Ensuring Safety During Roof Cleaning Richmond
The process of roof cleaning Richmond properties is more than confusing to first-time DIYers. It is potentially dangerous, too. This is because you have to go to high places to clean a roof, and if the correct precautions are not taken, you could slip and fall. This isn’t the only safety concern during roof cleaning, however. There is also a risk of damaging the roof if incorrect cleaning techniques are used. So, what precautions should be taken to avoid roof cleaning accidents? How can you ensure that your roof is cleaned without taking any serious risks?
At Brite Exterior Services, we have washed hundreds of roofs for our Richmond Area clients. During this time, we’ve accumulated a great deal of experience, and we understand how to complete every roof cleaning job safely and efficiently. In this blog, we will teach you what we’ve learned. That way, you can decide if you’re cut out for DIY roof cleaning. If not, don’t worry—we’re prepared to clean your roof for you if that’s what you need!
Successful Roof Cleaning Requires Focus and Planning
Cleaning a roof isn’t something you should do if you’re not going to pay attention to every step of the process. It’s not like folding your laundry where you can zone out and think about other things while you do your work. If you lose your focus during roof cleaning, it could spell the difference between success and horrible failure. You need to watch your step at all times, and you need to ensure the roof is always being cleaned with a gentle touch. Because of this, we only recommend that you clean your roof when you are well-rested, ready to concentrate, and filled with the energy needed for physical labor.
It is also important to clean the roof on a day with moderate weather. If it is pouring rain, roof cleaning is not recommended because the additional moisture will make surfaces slippery. The last thing you will want is to fall off a ladder because its rungs are wet. Check the weather forecast, find a day that is likely to be precipitation-free, and plan to clean the roof accordingly.
Equipment For Roof Cleaning Richmond Properties Safely
An instrumental part of successful roof cleaning is having the correct equipment. However, if you’ve never done this work before, you may not be aware of what this entails. Never fear because we here at Brite Exterior Services have the full list of gear for your consideration!
- Pressure Washer. Typically, roofs should not be pressure washed. However, a pressure washer allows for an alternate cleaning technique called soft washing. Soft washing uses low-pressure water to safely clean delicate roofs.
- Attaching Hose and Nozzle. With the correct hose and nozzle, low-pressure water can be sprayed onto a property’s exterior surface, including the roof. These tools allow you to rinse the roof from a distance.
- Ladder and Harness. You won’t be able to reach the roof without a ladder. In addition to this, Brite Exterior Services recommends a safety harness. The harness attaches the user to the ladder, preventing perilous falls.
- Cleaning Solutions. Brite Exterior Services also recommends cleaning solutions such as sodium hypochlorite. These will weaken any debris on the roof so it can be more easily removed via soft washing.
How to Clean Roofs Safely
After all the necessary equipment has been gathered, the process of roof cleaning Richmond properties can begin. First, connect the pressure water to a water source, such as a tap. Then, attach the hose and nozzle and select an appropriate amount of water pressure for the job. This will vary based on the material your roof is made out of.
- Asphalt: < 100 PSI
- Slate: < 200 PSI
- Clay/Concrete: 100–300 PSI
- Wood: < 300 PSI
- Metal: < 500 PSI
After choosing an appropriate amount of water pressure, unfold the ladder and attach yourself to it via the harness. Then, carefully climb up while holding the hose. Once you have reached a comfortable height, spray the roof with low-pressure water. This will rinse away unwanted debris, including dirt, pollen, dead insects, bird droppings, moss, mold, and algae. In some cases, cleaning solutions may be needed to weaken debris. These solutions are often put into a special tank in the pressure washer and sprayed directly onto the roof alongside water.
Annual Roof Cleaning Prevents Roof Damage
Roof cleaning is a great way to ensure the safety of your property as a whole. This is because if roofs are not cleaned, they will endlessly accumulate debris. This does more than simply suffocate the roof’s beauty. It also makes it more likely that the roof will become damaged over time. But how is this possible? Small particles of debris, such as dirt and pollen, grind against roofs and erode them over time. Even worse, moss, mold, and algae store water and cause moisture damage to roofs. The longer this debris is allowed to wreak havoc, the more likely that a roof will sustain visible damage, such as a leak.
To ensure that this damage does not occur, consider annual roof cleaning. This will remove debris before it has the opportunity to cause any significant damage. This prevents leaks from forming, and in turn, it prevents moisture damage from affecting your property’s interior in addition to its exterior.
Full-Service Roof Cleaning From Brite Exterior Services
There are many precautions you can take to avoid injuring yourself during the roof cleaning process. However, if you want to guarantee your complete safety and avoid the work entirely, you are welcome to schedule professional roof cleaning with Brite Exterior Services. We are a local pressure washing business that understands how to safely restore roofs of all shapes, sizes, and materials—and we would love to lend you a hand next.
If you would prefer our professional roof cleaning to the DIY process, contact us online and let us know. We will provide you with a free cost estimate based on your roof’s details. Then, you can decide whether you want to schedule an appointment!
