Should You Pressure Wash Your Roof? Benefits of Getting Your Roof Cleaned Regularly
Having your roof professionally cleaned regularly helps it last longer and improves curb appeal
Having your roof cleaned may not be at the top of your to-do list, but it’s definitely a home project you should consider. When you think about all the elements that hit your roof every day of the year, it’s no wonder that, in addition to being generally dirty, they are also susceptible to moss and algae growth.
Washing your roof is a task best left to the professionals rather than adding to your weekend DIY list. Unless you are an experienced professional who knows how to safely navigate a roof while cleaning gently enough not to cause damage—that means no busting out the pressure washer—loop in a local roof cleaning pro for this part of your necessary home maintenance.
Why You Should Not Pressure Wash Your Roof
Pressure washing your roof is not a good idea for several reasons. For one, it’s difficult to do safely. Pressure washers are powerful and you need to be very careful when working on the roof, so it’s best to not risk accidentally blasting yourself off the rooftop.
Secondly, pressure washing can seriously damage your roof. While, yes, a roof can handle moisture from rain and humidity, it is not going to hold up well to high-powered jets of water. In addition to shooting off your shingles, a pressure washer could cause water to seep in and damage your roof as well.
Roof Cleaning Methods
A quick internet search will likely bring up several local companies that offer roof cleaning services. But before requesting service, you’ll need to determine the best approach for the type of roof your home has.
Roof Soft Washing
For the majority of roof types, soft washing is the recommended cleaning method. A soft wash is when a biodegradable cleaning solution is sprayed on the roof, working its way into all the crevices and undersides of shingles. The solution adheres and soaks into the roofing material, helping to dissolve built-up residue. It is then gently rinsed away with low water pressure, such as a garden hose, causing minimal runoff onto the ground below. Soft cleaning typically takes two to five hours to complete; you should soft wash your roof every one to two years.
Roof Pressure Washing
As a general rule, it is best to avoid pressure washers or otherwise high-pressure power washing most types of roofs. With these methods, the water comes out too forcefully and can cause damage to both the surface and the underlying materials. A pressure washer is likely to loosen the adhesive holding your asphalt shingles to the roof and send them flying into your neighbor’s yard.
The exceptions are roofs made with ceramic or concrete tiles, which may be sturdy enough to handle the force of pressure washing. Before moving forward with service, we recommend that you first check with the manufacturer to see what type of cleaning they suggest.
How Much Does a Roof Cleaning Cost?
Regular roof cleaning makes it last longer, helps prevent damage, and improves curb appeal.
Hiring a professional to clean your roof costs $425 on average, or between $0.20 and $0.60 per square foot. This is generally for all roof types, and adding on a preventative moss treatment will be an additional $100 to $200.
Benefits of Getting Your Roof Cleaned
Prevent Buildup
Algae and moss often grow underneath shingles, remaining largely out of sight while slowly loosening tiles and roofing paper. Thin and damaged shingles look bumpy, and can eventually start to fall off. Regular roof cleaning helps keep shingles and tiles in good repair, and less likely to wear down quickly.
Curb Appeal
A thorough roof washing can help restore color and brightness, giving your home an instant facelift. Having a clean roof also makes it easier to visually inspect it and spot any possible issues such as loose shingles or flashing.
Clear Away Debris
Rain, snow, high winds, and air pollution constantly bombard roofs. Regular roof washing helps clear away scattered debris, such as leaves and twigs, as well as any dirt and grime that has accumulated over time.
How to Maintain Your Roof Cleaning
Just like other home cleaning tasks, it’s important to stay on top of routine roof maintenance. Having a professional roof cleaning completed every one to two years can help extend the life of your roof by 10 to 20 years. A pro can clean your roof in conjunction with other exterior projects, such as gutter cleaning or whole-house power washing.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, asphalt shingles should not be power washed. A power washer or pressure washer is too strong to use on asphalt shingles and will loosen the adhesive holding them to your roof, causing them to fall off. It’s best to hire a local roof cleaner to clean those shingles safely and without damaging them.
The best way to clean a roof without damaging it is to opt for soft washing, or better yet, leave it to a professional roof cleaner. Soft washing involves a biodegradable cleaning solution being sprayed on the roof and gently rinsed away after it dissolves built-up residue on your shingles.
The best time of year to clean your roof is late spring into early summer. You want to be able to count on dry weather and clear skies to be able to do the job properly, which these seasons tend to have most abundantly. It’s also the right time of year to clean off the gunk and grime after a snow-filled winter or wet spring.