Safe Practices For DIY Roof Cleaning

There is no doubt that a freshly cleaned roof can look good as new, and dramatically improve the overall appearance of your home. That being said, the main downside of ordering a professional service is the significant cost involved, which can be a large percentage of what it would cost to install a new roof. Those who feel confident in attacking to job themselves can experience a similar result with the help of handy roof sprayers.

There are a number of safety precautions that should be in place when it comes to at home roof cleaning. The hazards include interaction with toxic chemicals, falling from a great height or damaging the roof in the cleaning process. First of all, you will need to assess whether it is indeed possible to walk on your roof. Some roof styles are simply too steep for it to be safe, and if this is the case then you will need to clean from the gutter level. Cleaning at a lower height is not ideal, as it is harder to apply product evenly and attack those stubborn stains, but it is necessary in some situations.

If your roof is deemed appropriate, then you will need to arm yourself with the right safety gear. Mixing your chemical cleaners will require goggles and gloves. Most roof cleansing chemicals include some degree of bleach, which can be a highly dangerous substance if ingested or even touched. Take great care to mix correct quantities as per the instructions on the label. This will ensure the fumes are not too overwhelming, and also that your roof is not damaged when it is applied.

A stable, A-frame ladder is required for your access to the roof. Simply leaning a straight ladder against the gutter is very dangerous and not recommended. An adjustable A-frame is ideal, as this can be lowered so that one side is almost flat against the wall, allowing you to get closer to the edge of the roof. Choose a dry, yet overcast day to do the job. Obviously, rain will not only make the roof slippery but also wash off your product. Sun will also dry the rinse too quickly, which can result in a spotty, watermarked texture.

Next, it is absolutely essential to use a backpack sprayer, rather than a pressure sprayer that you have to lug around. These devices are inexpensive, and will free up your hands for steadying yourself, climbing the ladder, and shielding yourself if you happen to slip. Ensure you are wearing trainers with some serious grip for the best chance of walking safely on the roof.

Once you are on the roof, it may be tempting to walk forwards as this seems more secure. However, doing this will mean you walk over the area you have just sprayed, which is dangerous and counterproductive. It is a good idea to work sideways, as this way you have a better view of the roof around you, and will be walking on an even plain, not on a downward slope. Every time you take a step backward, remember to check around you for any hazards.

Apply a consistent, even coating of spray. Do not simply spot spray the stains in question, as then the roof will look very patchy and unattractive. You can go closer with the spray for particularly difficult marks and stains. After you have soaked the shingles with your chemical solution, you will wait around 25 minutes or the time recommended on your chemical label, before going over the area with a high pressure rinse.

This process will only take you a couple of hours, which is highly preferable to the days or even weeks of alternative methods without a pressure sprayer. To save yourself some money and enjoy a sparkling roof clean, talk to Green Gorilla at about their range of Effective Roof Sprayers.