I often heard that pressure washing roof is a bad idea. I eventually agreed to that, but then I thought of giving it a try. Yes, it was a bit difficult as I had to take many precautions so that no damage was caused to the shingles. But otherwise, it was a great experience!
Even though pressure washing a roof is not what I recommend to beginners, you can still do it if you know the proper technique.
If you haven’t cleaned your roof with a pressure washer before but want to someday, then I am here to help.
In today's blog, I will be covering all about cleaning a roof with a pressure washer. I will also discuss the safety precautions that you need to take while cleaning because, honestly, working on the top of the roof is no easy job. So keep reading until the end to know it all!
In this article, you will learn:
- Why Pressure Washing a Roof is best suitedto Professionals
- Steps to Clean Roof with Pressure Washer
- Pressure Washing Roof Tips
Cleaning Your Roof with a Pressure Washer is Best Done by Professionals
I have been dealing with pressure washers for years now, and hence, I can proudly call myself an expert in the field. However, if you are new to it, then it is better not to take a chance and hand over the job to a professional. Are you wondering why I am suggesting so? Well, here are a few valid reasons to consider:
Standing on a roof without holding anything is a difficult job itself, and then when the weight of a pressure washer gets added, the risk increases. Homeowners, who have no experience climbing a roof, let alone cleaning it, should not take the risk because it can result in fatal injuries.
When you stand on a ladder with a pressure washer, there are chances that you might fall. Even if you don't, cleaning the shingles from the downward angle can make them come out loose and splatter.
If not used properly, a pressure washer can blow off your roof's shingles. It can also make the roof tiles thin and brittle.
It takes a professional's eyes to spot the dirt and debris in the hidden corners of roof shingles. If you cannot clean the roof properly, all your efforts will go in vain.
Professional washers know which detergents are safe for roof shingles. You, as a beginner, might pick something that dries out the roof.
Steps to Clean Roof with sure WasherPres
Even though highly I advise you to get it done by a professional, you can also do it by yourself with a little bit of practice and guidance (only if you have experience in pressure washing before). I will be elaborating on the steps of pressure washing a roof below. Take a look:
Apply detergent:The first thing to consider is what detergent you are using. Remember, the detergent you used to clean your driveway last month is not the right detergent for your roof.
In this case, you need to pick a safe, biodegradable detergent. Apply the detergent to the roof shilling to loosen up the dirt, moss, algae, lichen, etc. Keep the power at its lowest while applying the detergent with the pressure washer. High power can strip off roof shingles and cause much damage.
Do not try applying detergent all over the roof in one go. Instead, work in sections. Once you are done with one section, clean it well and then move to the next. This will prevent you from slipping off the roof due to stumbling on the soapy area.
Use a low-pressure nozzle and maintain distance:Using a high-pressure nozzle is one of the biggest mistakes you can commit while pressure washing a roof. Hence, start from a low-pressure nozzle, and gradually as you gain experience, you can move towards the medium pressure nozzles. Besides that, also ensure that you keep the washing wand at least a foot away from the cleaning area. While cleaning, stand on a dry area to prevent slipping and aim the wand towards the gutters for better cleaning. Let the roof dry after its cleaned.
Tips for Pressure Washing Roof
Pressure washing a roof is harder done than said. You need to keep in mind a lot of things to prevent fatal accidents while cleaning the roof. Here are some tips that you must keep in mind when cleaning a roof with a power washer:
Always clean your gutters before you start pressure washing your roof. If your gutters are free of dirt, branches, and leaves, the loose debris falling from the roof can easily pass through without clogging the drains.
Avoid using detergents that use harsh chemicals. Instead, try using premium quality biodegradable, safe detergents.
If you are not careful while pressure washing, you might end up disappointing your neighbors by splashing dirty water on their walls and windows. Hence, be mindful of the washing angle and pressure.
Do not forget to wear safety garments like close-toed boots, gloves, and safety glasses while cleaning.
Take the support of the roof beams to prevent slippage. Also, do not walk in soapy areas.
Start cleaning from the top of the roof and slowly move down. This will also prevent slippage by ensuring the water flows down the roof. Besides that, it will also help you clean the roof without splattering the shingles.
Cover the roof in sections so that you get enough dry space for walking while cleaning.
You don't have to clean one area multiple times as that might cause damage to the shingles. Also, pressure washing your roof once a year is enough.
Final Verdict
Pressure washing a roof requires cleaning skills that you cannot gain overnight. Hence, do not lose your patience if you cannot do it properly the first time. Instead, learn to clean other areas with a pressure washer first, like your driveway or patio, before you go for the roof.
Once your roof is cleaned properly, make sure you clean the surrounding areas as well because pressure washing a roof is often a messy job. If you think that the work is risky or hard, you can always turn to professionals for help.
So will you pressure wash your roof alone, or are you planning to hire an expert? Do not forget to share with me!
