| By: Steven Briesemeister |
If you are looking to rid your roof of algae, debris or other unwanted presence, pressure washing your roof is not recommended. The high pressure of the water can cause damage to shingles, which may require complete replacing. In addition, granules could potentially be washed completely away from the shingles. The incredible force of the water, from a pressure washer, is too much for any roof to withstand. Pressure washers are better designed for other projects, but certainly not a roof.
More Than Meets The Eye
Once your roofing material becomes damaged, a whole world of potential problems arise. If shingles are damaged, they are more susceptible to harsh weather and less likely to hold up during a major storm. If roofing material is not working properly, your roof may develop leaks that could eventually destroy the entire structure of your roof. If left untreated, a leak can cause damage to the wall structure and the interior of the home. If severe rain can damage a roof, you would never want to knowingly apply a large amount of water with an equally devastating force directly onto your roof.
The Perfect Roof vs. The Pressure Washer
A roof may have moss or other debris, but be perfect otherwise. If your pressure wash your roof, it may not be perfect for long. Even if the pressure washer doesn’t cause signs of major damage at first, it will likely lessen the life of your roofing material. Anything that weakens the structure will catch up with you eventually. Repairs and replacements can really add up, which is why it is so important to consider all factors before deciding the best way to clean your roof.
A Better Way To Clean
A much better method of cleaning your roof would be with a broom or brush. There are roof treatments available, which will help your roof to deter moss, algae and other fungus. If you would like to find out more about these types of products, a local roofing contractor will be able to talk over a variety of options and prices. A professional roofing contractor should have access to many types of roof treatments and know exactly how to apply them. Most will also tell you that pressure washing your roof is not recommended under any circumstances. If you are specifically looking to rid your home of algae, consider installing algae resistant shingles. These innovative products contain copper, which stops algae from attaching to your roof. Our roof protects us from the wind, the rain and the harsh winters. Without it, we are susceptible to Mother Nature’s worst. With that in mind, remember to protect the roof over your head just as it protects you.
Did you find what you were looking for? Check out these other articles for more roofing information:
Many of today's top shingle manufacturers offer algae resistant roof shingles, which can be installed by a local roofing contractor.
A How To on Effective Asphalt Shingle Cleaning done safely and correctly including common reasons for cleaning and common cleaning methods.
There are a number of roof cleaning issues that if left unchecked, can wreak havoc on shingles, shakes, and tiles, eventually leading to deterioration of the roof structure itself.
Roofing requires proper care in order to last. No matter how strong or durable a roof is, roofing requires proper maintenance in order to last and to protect your structure throughout its lifetime.
Shingles cover 80% of America's homes, but they are far from being all the same. Today's shingles come in a large variety of colors, styles, and materials to meet any homeowner's demands.
Roofing life spans vary depending on the weight of the shingle, the pitch of the roof, building location, maintenance and other factors, including which trade association you consult.
Immediate Response!
