27 Apr
4 Roof Cleaning Methods
Category: Roof Plumber Melbourne
O’Boyles Roof Plumbing offers the best in Colorbond roofing and guttering installation.
You complete all the minor to-dos on your annual cleaning checklist: washing, waxing, dusting, mopping and organising. You’re now left with the whopper. A to-do you’ve avoided for a few years in a row. It’s time to clean your roof.
Although it may seem like a time-wasting chore, basic roof cleaning actually comes with a number of benefits, including the following:
- Restores beauty of your home
- Prevents animal invasion
- Prevents rot and mould
We’ve outlined a few roof cleaning tips so you can keep your roof in prime condition for the year to come. Remember that cleaning a roof is difficult and even dangerous if you do it alone. Make sure you have a friend or neighbour help and follow all ladder safety procedures.
Start with Gutters
Gutters often accumulate leaves and debris, and may even house small animals.
If leaves have accumulated in your gutter, rain water won’t have a place to go. Instead of draining to the ground, water will build up in your gutter and cause overflow on your roof. Without a proper place to go, water will seep into your roof and may cause rotting and mould.
Avoid major roof damage by cleaning your gutters at least once a year. To clean, try the following steps:
- Wear a long-sleeve shirt and rubber gloves.
- Cover your lawn with a plastic tarp.
- Climb a ladder and use a plastic scoop to remove all debris.
- Throw all debris onto the plastic tarp.
- Fill a bucket with warm water (or use the hose) and flush the gutter and downspouts to clear all debris.
If you notice a leak in your gutter while flushing it clean, call your local roof maintenance team to discuss your options.
Get Rid of Leaves
Is your roof surrounded by low trees? If so, leaves can easily accumulate on your roof. Although an accumulation of leaves may not seem like a major issue, leaf mounds can trap moisture and gradually decompose, causing rot and creating a fertile ground for moss and mould to grow.
To clean away leaves, you can stand on a ladder and pull leaves down with a brush (car-washing brushes work great) or a roof leaf rake. It’s important to note that you should not go above a height of 2 metres without the proper height safety equipment, this includes getting up on your rooftop.
Trim Branches
If leaves and branches are scattered across your roof, it may be wise to trim overhanging branches. Tree branches that are close to your roof may break off and damage your roofing material.
Do you live in an area with high winds? If so, trimming branches is a vital step. High winds can send tree limbs flying and could damage your roof or present a safety hazard to you, your family and passersby.
Another important reason to trim branches is to keep rodents and other pests away from your roof. Small animals oftentimes climb trees and launch themselves onto roofs, where they can start an infestation or even undermine the roof. Trim branches so that no limb comes within 2 or 3 metres of your roof.
Don’t know how to trim branches or afraid you might cause damage to your roof in the process? Hire a professional to do the job for you.
Call Professionals
The safest way to clean your roof is to have trained professionals do it for you. If you don’t have all the equipment you need or you’re not comfortable on a ladder, hiring professional roof cleaners is your best option.
If you notice leaks or other problems while cleaning your roof, you need to get them fixed as soon as possible. O’Boyles can help you with any roofing problems you have; from roof repairs to new metal roofing installation.
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