Maintaining a clean roof is essential for the longevity and appearance of your home. Algae, moss, and debris can build up over time, potentially compromising the structural integrity of your roof. While the idea of saving money with DIY roof washing may seem appealing, it often leads to costly damage and safety risks.
In this blog, we’ll discuss some of the most common ways DIY roof washing can damage your home and why hiring a professional for this service is your best option.
The Risks of DIY Roof Washing
While you might not think performing DIY roof washing poses much risk to your home, it can lead to costly damage to your property. Some of the most significant dangers of attempting this cleaning services on your own include:
Using the Wrong Cleaning Solution
One mistake many homeowners make when attempting to clean their roofs is using harsh chemicals or improper cleaning solutions. While your roof may be littered with dirt, dust, and other debris, it is important that you choose the appropriate cleaning products for this cleaning.
Some chemicals can strip protective coatings from roofing materials, leading to premature wear and tear. Chemicals like bleach can degrade asphalt shingles and corrode metal components. Without the proper knowledge, you may do more harm than good while attempting DIY roof washing.
High-Pressure Washing Damage
While the materials on your roof are designed to withstand a great deal of impact from day to day, they are not infallible. You risk using excessive force on these fragile materials when you perform DIY roof washing. You may think that, with a standard pressure washer, you can restore the appearance of your roof.
However, using a power washer on your roof without the proper training may lead to substantial and premature damage. Roof washing requires very gentle pressure, which can be difficult to achieve without professional training. Instead of accidentally ripping up your roof tiles and causing costly damage to your property, it is best to rely on the professionals.
Physical Damage to Roofing Materials
As mentioned above, your roof is incredibly strong and does a wonderful job of protecting you and your loved ones from inclement weather. But, while this surface is incredibly strong, it isn’t designed to be walked over without care. While attempting a DIY roof washing, you may walk back and forth across the surface, causing significant damage.
When walking on your roof, you need to wear appropriate footwear, be mindful of the weather outside, and walk in a way that is safe for you and your roofing material. These precautions might not be at the top of your mind when preparing to clean your roof, which is where costly physical damage, like loosening or broken shingles, may occur.
Personal Safety Hazards
When you watch professionals perform roof washing, you might think this is a straightforward service that you could realistically perform yourself. While it might be tempting, trying to perform DIY roof washing can be incredibly risky for your safety. Standing on a sloped roof while wearing the wrong shoes can result in slip-and-fall accidents.
Every year, hundreds of adults injure themselves while climbing ladders to reach their roofs. While these injuries may be as simple as small lacerations, you may also experience broken bones, strains, or sprains. Instead of risking your safety to clean your roof, it is best to rely on the professionals for this service.
Inadequate Moss, Mold, and Algae Removal
One major reason homeowners may want to perform DIY roof washing is due to increased algae, moss, and mold presence. You might think that a simple rinsing of the roof is sufficient enough to address this organic growth. However, it may lead to more headaches than expected, as the results aren’t quite what you’re expecting.
Inadequate removal may result in repeat growth or the introduction of mold into your home’s attic, which can become a health risk to everyone living on the property. Proper roof washing requires specialized treatments that remove existing growth and prevent it from returning. If you want to tackle this problem sufficiently, it is best to reach out to professionals for help.
Water Intrusion and Structural Damage
While you may have watched other people perform roof washing on their homes, this isn’t enough education to protect your home from damage. It is incredibly easy to go from properly cleaning your roof to damaging your fragile roofing materials. Incorrect techniques, such as spraying water upwards or at the wrong angle, can lead to water intrusion beneath shingles.
This can result in wood rot, mold growth, and damage to the roof deck. Over time, these issues can compromise the structural integrity of your home and lead to expensive repairs. Instead of risking the well-being of your roof by performing DIY roof washing, it is best to contact a professional to schedule this service.
Reliable Roof Washing in Boise, Idaho
If your roof is looking a little dingy and you need the support of a professional roof washing team, turn to Blue Gander Window Cleaning for support. For over 50 years, our team of experts has provided reliable, comprehensive exterior cleaning services to homeowners across the valley. From minor grease, dirt, and oil buildup on walkways to whole-home window cleanings, our team does it all. When you schedule with us, you can trust that your home will look better than ever.
If you would like to learn more about our roof washing services or have any questions about the other services we provide, don’t hesitate to contact us today.