Roof Cleaning
We at MOSS MONSTER smash the dirt and not the property. The offending concern is the organic growth which can become a health problem. So let us make the problem disappear and sanitise your property!
We can:
Softwash
Steam clean
Treatment
Sanitise
Why do people have roofs cleaned? Is it really necessary?
Well many people often call me because they are fed-up of the moss that has fallen onto their drive or pathway or front porch.
You may think “It’s only a bit of moss, ignore it!” Is this a wise idea?
Fallen moss is usually a sign of a roof overdue a clean and blocked gutters and potentially downpipes or drains.
Is roof cleaning really necessary?
Did you know there are at least six reasons why people have their roofs cleaned.
Let’s consider: Why clean things?
- So Cleaning is aesthetically pleasing to the eye
- Cleaning is hygienically pleasing to our health
- Cleaning adds value to things
- Cleaning preserves the longevity of a product therefore saves money from replacing it more frequently
- Often the correct procedures of cleaning will protect the warranty of the product
- The Potential affect to other things because of not maintaining a product
What about Roof Cleaning?
1. Aesthetically:
A clean roof makes the whole property look so much better, impressive, and stunning to look at and enjoy.
We have our windows cleaned regularly so we can see clearly yet this is only a fraction of the exterior of the property.
Why not make our complete property gorgeous!
2. Hygienically:
All too well we now know the effects of bacteria, viruses and diseases. Maybe we have become more conscientious than ever before with sanitising and sterilizing. So how about our roofs? Keeping our roofs clean can reduce the effect of allergies. As pollen and dirt build-up it can clump and get underneath tiles. This causes water to flow where it’s not supposed to go. Water can then get into places it’s not supposed to and cause moisture issues. It can also allow for pollen and dust to get into our home. com says: “Remove dead leaves near the foundation and gutters; they lead to dampness, which fosters mould.” The dark stains that you see on roof tiles are not non-living matter but are active, living algae which keep on growing.
The algae spores end up on our roofs because of wind and birds and trees. Algae, mould, mildew or fungi grow.
3. Value:
It goes without saying that a clean property increases the potential to be noticed above the competition of other property sellers when selling your property and makes the property have viability to justify the asking price. Imagine not only clean windows but clean window frames, driveways, fascias, soffits, gutters, render, brick walls, roofs, garage doors, decking, and so on. I think you’re got the picture.
4. Longevity:
Like most products in life, in order to keep the manufacturer’s warranty in order then it’s important to follow the instructions and requirements for maintenance and cleaning. In winter, heavy snowfall and torrential rain on top of an already burdensome mat of moss can become a serious and dangerous occurrence. The roots of moss are invasive and work their way between the tiles, prying them apart and shifting their position, causing dislodgement of tiles, decreasing roof strength and integrity.
Moss and lichens are unsightly yes, but they are not just an aesthetic issue. Over time the microscopic root filaments eat away the surface of the tiles, making small indentations and pits which lead to fracture when water freezes and expands during the colder months. Further internal problems can then ensue due to water ingress.
5. Insurance protection:
With unmaintained roofs then moss, plant life, sticks and other things carried from birds and the wind can fall into the gutters. Roofs and gutters not cleared regularly are a fire hazard and can make the building insurance null and void if proven that no regular maintenance was carried out to keep gutters clear. The accumulation of debris such as branches and leaves in your gutters pose the risk of fire, more so during hot and dry weather in dry areas.
Besides, water that seeps to the inside of the property from the clogged gutters can cause electrical fires when it reaches the electrical wiring.
6. Cause and Effect:
Next we could consider thermal performance. Moss and lichens do not reflect U.V. rays like a clean and shiny roof tile, meaning your home will absorb more heat in summer and lose more heat in winter increasing your energy bills in all seasons.
What another respectable roofing supplier says:
“Why clean roof tiles?"
Moisture related issues
If roof moss, algae and dirt is left on roof tiles and not dealt with, it can have a number of impacts. Firstly, moss absorbs moisture easily, which not only adds weight to the roof, putting it under stress, but can also result in moisture entering the roof space. Roof tiles do not dry in the sun, as the moss, dirt and lichen act as a barrier, keeping the tiles moist, which can lead to moisture soaking through into the roof. This can seriously damage integral parts of the roof structure, such as causing timber rafters to rot, which leads to long term damage. Additionally, moisture can cause cracks and splits in your roof tiles.
Damage to structural bonds
Moss grows well on cement, which means that it often grows on the bond that joins ridge tiles, apex tiles and the roof. Growing in these places can cause significant damage, agitating and breaking bonds that are key to the structure of the roof.
Overheating
Moss, algae and dirt build ups on roof tiles can also result in an overheating attic and roof space, as it covers the roof tiles, preventing heat from leaving the building. Not only does this create an uncomfortable living or working situation, it can also result in high energy bills for ventilation and air conditioning.
Blocked gutters
The presence of moss, algae or dirt on your roof tiles can also result in blockages in your roofline drainage system. The build-up of moss and other materials can block the guttering that runs along the tiled roof, causing water to run down the sides of the building, which can lead to unsightly marks, but also result in damp within the walls of the property.”
So use a Softwash contractor who should advise you the correct application to use for your property and on what substrate (building surface).
Should you Softwash or powerwash? Both have useful applications. But if you choose the wrong application it can be disastrous.
