1. All of us know that the roof is one of the most
important parts of a home or commercial building. In
addition to keeping out water, a roof contributes to
the look of a home and helps with a structure's
energy efficiency and comfort. A well-installed roof is
meant to last decades, unless of course it
pre-maturely deteriorates due to environmental
conditions. This is when it might be well-worth
investigating, getting the roof professionally
inspected and cleaned. As a home or building's roof
ages, problems can crop up due to exposure to
moisture, wind and sun. This leads to the
accumulation of dirt and grime, algae, moss, fungus
and other organic growths. If left unchecked, these
issues slowly degrade the roof material and lead to
damage and ultimately roofing material failure.
Regular cleaning and maintenance keeps damage
at bay and significantly extends the life of the roof. It
is generally much more economical to regularly
inspect and if necessary clean a roof, then to wait
until it needs repair. For in addition to the roof repair
itself, one may find themselves needing to repair
rotting interior portions of the building due to
moisture exposure. Some preventative maintenance
2. can save significant pounds later on. Each climate
condition brings on different potential issues. With
the UK's frequent rain and moist atmosphere things
are more often damp. Exposure to wet conditions in
and of itself isn't necessarily the biggest factor in
organic growth accumulation, however. A home or
building that is surrounded by trees is more at risk:
shade from trees block sun exposure which keeps
the roof moist; trees spread a higher than normal
number of algae spores carried by wind; and leaf
accumulation can clog gutters and roof valleys
leading to water retention. All of these situations
contribute to faster roof deterioration and damage.
In addition to keeping the roof clean to add to its
useful lifespan, a clean roof also makes a home look
much more inviting and eye-pleasing. This is key
component to maintain a home or building's
long-term value. Whether cleaning a roof one's self
or using a professional, it is important to use the
right approach for the roofing material on the
building. Amongst the common methods used,
cleaning solutions are often applied to kill and
loosen moss and algae that accumulates on the
roof. A sturdy brushing of the surface followed by a
fresh water rinse leaves shingles clean. In some
cases another solution is applied to help inhibit
future organic growth. For more stubborn organic
growth and grime, a power washing is often
recommended. With this method a high-pressure jet
of water removes material. This approach is best left
to professionals as too high a pressure can damage
the roof or poor technique can force water under
shingles. One must also be cautious about the type
of cleaning solutions applied. It is important that the
chemical ingredients in the cleaning fluid be
appropriate for the roofing material. Also of more
3. consideration these days is the potential
environmental hazard associated various
ingredients. A diluted solution of chlorine bleach is a
tried and true method; however the application and
run-off must be properly handled to avoid streaking
and staining. In consideration of the environment,
many now prefer organic solutions or opt to simply
forgo cleansers at all and rely on brushing or power
washing. No matter what one's personal preference
though, it is important to give attention and care to
the roof. Regular inspection and cleaning by a
professional firm will certainly pay off in the long run.
IT support