The Importance of Pressure Washing
Pressure washing can remove mold, mildew, moss and other contaminants that can damage a roof. It also helps to reflect sunlight, lowering energy bills. Balancing on a ladder while managing a powerful pressure washer can be dangerous. It could compromise the seals that keep a roof watertight or cause leaks.
Debris
Debris pile-ups on the roof make it look unsightly and can shorten its lifespan. Moreover, it can block gutters and drainage systems leading to water accumulation on the roof. This can damage the roof surface, rot the structure and even cause leaks into other parts of the building.
Working at heights is dangerous enough without the addition of debris. Knocked-down limbs, trash, wrappers, leaves, tarps and construction materials can create trip and slip hazards for facility workers and the public that could lead to serious injury or death.
Besides being unsightly, a dirty roof doesn’t reflect sunlight, which increases the home or business’s energy bills. Regular cleaning of the rooftop eliminates these problems and reduces your energy costs. It also prevents the build-up of algae, mildew and moss that contribute to the roof’s deterioration.
Moss
Be sure to wear non-slip shoes and carefully set up the ladder before spraying the moss with either a store-bought cleaner or your own mixture. Follow the directions on the label for how long to leave the cleaner on the moss and rinse thoroughly.
Be careful to not scrub the shingles, as this could cause them to lose their granules and accelerate the degradation of your roof. Instead, work slowly and gently to remove the moss and use a brush to remove any loose pieces (loose moss can pose a slipping hazard).
Algae
Algae growth consumes limestone components within shingles, creating dark streaks that make your property look run down and uncared for. This growth is largely harmless to roofs as long as professionals like Puget Power Washing clean it periodically, but if left for too long, algae can leave you needing a new roof and thousands in remodeling expenses.
Trying to remove this fungus yourself can damage your roof with bleach or other corrosive chemicals, leaving you needing to repair costly leaks and stripping shingles of their granules. A professional power cleaning company uses soft washing methods that do not harm your roof or surrounding vegetation. In addition to cleaning the fungus, they can also assess your roof and identify issues such as wood rot or shingle problems.
Mold
Mold is a common problem that creates black, streaky stains on roofs. It thrives in areas shaded from sunlight, and rainwater pouring there provides humidity for its growth. Mold spores can also be released into the air, and breathing them in may trigger asthma or other respiratory problems in some people.
Mold can also eat away at wood, especially in attic spaces that provide almost ideal conditions for its growth. This can lead to the development of dry rot, which can affect the structure of your home and shorten its lifespan.
Washing the mold, algae, moss and debris from your roof can restore it to its original clean appearance and increase curb appeal. It can also help to save money on energy bills, as a clean roof is better able to reflect the sun and keep the attic and home cooler.
Mildew
If left untreated, mildew can damage shingles and other roof materials. It also interferes with the proper functioning of the roof as it prevents it from reflecting sunlight and keeping the home and attic cooler, which can lead to higher energy bills.
A soft wash cleans the roof using a low pressure washer and a cleaning solution that leaves inhibitors to prevent regrowth of mold, mildew and other microorganisms. It is much safer than jet/power washing as it is less likely to tear off shingles.
It is also more effective as the cleaner seeps into cracks and crevices where dirt, debris and contaminants tend to collect. This method can also be used to clean the gutters, windows and other surfaces of your home.
Revive Power Washing
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=6386116562328080841
6265 Hamilton Blvd Unit 2, Allentown, PA 18106
(484) 619-0275
https://revivepowerwash.com/
