For many years contractors have been having long debates concerning the correct way to go about cleaning a roof. The safe and proper method to clean a domestic roof has also been debated by many construction trade associations. Even though roof cleaning may be vital to preserve the appearance of your home and in many cases simply cleaning a roof has actual increase the value of many properties, contractors need to use extreme caution in what approach they take to clean down any particular roof.
Some roofing trade associations caution all homeowner from allowing their roof to be cleaned with high-pressure water washer and condemn their use for removing algae and black streaks from roofs on the grounds that they may cause more damage than they will do good
It is my own opinion as a specialised outdoor cleaner that these associations are well justified in their condemnation. In most cases utilising a high pressure water washer to clean a roof is not only dangerous to the tiles and slates; it most instances such extreme high pressure can also compromise the integrity of the roof structure. And only a non-pressure or at best a low pressure cleaning method should be applied to remove environmental stains and debris such as: mould, moss and alga from roof tiles and slates.
Fortunately some manufactures have listened to those who have safety concerns regarding high pressure washing devices and have been hard at work designing what is now called “soft washers” for contractors and homeowner.
They use a special blend of eco-friendly algae and moss neutralizers, mild surfactants and bio degradable detergents that are capable of cleaning the most horrendously stained roofs and can gently restore practically any roof to an almost like new appearance, all without the slightest compromise to the integrity of the roof structure or damage to the environment.
If you do opt to have your roof cleaned by a “soft roof cleaning” contractor I have prepared a few tips that should make the job run smoothly:
1. Never allow any contractor to use a high pressure washer on your roof. (Even some “soft roof washing” companies sometimes opt to use high pressure washers for small periods of time on certain areas of roofs. The fact is: it’s either a soft wash or it’s a high pressure wash there are no in-betweens)
2. Just like hiring any contractor to do work around your home you should always ask for at least three references of previously satisfied customers. Contractors always enjoy boasting about their happy customs so if a contractor is unable to show you citations from previous clients, the likely hood is: they don’t have any.
3. Never hire a contractor who does not have adequate insurance and particularly “roof cleaning insurance”. Most pressure washing services and cleaning companies will usually have adequate insurance cover for general cleaning. However, because the liability is far greater, roof cleaning is not always covered in traditional low level cleaning insurance subsequently; nearly all insurance companies require additional fees for high level cleaning. So when you check the insurance details of contractors tendering for work make sure they apply to roof cleaning.
4. A good guide as to how professional a roof cleaning company is: is the quality of their business image. Good design and quality printed business cards, flyers, etc. are usually an excellent indicators of the quality of the workmanship you are likely to experience. One again, contractors love showing prospectus clients pictures and photographs in portfolios of previous work, if they can’t take the time and effort to make these sales aids look professional then the chances are they will not take the time or make and effort to clean your roof properly.
The Deck Guys treats their customers like family. We tailor every aspect of the deck-building experience to your individual needs because we want you to love your new outdoor space.
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