brush to scrub the surface of the shingles or tiles and get rid of the thickest build up of dirt and mould. Focus on the dirtiest areas as well as the places where the tiles or shingles overlap. Be extra careful when doing this as vigorous scrubbing movements may cause you to lose your balance.
Spray the roof with a cleaning agent
Using a cleaning agent and a soft washer, spray the roof entirely. It’s very important that you DO NOT use a pressure washer on your roof, as you may damage, crack or dislodge tiles. Start on the lowest part of the roof and work your way up to the apex. This will prevent your feet from become wet. When you see run off at the bottom of the roof, stop spraying and wait 15-20 minutes for the chemicals to do their work.
Thoroughly rinse the roof
Empty the sprayer of the cleaning solution, rinse and fill with clean water. Run the fresh water over very area of the roof that you have cleaned to wash away the chemicals you have just used. Repeat this process every few years to prevent dirt, mould and mildew returning. This will keep your roof both looking good and properly performing its job of keeping your house warm, dry and safe.
