A major part of the regular maintenance of your industrial or residential property is the cleaning of the exterior walls, roof and windows. Without regular and thorough cleaning, these aspects of your property can become damaged by weather, pollutants in the air and rain or simply become so dirty that cleaning becomes more expensive and very difficult. It is also important to consider that you may be entitled to manufacturer warranties on certain aspects of your property that could become void if proper maintenance isn’t kept up on a regular basis. Seeking professional cleaning services is equally as important as completing the actual maintenance because an inexperienced company may unintentionally cause damage to your property by being unnecessarily aggressive in their methods.
When choosing pressure washing as a cleaning method for your roof, it is important to realize that there is more than one kind of pressure washing available. Be sure to ask your cleaning professional which method they will be using. There is a high-pressure method and a low-pressure method. Similarly, these methods of pressure washing can be used to clean windows, exterior walls and patios. This begs the question: Which method of pressure washing is right for you? This article will focus on roof cleaning, but pressure washing for the rest of your property will be discussed briefly so that you can make an informed decision when it comes time to hire a professional near you.
When deciding to clean your roof, low-pressure is definitely the way to go! Although using low-pressure may give the impression that the cleaning will be less thorough, there is a very good reason for avoiding high-pressure methods when it comes to your roof. First of all, a high-pressure method will most likely remove more than just the dirt, mold and various build-ups from your roof surface. This method will also remove the asphalt coating of a shingle roof. Removing the moss and other molds from a shingle roof that inevitably develop in a humid climate, however, is very important because these organisms will decompose a shingled roof over time as well as destroy its appearance. Using a low-pressure system will remove these contaminants from your shingled roof without being harsh enough to remove the outer layer altogether. Also, you can be sure to keep your manufacturer’s warranty intact when you choose the right cleaning method. A-1 Quality Painting & Pressure Washing in Orlando, Florida offers soft touch roof cleaning services that use an ideal low-pressure set-up to clean a shingled roof as effectively and carefully as possible.
Concrete tile roofs are also in need of regular cleaning using a low-pressure method. Despite appearing more resilient, a tile roof can have its life expectancy severely reduced when cleaned with high-pressure. A good quality tile roof that is properly taken care of should last anywhere from 80 to 100 years. By using a high-pressure method, the resilient coating that protects the outer surface of the tiles is removed much faster than it would be with normal wear and tear. A low-pressure method will be much more effective at removing mold, preparing your roof for a sealant and improving its general appearance while maintaining the life expectancy of your roof.
Metal roofs are also in need of cleaning services because mold and bacteria can speed up the corrosion process and cause damage to the protective paint that covers the bare metal. Once again, a high-pressure method is at risk of stripping away protective coatings along with dirt and debris. A low-pressure method should always be used. When rust is present, attempting to remove the rust with a high-pressure cleaning is not advisable. A low-pressure cleaning followed by a recoating of the metal roof is recommended for metal roofs showing signs of corrosion.
When considering other aspects of your home, such as siding and windows, low-pressure methods are still the safest way to go. They are both effective and gentle on your property. A high-pressure cleaning on vinyl siding, for example, runs a very high risk of cracking the siding. This is major damage and will certainly void any existing warranty that you may have. On the other hand, low-pressure washing is not recommended for cleaning asphalt or concrete driveways. A high-pressure method is most appropriate for these situations as oils and other staining compounds can soak deep into the concrete/asphalt where a low-pressure system will not be effective. These surfaces are resilient enough to withstand a more aggressive cleaning.
Overall, a roof cleaning with an appropriate low-pressure method is recommended every 2-3 years. This schedule will keep your roof looking its best, your property value high and your manufacturer’s warranty in good standing. Remember, your roof accounts for nearly 30% of the value of your home. It is worth seeking the services of qualified professionals and being educated about the services that are offered.
We offer free roof cleaning estimates! Give us a call at 407.256.8610 or contact us online here and let us help you and your roof out.