Pressure Washing Tips When Cleaning a Roof

Can You Pressure Wash a Roof?  

Roofs receive more than just rainwater, and, depending on where you live, you may start to see moss and lichen starting to grow on your shingles. Roofs that have this growing on them must be cleaned, as not removing such growths will end up damaging your roof further. However, there are a few risks to consider when it comes to roof cleaning. You must be careful to only step on the dry areas of your roof, as wet algae are extremely slippery.

Apply Detergent

Before you begin your roof cleaning project, use a good-quality biodegradable detergent that is safe to use with pressure washers. Applying some detergent to help loosen the algae, moss, or lichen so it is easier to remove and doesn’t take as many granules off. You do not need too much pressure when you spray your shingles, as it can strip your shingles of their protective granules.

By applying your detergent first, using a foamer, you can gently loosen any unwanted growth from your shingles so you do not need to use much pressure. Work in sections, apply the detergent to one area at a time, and spray it clean. Move and do the same with the rest of your roof.

This will help to prevent you from walking on any soapy slippery areas, this works best if you have a pressure washer that has an onboard detergent tank which you can switch on and off accordingly.

Use Low Pressure to Spray it Clean

If you are going to perform pressure washing on your roof, make sure you use the correct spray tip. Start off using a medium pressure spray pattern, and then adjust from there. Make sure you only stand on the dry areas of your roof, as wet shingles can be extremely slippery. Aim the pressure washer down the roof and keep the tip of the wand at least 1 foot away from the surface.

For more details on our pressure washing services, please do not hesitate to contact us at this number (423) 343-2262, to make an appointment with Roofs Like New of Bristol, we are based in the Bristol, TN area.