Your roofing is one of the most important parts of a property, protecting it from the elements and ensuring rainwater can adequately drain away. But over time, there are many challenges your roof will face, including moss and algae growth. If moss spreads, it can cause significant roof issues, so removing it is a must, but gentle methods are often required to prevent any damage to tiles and other roofline features.
So, can you use pressure washing for roof cleans? Here’s everything you need to know.
Why remove moss from your roof?
Moss can play havoc with the stability of roof tiles when it grows under and around them, distorting their placement and aiding water ingress. If trapped moisture expands as it freezes in the colder months of the year, it can lead to cracks and broken slates.
Furthermore, moss thrives in damp conditions, acting as a sponge for moisture on your roofing. This additional water content can lead to materials degrading faster, affecting the lifespan of your roof. Your guttering may also become clogged, adding further weight and pressure to your roof’s support systems.
As biofilm species like lichen and moss sometimes accelerate the deterioration of a roof, it should be regularly removed.
Can pressure washing be used for roof cleaning?
Roofs are more delicate than other hard surfaces around your property, such as driveways and paths, so gentler cleaning methods are required. If hiring a pressure washing company, you’ll need to check whether they offer soft washing services.
Soft washing removes biofilm from roofs without damaging it, using lower pressures than traditional jet washing solutions. This method doesn’t just remove moss but dirt, grime, bird faeces and mould, transforming the appearance of your roof tiles.
How to remove moss from a roof
When hiring a roof cleaning specialist, they first assess your property to create a treatment plan, depending on the level of grime and algae present. If there’s dense moss present, they may use scrapers to remove the bulk of it before they continue.
Next, soft washing techniques are used to gently remove the moss before a non-aggressive biocide treatment is applied to the area. This will help prevent further outbreaks and kill off any remaining spores. After its application, the remaining algae will slowly disperse over a couple of weeks, but the biocide remains on the tiles for several years, preventing any moss regrowth.
This type of roof cleaning plan will help prolong its life, preventing repairs caused by moss damage.
Get a free roof cleaning quote
Would you like us to remove moss from your roof with a professional clean and treatment plan? Call Jet Wash Surrey today for a free, no-obligation roof cleaning quote. We offer our pressure washing solutions across the area, coming out to locations such as Redhill and Reigate.
To find out more, please call us now on 020 8138 0184 or email info@jetwashsurrey.co.uk.
