The proper maintenance of roofing materials is essential for ensuring the long life of an entire roof system. Care should be taken to do it right. Using the wrong technique to clean a roof can cost tens of thousands of dollars in damage, and even invalidate home warranties and insurance.
In fact, roofing material manufacturers warn against using power washing tools to clean roofs. The intense force of water can send pieces of roofing flying and cause irreparable damage to an entire building.
Why you should never pressure wash your roof.
- Pressure washing can decrease the longevity of all roofing materials, leading to an early, pricey roof replacement.
- The water output pressure can be difficult to regulate. The tool can also have the wrong size nozzle for the job. Any spray released incorrectly can cause harm.
- High-pressure water can compromise the sealants around vents, skylights, and chimney flashing, just like a severe rain or hailstorm. Leaks are sure to follow.
- Further, pressure washing can remove important UV protection, shingles, resin, and even concrete! This leads to leaks and further damage to the entire home.
- Water from power washing can get behind vapour barriers as well, resulting in structural rot.
- Excess water may also seep through structural overlaps and edges, causing rot and mold. This may further spread fungus and other organic matter from one small area of the roof to the entire roof.
- The action of a cleaning crew pressure washing on a rooftop can cause damage from work boots and hoses dragging all over roof material.
- Pressure washing is so damaging it can tear off protective granulation from asphalt roofs, wear away concrete to worsen cracks, and chip away paint.
- Gutters can also be damaged from over-zealous pressure washing as the force is capable of tearing out caulking.
- Pressure washing tools are not environmentally friendly—the cleaning system gobbles excess gas and water and causes irritating noise pollution.
While other companies may try to convince homeowners that pressure washing the roof is completely safe, it’s not worth the risk. Beware of any maintenance company that offers inexpensive pressure washing. Buying into it could cost an expensive roof replacement.
Homeowners take heart! We offer de-mossing maintenance services that help maintain roof systems safely. Our environment-friendly spray treatment and brushing techniques effectively remove moss buildup. Our expert roofers at Shoreline Roofing & Exteriors are here to assist everyone in safely and effectively maintaining their roof, regardless of roofing material. Call us today to book an appointment with our team, (250) 413-7967.