Are you wondering how to clean your roof? If yes then you can easily make homemade roof cleaner and make your roof neat and clean.
A clean roof can increase the aesthetic appeal of the house. Regular cleaning can help to keep the roof in good condition for several years. It reduces the risk of ice dams and algae.
A clean and well-maintained roof can even increase the house’s resale value.
However, maintaining the roof in good condition is quite a daunting task. Dust and debris start to accumulate with time. Again, moss can start to build up on your roof. You need to remove them as soon as possible to maintain the house’s aesthetic appeal and reduce leaks and roof damage.
Is Moss Removal From Roof Necessary?
The moss can grow quickly on your roof, especially if you are staying in damp climates.
The moss spores start to land on the roof. If you don’t remove it, a green patch will develop on your entire roof. The moss will hold the water and will quickly damage the roof materials.
The trapped water in the moss causes gaps in the roof tiles. When the water freezes and then thaws, it pulls the tiles far apart from each other. Hence, the entire roof will deteriorate over time.
You have to spend a lot of money on repairing it. It shortens the life span of the roof.
How Do You Make Homemade Roof Cleaner?
Your roof goes through a lot of wear and tear every day. It has to bear the harsh summer sun, spring rain, and winter snow. Hence, you must maintain your roof; otherwise, it will damage quickly.
Using a homemade roof cleaner, you must follow the steps below for a safe DIY roof cleaning.
1. Pick The right Day
You need to select the correct day by looking at the weather conditions in your locality. It’s good to clean your roof on a sunny day, especially with low winds. Avoid washing your roof on a harsh summer day, windy weather, rainy days, or winter.
2. Take Safety Precautions
You need to take a few safety precautions before cleaning your roof. I am listing some of them below.
- Wear non-slippery shoes so that they will slip while working.
- Wear goggles so that dust will not enter into your eyes.
- Wear gloves to protect your hands during roof cleaning.
- You need to purchase a good-quality ladder. It should have a broader base for stability. Ensure that the ladder should reach your roof peak comfortably.
3. You Must Know About The Roof Type
The homemade roof cleaner depends entirely on the material.
If you use the wrong product and clean your roof, then it can lead to expensive repairs. So, let’s discuss some of the roof materials.
- Asphalt Shingles
It is one of the most popular roof materials. You can clean it by using dilute bleach or vinegar cleaner.
- Metal Roofs
Metal roofs don’t require much maintenance. You can clean it by using a detergent solution.
- Clay And Concrete Tiles
You should not use harsh chemicals to clean this roof material. It will erode the clay and concrete tiles. Try using water and dish soap to clean it effectively.
- Slate Roofs
Use a gentle cleaning solution for cleaning the slate roofs. Never scrub the slate roof abrasively, as it can badly damage it.
4. Clean Your Roof
Your roof can accumulate dust or debris with time. You need to clean first before applying any homemade roof cleaner.
You can take a broom or a leaf blower and clean the entire roof.
5. Prepare Home Made Roof Cleaner
You can choose the roof cleaner based on the materials of your roof.
- Dilute Bleach Solution
If you have an asphalt shingle roof, I recommend using a diluted bleach solution.
Mix one part of house bleach and one water in a pump sprayer. You can add some dish soap to the mixture. Shake it thoroughly and gently apply it on the roof.
- Vinegar Solution
Vinegar is a natural disinfectant. It is cheaper, and you can easily find it in grocery stores. It even mixes effectively with dish soap.
You need to take white vinegar and water in a ratio of 1:1. Add some dish soap to it.
Combine all the ingredients in a pump sprayer. Mix thoroughly and apply it on the roof.
6. Rinse Your Roof
Apply the homemade roof cleaner to the entire roof. Wait for a few minutes. You can then rinse the whole roof with the help of a garden hose.
Now, your roof is neat and clean. It is free from algae and moss. If you feel uncomfortable or cannot remove any stubborn stains, then it’s prime to call a professional.
I will recommend always applying the homemade roof cleaner first on the small roof area. You can then wait for a few minutes. If it does not harm or cause discoloration, you can apply it to the entire roof surface.
How Can I Maintain a Clean Roof?
You can maintain a clean roof by the following steps.
- You need to trim the tree branches often. The branches of the tree can create shade and an ideal place for the growth of mold and fungi.
- You need always to remove the debris from the roof. Take a leaf blower or broom and remove debris periodically from your roof.
- Ensure to have a proper gutter system. It will make the water flow from the roof.
Conclusion
Dust, or mold and algae growth, can make the roof look dirty and ugly. The roof’s life span can be reduced if you don’t take the necessary action.
Usage of abrasive chemicals can harm the roof badly. So, it’s better to apply homemade roof cleaner on the roof. It helps remove the moss and algae and clean the roof surface.