So in conclusion…For good looks, for health, to save money, make money and peace of mind
What is SoftWashing, and What Does it do?
Soft washing is a cleaning technique that involves spraying a disinfectant solution to eliminate microorganisms such as algae, bacteria, mildews, mould and lichens. These microorganisms commonly occupy floors, walls of homes or roofs. You should periodically remove them since they cause deterioration in the quality of roofs and walls.
You can imagine how unsightly a wall or roof with algae and mildew stains might look. With soft washing, you can prevent this by spraying a biodegradable chemical solution that will eliminate them. It is worth noting that you should use the proper chemicals to avoid damaging the roofs and walls.
Soft washing is highly preferred for roofs instead of pressure washing because it is gentle on the roof materials. A pressure wash system will have the same effect on your roof as hail storms!
Can you be sure that your insurance company would pay you for a damaged roof if you know you cleaned it with a pressure washer!
Soft washing cleans and sanitises surfaces killing damaging microorganisms that are considered to be pest and so we provide pest control to your home for a hygienically healthier environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is Moss Bad for my Roof?
Although most mosses pose no danger to humans, moss growth can severely compromise your roof. Moss is incredibly effective at absorbing moisture, which means that any moisture trying to leave your roof will be captured. Moss is also very likely to grow in between roof tiles, filling up the voids between them which can lift the tiles and expose what lies underneath to the elements. This combination of excessive moisture and exposure to rainwater is what leads to serious structural damage such as rotting timber or damp insulation.
Is a soft wash system different from a pressure washer system?
Yes. A soft wash system uses chemicals, while a pressure washer doesn’t. Also, a pressure washer makes use of high-pressure water. The pressure from a soft wash system is similar to a garden hose.
Is soft washing safe for house roofs?
It depends on who you use to do the work. I will give you some examples to watch out for: Does the contractor offer to ‘clean’ your roof using pressure washers? This isn’t the wisest choice as pressure washers are designed for ‘pressure’. Pressure washers can be used for example to remove paint from surfaces. Imagine what can accidentally or inconsiderately be done to your roof tile surfaces. Your roof tiles can be dislodged or a top layer of the tile can be eroded.
Using experienced professionals – that means persons who have applied knowledge wisely and carefully to care for your home and investment then positive results will happen and a contented, happy customer you will be. By using the correct chemicals; The proper measurement percentage of chemical mix and carefully controlling the use to contain to the area being worked on, fine result ensues.
Should I softwash regularly?
There are different opinions about this. It depends on lots of factors. These are some factors but this is not an exhaustive list:
- Initial chemical concentration applied.
- Type of material substrate needing the attention.
- Limited light exposure – Typically “North Facing”
One of the problems you may encounter with your home’s maintenance is moss and algae. Algae and moss are similar, yet quite different in how they develop and how they can be removed.
You may notice that your roof, while not black in colour, is forming a black discoloration. Most people will misidentify this as mould or mildew, when in actuality its algae build up. Very prevalent in the many parts of England, algae will continue to grow on any surface where there is plenty of moisture to help it along
Causes of Moss and Algae
When shade is combined with cool temperatures and rain, algae and moss will start to form. Once it’s visible to you, it’s probably been there for three to four months already.
Algae spores can be carried by the wind or animals such as birds and transported to your roof. Algae build-up is very common. Usually when you see one roof in a neighbourhood affected by algae, you will see others too.
Moss is a non-vascular plant that receives water through its leaves. Moss tends to grow on north-facing roofs in England.
Moss and algae will grow on every roof. Moss spreads via releasing spores like many plants. Moss growth is far more likely on damp, cool surfaces that don’t receive much sunlight. This makes north-facing tiled roofs especially prone to moss and algae build-up, as they can quickly take root in the dark places between and under roof tiles or slates. Roof tiles made from clay or concrete are particularly susceptible to moss growth. This is because their porous surfaces and frequent exposure to rain and damp conditions make them the perfect environment for moss to root down and spread very effectively.
Once roof moss and algae are spotted, they should be removed as soon as possible. Without removal, the roof surface will, over time, become damaged to the point of needing total repair.
You will want to have the moss and algae treated right away. Have an expert evaluate your property. Roof repair can be expensive, so fixing a moss and algae problem as early as possible could save you a lot of money in the long run.
So, Should I soft wash regularly? As often as you start to see a colour change on your roof or organic growths forming again such as black algae, mould, mildew, moss or lichen then this would be a good time to get your roof, wall, patio or drive cleaned again.
We are here to help. For a no obligation quotation we can visit you and explain face to face in greater detail what we do and why it works well. We use a variety of access equipment so as to avoid clambering onto your roof whereby this could damage tiles by weight transfer. We offer some of the best techniques in the industry so you can have peace of mind.
Roof Veranda Cleaning
Before
After
“Applying best techniques in this industry”
Limited Company Information:
Company Number 13463041
Registered Business Office Address:
Wootton Taylor,
30 Foregate Street
Worcester
WR1 1DS
Registered in England & Wales
Disclaimer:
The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as specific professional advice.
While efforts are made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the content, no responsibility is taken for any consequences that may arise from the personal use of this information. It is always recommended to seek our professional advice and conduct thorough research tailored to your specific situation before making any decisions. The user assumes all responsibility and risk for the use of the information provided.