The “No Pressure” Guide To Pressure Washing Your Roof
Pressure washing a roof isn’t brain surgery, but there are definitely important steps you must follow in order to do it correctly. If you do not choose your cleaning solution wisely, or you use too much pressure, you can endanger yourself, the plants and animals around you, as well as create costly roof repairs for yourself. No pressure, though. Just follow these easy directions, and the result should be a beautiful-looking roof!
Safety First
Whenever you use power washing equipment, it’s vital that you wear:
- gloves
- protective eye wear
- shoes with significant traction
Choosing The Right Cleaning Solution
If you want to play it safe, do not use bleach. Although bleach is a great cleaner, there is a chance it could damage your power washer, and the back spray could get in your mouth or on your skin. Aside from that, it will also kill any plant or animal life when it drips down off your roof. Use an environmentally conscious product like “Bioclease.” It does just as good of a job as bleach-based cleaners, and it is far safer.
Choosing The Right Pressure Washer
One of the most important elements to getting this job done correctly, is choosing an appropriate pressure washer. A standard washer should do the trick, and if you add an attachment like a 15-degree spray nozzle, this will definitely speed the process along.
Before You Start Washing…
- Remove any debris from the gutters and make sure that you cleaning solution will be able to drain freely.
- Cut away any overhanging or protruding tree branches to allow the roof to receive plenty of sun (this is important so that it can aerate)
- Test the power washer on a small section of the roof to ensure that the pressure is adjusted correctly and the spray will not cause any damage to your roofing material.
Starting The Job
- Beginning at a top-corner of the roof, aim the sprayer at a 45-degree angle with the roof surface to avoid gouging, and move the nozzle in even strokes at a distance of 8 to 10 inches from the roofing material.
- Continue in this fashion, from top to bottom along the entire surface of the roof
- Letting the cleaner solution setting for no longer than 5 minutes.
- Wash everything again with pure water, to remove the left residue.
How Often Should I Pressure Wash?
The recommended frequency to clean your roof depends on the location of your home. In northern regions, like Chicagoland roofs can go longer between cleanings, but wherever they are exposed to high temperatures and humidity year round, they need to be cleaned at least every three years.
If your roof needs a little bit more than a simple cleaning, don’t hesitate to contact Champion Roofing, your Chicago area roofing experts!
