Low Pressure Roof Cleaning Equipment

Roof Cleaning Equipment

• Many roof cleaning companies advertise their services to homeowners for general roof cleaning and mold removal from roofs, as well as stain removal. These companies often use high-pressure equipment that employs a tank on a trailer, a pumping mechanism and hoses needed to reach roof areas. A wand is used to spray water onto the roof area to remove dirt and stains. A variety of chemicals may be used for roof cleaning, including sodium hydroxide, ammonia, trisodium phosphate and oxygen-type products.

Roof Cleaning Methods

• Unfortunately, high-pressure sprays can damage the materials in several kinds of roofing materials. Composite roofs, which are made from a combination of materials including recycled plastics and resins, can be damaged by such washing. High-pressure can also damage the delicate wood fibers of wood shingle material. Clay roof tiles can be dislodged by high-pressure equipment. For roof cleaning, low-pressure methods are preferred to prevent damage, as well as leakage that can occur when the high-pressure spray shoots into areas under and around shingles and tiles. Instead, manual methods are preferred to remove mold and mildew, stains and other materials.

Low-Pressure Roof Cleaning

• Pressure sprays can use a variety of settings to apply the fluid to the roof. High settings may be used for a number of cleaning applications such as washing concrete or masonry surfaces. Roofing materials require a lower setting to avoid damaging the materials, as well as the fasteners that hold them in place. A setting between 1,000 and 1,800 pounds per square inch (psi), is generally used for roofing materials, according to AmazingMachinery.com. This number can vary depending on the type of roof material you have. The manufacturer of your roofing material may recommend a pressure. The use of a 25 degree want is also recommended for roofing materials.

Roof Cleaning Precautions

• Always use the lower settings on pressure cleaning equipment, regardless of the type of roofing material. Avoid spraying upward on the material, which can inject water underneath shingles, causing dislocation of the materials and leakage into the interior of the home, according to AskTheBuilder.com. When hiring pressure washer contractors, make sure that they are reputable professionals with a track record in washing roofs.