Frequently Asked Questions: Roof Cleaning
Roof cleaning is one of those things that lots of people have misconceptions about. If you’ve been wondering what a roof cleaning from Beautiful Day entails, here is all the info you need!
How often does my roof need to be cleaned? In most cases, once a roof has had a good soft washing it will stay mostly free from new growths for up to three years. Some roofs may need to be cleaned more or less often depending on factors such as overhanging trees, sun exposure, and areas of deep shade. We are happy to help you plan for appropriate maintenance for your roof so that you get the right service at the right time for your property.
What happens when I don't get my roof cleaned often enough? In the Tacoma area, the main issue that most roofs face is moss growth. Allowing moss (and other organic infestations) to grow unchecked on your roof can damage your roof surface, and can lead to leaks as the moss grows between the shingles and lifts them apart. Other risks can include accumulated debris that increases the strain on your roof structure. It is always best practice to have your roof cleaned and maintained regularly to avoid any big, expensive problems down the road.
How can I tell my roof needs to be cleaned? In general, you can know your roof needs to be cleaned if it has been over three years since your last cleaning. You can also head over to the shadier side of your house and take a look at whatever portion of the roof you can see (don’t climb a ladder unless you feel safe doing so!) Look for loose debris, visible moss or lichen growths, dark discoloration, and staining. If you can see areas that look mossy, stained, or hidden under debris, then you probably need a roof cleaning! Keep in mind that it is common for some areas of your roof to look clean while other areas do not. Pay special attention to shadier areas and to places where two sections of your roof come together to form a valley.
How long will my roof keep looking clean after a cleaning? Typically, roofs will stay looking clean for around 3 years, but results vary depending on the exact environment of your roof. Shadier roofs, and roofs with more overhanging trees will start looking mossier and stained more quickly, and will accumulate debris seasonally.
What chemicals do you use to clean roofs? We have two main chemicals we use to treat different levels of organic infestation.
For roofs with large moss colonies and lots of organic staining, we use a biodegradable soft washing solution comprised of sodium hypochlorite and specialty roof cleaning soap with low pressure water to wash the entire roof surface. This solution causes everything growing on the roof to decompose. All the little bits of dead moss and gunk that may be left behind will wash down naturally off the roof over the next 3-12 months depending on the size of the moss colonies. Allowing these bits to wash away on their own is the gentlest way to treat a mossy roof.
For roofs that only require a little tune-up we blow off loose debris and apply sodium bicarbonate powder (basically baking soda) in a careful pattern along the roof line. This powder changes the pH of the roof, making it a less hospitable environment for moss and other organic infestations. Our careful application pattern ensures that the entire surface of the roof is treated as the powder washes naturally down the slope.
What happens to the debris you remove from the roof? We like to say “we are only as good as our clean up!” Roof debris can include leaves, tree needles, sticks, dirt, and moss chunks. Anything like this that is blown or brushed off your roof, or scooped out of your gutters during a clean will be carefully collected and disposed of. We will not leave behind a mess for you to deal with!
What types of roofs do you clean? We clean asphalt shingle roofs, concrete tile roofs, thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roofs, and some metal roofs. We can handle roofs of all shapes and pitches, though our techniques may vary depending on the exact topography of your roof.
Can you clean metal roofs? Yes … on a case by case basis. We need to be able to access all the faces of a metal roof in order to properly apply and rinse the soft washing treatment. Reach out to us about your metal roof and we can check it out!
What makes a roof cleaning by Beautiful Day different from other companies? We pride ourselves on our careful and thorough approach. Here are some things that we do to treat your property with the same high standards we would use on our own homes:
We do not pressure wash roofs, as this will void your warranty and could easily damage delicate shingles and roof structures.
We are only as good as our clean up! We carefully collect and remove all debris from roofs and gutters so that there is no mess created in your yard or patio.
We are safe. Our crews are trained in a variety of techniques to access roofs of different shapes safely.
We have dedicated systems to protect your property and surrounding area from damage during our cleaning process. These systems help to protect your plants and outdoor furniture from chemicals and debris.
If you’d like to see more details about the excellence of Beautiful Day services, check out our Google reviews!
Does it need to be a particular time of year to have my roof cleaned? We clean roofs all year long! As long as your roof isn’t covered in snow, we can clean it. One consideration is that our Roof Tune-Up service involves laying down lines of sodium bicarbonate powder to help prevent new organic growths on your roof. This technique relies on rain to slowly wash the powder over the surface of the roof to thoroughly treat it. In drier conditions during the summer, we opt for different strategies.
How do you keep my plants safe during a cleaning? No one wants their bushes, grass, trees, or flowers to be drinking in cleaning chemicals. To help protect your plants, we assign a dedicated technician to water nearby plants and vegetation before, during, and after the roof cleaning. This mitigates plant exposure to chemicals and runoff.
What will my roof look like after a cleaning? After a roof cleaning from Beautiful Day, all visible discoloration and organic staining will be cleared up, and all loose debris will have been blown away. If your roof has been brushed, then large clumps of moss will have been dislodged, while smaller clumps will be left behind to decompose to ensure that your roof isn’t damaged by excessive brushing. Any leftover moss will turn white immediately and then decompose over the next several months. For maintenance cleans (we call them Roof Tune-Ups) there will be lines of white powder (sodium bicarbonate) left on your roof to help prevent new growths. Rain will gradually wash this powder down the surface of your roof to evenly treat it.
Will your process keep my HOA and insurance company happy? Assuming that your roof is in good repair under the moss and grime, yes! Our process will take care of all the problems that generally plague HOAs and insurance companies, such as moss, staining, and accumulated debris. Our detailed invoices will provide documentation of your cleaning.
Can a roof cleaning help me get my house ready to sell? Yes! A clean roof can help create instant curb appeal. If you request it, we can perform additional brushing to remove as many moss clumps as possible rather than leaving smaller bits to decompose after they are treated. Our detailed invoices will provide assurance to prospective buyers and inspectors that the roof has been maintained.
