Keeping the roof of your commercial building clean isn’t just about aesthetics. It impacts longevity and safety and can even reduce heating and cooling costs. However, utilizing the wrong commercial roof cleaning techniques may counterintuitively jeopardize these very same outcomes. With that in mind, let’s have a look at some of the do’s and don’ts of commercial roof cleaning:
The Do’s
- Cleaning Your Roof Proactively. Debris accumulation can lead to drainage issues, mold development, and roof deterioration over time. That’s why it’s critical to schedule commercial roof cleaning once or twice a year, as this will prevent buildup and preserve your roof’s integrity.
- Using Gentle Cleaning Methods. Non-corrosive cleaners, when coupled with soft-bristled brushes, are highly effective at removing growths and dirt without damaging your roof. Furthermore, using biodegradable cleaners prevents runoff pollution violations. On the other hand, harsh cleaning agents can be highly abrasive to your roof. They strip away vital roof coatings that protect from UV rays and water seepage with each wash, thus accelerating the aging process.
The Don’ts
- Pressure Washing. In the long run, pressure washing does more harm than good to your roof. Excess water pressure levels can tear roofing membranes, blow off aggregate coatings, and embed water under layers, leading to organic growth and leaks. We recommend softwashing instead, which uses regulated low pressure under 200 PSI for commercial roof cleaning.
- Forgetting to Rinse After Cleaning. Letting the mixture of water and dirt sit on your roof after a wash may prove counterproductive to your roof cleaning efforts. Not only will it leave your roof dirtier than before, but it will also encourage organic regrowth after a short while.