Roof pressure washing is a great way to get rid of unwanted growth on your roof. The detergent will loosen up the growth and remove it from your shingles. Make sure to work in sections and avoid walking on the wet areas of your roof. To get the best results, use a pressure washer with an onboard detergent tank. Once you’re done, let your roof dry completely. And make sure to use protective gear while working on the roof, as soap will cause slippery conditions. Click here for more info.
Disadvantages of pressure washing a roof
There are some disadvantages to pressure washing a roof. The high water pressure can weaken the system and even damage some materials. While the initial impact of pressure washing can be minimal, it may accumulate over time. This is especially true of older roofs, which are naturally thinner and have fewer granules. If you are unsure whether pressure washing your roof is right for you, seek the advice of a reputable roofing company in Cherry Hill, NJ.
Another disadvantage to pressure washing your roof is the risk of flooding your loft. High-pressure water from a pressure washer can penetrate the overlaps in tiles and get inside the roof. One roof cleaning company featured on the BBC’s Rogue Traders programme used a pressure washer to clean a roof without examining the state of the felt, which puddled on the loft insulation below. Ultimately, this resulted in a flooded roof damage.
Cost of pressure washing a roof
The cost of pressure washing a roof varies, but the basic cost is about $0.20 to $0.41 per square foot of roof. This cost includes basic cleaning solutions, a pressure washer rental, and the labor involved. The actual cost will vary depending on the size and condition of the roof and options selected. A basic project in zip code 47474 typically covers 500 square feet of roof, so you should expect to pay around $338 to $1,530 for a job.
Several factors determine the price, including the type of roof, size, and pitch. A large, steeper roof is more difficult to pressure wash, so the cost will be higher than a flat or lightly sloping roof. Two-story homes, in contrast, typically cost more to pressure wash, but a small roof will be more affordable. Once you have calculated these factors, you can begin comparing costs.
Methods of pressure washing a roof
Soft-washing a roof is a popular method of cleaning a roof. In this method, a biodegradable cleaning solution is sprayed on the roof to break down the built-up residue. The solution is rinsed away with soft water, minimizing runoff. A soft wash typically takes two to five hours and is recommended every one to two years. It does require some basic cleaning equipment.
Chemical roof washing uses chemicals like lye or sodium hydroxide to wash off algae and lichen. The chemicals do not disturb the granules of shingles, which could potentially shorten the lifespan of the roof. To minimize the damage to plants and shingles, use a machine with an onboard detergent tank. It is important to use a pressure washer that is equipped with a detergent tank.
Roofing materials that can be pressure washed
Roofing materials that can be pressure washes include asphalt shingles, cedar shake shingles, tile, and metal roofs. Depending on the type of roofing, different materials will respond differently to pressure washing. Asphalt shingles, for example, are a moderately durable material that can handle low and chemical-pressure washing. While high-pressure washing can ruin cedar shake shingles, concrete roofs and metal roofs are resistant to high-pressure washing. Flat roofs, on the other hand, are made of asphalt and cannot withstand high-pressure washing. Rather, they can only handle chemical-washing.
Pressure washing is not an option for all types of roofing materials, however. Certain materials are too sensitive to be exposed to chemicals and may discolor or deteriorate. In such cases, a home improvement specialist is needed to determine which materials are safe to pressure wash. Thankfully, no-pressure chemical washes are fast and produce very little runoff. Chemical-washing can also leave a protective layer. Explore more!