Most people don’t think twice about their roof unless there is a problem, such as a leak. But leaving things to escalate to that point means that there would have been warning signs that, if spotted sooner, could have led to much less costly and disruptive repairs.
The same principle applies when it comes to cleaning your roof. This is an important part of roof maintenance and one that can help avoid getting in the professionals to clean it at what could be a significant cost. But let’s start with the basics. What do we mean by cleaning and what should you be looking for in the first place?
Inspecting your roof
Once a year, typically before winter sets in, doing a roof inspection is a good habit to get into. Remember: safety comes first and if you are in any way unsure of doing the inspection yourself, or your roof is inaccessible, then call in the professionals.
If you do get up there (safely!), you should be looking for:
- Any sign of loose or cracked tiles. These will lead to leaks sooner or later, so get them repaired as soon as possible.
- Lichen and moss. A small amount of moss or lichen is natural, particularly on parts that don’t get much sun, but it is worth keeping an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t get out of hand.
- Overhanging tree branches. These can lead to damage, particularly if you have a felt roof which is more fragile than tile or slate, which in turn could see leaks or a build-up of moss, algae, or lichen on damper sections.
- Blocked gutters. These can also lead to leaks in the long run or a build-up of water which could attract insects or damp-loving mosses.
How to clean your roof
Again, we stress that this should only be done if it can be done safely. If you are confident that it is ok, then cleaning tiles and slate can be done with a pressure washer. The earlier you do it the better, you don’t want to have to deal with a stubborn build-up of moss if you can avoid it. For felt roofs, or if you are concerned that using a pressure washer might cause any damage to more fragile areas, use a gentle brush and garden hose.
For anything more than a few spots of mould, moss, or lichen we would recommend having your roof professionally cleaned and inspected. This will also help identify any other problems which may have been masked by growth over the years. They will also be able to treat your roof with a fungicide which can help prevent a new build-up of moss or lichen; this can last anything between three to five years, depending on how much exposure your roof has to the sun.
For advice on roof cleaning and inspection or for assistance, call our experts at Roof Rescue. Call us today on 020 3189 1618 to make an appointment or for an informal chat and we can take it from there.
