What Type of Equipment Is Needed for Low-Pressure Roof Cleaning?

Florida homeowners face certain challenges in maintaining the appearance and function of their homes. The humidity creates a number of issues that require special maintenance. Your home can develop algae, mildew, or mold on just about any surface, but the roof is especially vulnerable. 

The black stains on your roof are unsightly, and untreated algae can lead to mold. If tile or asphalt shingle roofing shows these signs of damage, a property’s value will drop. If you are considering cleaning your roof yourself, a low-pressure cleaning is easier on the shingles. Here is more about the type of equipment you will need for a proper low-pressure roof clean.

Pressure Washer

With the proper equipment, low-pressure roof cleaning can be a weekend DIY project for some. If you already have a pressure washer, be certain the pounds per square inch (psi) is set to a very low setting, or you will risk damaging the tiles or worse—blowing the shingles off the roof.

These machines are designed to use a high-pressure water spray to remove loose paint, mold, grime, dust, mud, and dirt from surfaces such as concrete or buildings. Machines that are available can produce anywhere from 750 to 30,000 psi. They can be powered by gas or electricity, and spray a jet of water at a volume from three to eight gallons per minute.

Chemical Sprayer and Pump

This can be a pricey item. A tank should hold at least 60 gallons to get through cleaning the average-sized roof. The pump and tank should be rated for bleach and not just water. It should be noted that gasoline-powered pumps are stainless steel and should not be affected by the chemicals. Electric pumps can fail periodically due to the corrosive nature of the bleach.

Hoses

The size of the hose you choose is another consideration. Your job will go faster if you use a wider width, enabling you to spread the chemical mixture more quickly. Some roof cleaning contractors prefer their hoses around ½ – ¾  inches in diameter. 

The length of the hose you use will depend on how tall your house is and where you put the pump. Usually, 50 to 100 feet should be enough, however, some larger homes may require up to 200 feet of hose to get the job done safely and efficiently.

Bleach-rated hose costs around $2 per foot, whereas a clear poly hose can cost as little as $.50 per foot. You can opt for even cheaper hoses if you would prefer to simply throw it away when the job is done. Do not use hoses that have had the chemical mixture in them for other purposes. Bleach and chemical residue may be unintentionally sprayed onto plants or greenery.

Garden Hose and Spray Nozzle

Be sure to spray off any plants or landscape and any runoff from the roof when you are done. The chemicals can damage plant life. This will also ensure that you don’t expose plants or pets to any molds, algae, or mildew that may have survived the cleaning process. 

Use your garden hose to completely spray the sides of the house, the plants, grass, and trees in the immediate area. Any walkways or decorative gravel paths should also be flushed with fresh water.

Personal Safety Gear

Fall arrests and safety harnesses are extremely important when working on the roof. Saving a few dollars by not purchasing these items is simply not worth the risk of broken bones, paralysis, or worse.  Safety goggles, boots, and protective gloves are also important to keep your skin from being exposed to chemical overspray or any accidental splashes.

Low-Pressure vs. High-Pressure Roof Cleaning

We recommend against high-pressure roof cleaning, especially when dealing with asphalt or tile roofs. The pressure is too high and degrades the tiles or simply lifts them off and unseats them from the sealing agent. With repeated high-pressure cleanings, roof surfaces can also be worn away and damaged.

Is Low-Pressure Washing Safe for My Roof?

Low-pressure cleaning when done properly is safe and will not damage most types of roofs. The low-pressure method combines chemicals and gentler pressure wash techniques to provide excellent results without the risk of damage. Unlike a high-pressure treatment, the low pressure is much gentler, incorporating bleach and detergents to remove stains and kill the growth.

Cleaning roofs to remove Spanish moss or algae is dangerous work that involves considerable risk. If cleaners are inhaled and cause dizziness, a nasty fall can be the result. Slick surfaces from the detergents can cause slips and falls, and ladder accidents are not uncommon. Do not get in a hurry to finish the job. Take your time, use caution, and don’t rush.  

Book Low-Pressure Roof Cleaning Services for Your Home Today

Homeowners trust First Coast Home Pros to provide low-pressure roof cleaning services to their homes. Excellent service, a spotless roof, and efficient pros are a great alternative to performing your own roof cleaning. Our excellence-guaranteed services include house and carpet cleaning, window washing, drapery cleaning, and handyman services, just to name a few. 

Trusted in Florida for over a decade, our roof experts will clean your roofs and gutters with care and precision. Call us today to schedule services or for a free consultation. Your home will thank you for it.