When was the last time your roof was cleaned? If it’s been a while, it’s possible that the surface has become filthy over time—and that’s bad news for you. A dirty roof brings on a variety of negative consequences, and you’ll want to avoid these as much as possible. However, you need to be prepared for the challenges you’ll face during your DIY roof soft wash. If you don’t prepare, your project will go much less smoothly, if not end in outright failure.
Learn five challenges of a DIY roof soft wash with Golden State Window Cleaning! And remember, you can always avoid the DIY process by scheduling an appointment with us. It’s always our pleasure to serve the Lafayette community.
#1: Finding Enough Time For the Work
If you want to do your own roof soft wash, you’ll need to give yourself enough time. However, this is easier said than done. Time is a nonrenewable resource, and sometimes, it’s difficult to carve out an opening in your schedule. This is especially true if you have a full-time job, errands to run, chores to do, and kids to pick up from school. Working a roof soft wash into your calendar might prove to be a real hassle!
If you want to do your own roof soft wash, you’ll need to give yourself five or six hours. That way, you have enough time to familiarize yourself with roof cleaning techniques and complete the work to your satisfaction. Make sure you don’t have any important appointments on the day of your roof soft wash, too. You don’t want to miss them because your project took more time than anticipated.
#2: Getting the Right Roof Soft Wash Gear
If you’re serious about cleaning your roof on your own, you’ll need the correct equipment. Otherwise, you won’t even be able to get started! So, what exactly will you have to buy? First, make sure you have a pressure washer. This device connects to a water source, highly pressurizes water, and sprays it through a hose. This allows for the simple cleaning of any exterior surfaces.
What else will you need for roof cleaning? Make sure you have everything on the list below to ensure your roof soft wash goes swimmingly:
- Basic Detergent: You can put a simple pressure washing detergent in your pressure washer’s soap tank to help with the removal of debris.
- Sodium Hypochlorite: Some debris is so stubborn that it needs special treatment. Use powerful sodium hypochlorite to break it down.
- Spray Applicator: You’ll need a spray applicator so you can apply sodium hypochlorite to surfaces. Don’t put sodium hypochlorite in your pressure washer’s soap tank.
- Ladder: A ladder is necessary so you can reach your roof in the first place. Always exercise caution when using a ladder.
- Safety Gear: Anytime you use a pressure washer, wear safety gear, including goggles, gloves, full-length pants, and closed-toe shoes.
#3: Putting Your Safety First
Doing your own roof soft wash isn’t for the faint of heart. If you want to complete this work successfully, you’ll need to overcome the fear of heights. Not only that, but you’ll need to prioritize your safety, too. Always put your ladder on a flat surface where you don’t have to worry about it tipping over. Additionally, remember the rule of three points of contact; three of your four limbs should be gripping the ladder at all times. This reduces the risk of a fall.
Carelessness and DIY roof cleaning don’t mix, so make sure you’re well-rested and ready to focus on the project at hand. If you only slept a few hours last night, maybe it’s best to postpone the work and try again when your senses are sharper.
#4: Using the Correct Water Pressure
When preparing your pressure washer, you’ll notice an adjustable dial that lets you choose how much water pressure to use. Make sure you take this option seriously. Using too much water pressure can actually cause significant damage to your roof. That’s because strong jets of water will wear down delicate roofing materials, especially vinyl, asphalt, and clay. This will dramatically increase the risk of a leak forming, landing you with costly repair bills.
Always research how much water pressure you should use based on your roof’s material. Remember, this is a roof soft wash, not a roof power wash. This means that you’ll almost always be using less than 1,000 PSI. Some materials may need to be treated with as little as 150 PSI!
#5: Using Cleaning Solutions When Needed
Are you struggling to wash stubborn debris off your roof? Sometimes, low-pressure water and basic detergent aren’t enough to get the job done. You might need powerful sodium hypochlorite to completely remove all grime. Let’s take a quick look at how to use sodium hypochlorite so your roof can look its absolute best again!
First, you’ll want to apply a thin layer of sodium hypochlorite to the area you’re struggling to clean. You can do this by using your spray applicator. Next, wait fifteen minutes for all surface debris to be broken down. Finally, rinse the roof clean; debris that was previously too tough to remove should wash away fairly quickly now.
Consider a Professional Roof Soft Wash
Don’t want to do your own roof soft wash? If the work outlined above intimidates you, maybe it’s best to spend your time and energy in other ways. By reaching out to Golden State Window Cleaning, you won’t have to bother with DIY roof cleaning. Instead, you can focus on your other responsibilities, and in the meantime, we’ll give your roof a complete transformation.
To get started, contact us online with information about your roof today. We will get back to you as soon as possible with a free cost estimate. From there, it’s up to you to decide whether you want to schedule an appointment. Choose a time and date that works for you, and we’ll be there soon to make your roof spotless!
