The roof is one of the most essential components of a home, yet it is often overlooked when it comes to maintenance. Mosses, lichens, algae and fungi can accumulate there and gradually damage tiles and slates. That’s why we recommend using an appropriate roof cleaner to protect your home and extend the life of your roof. But there are several roof cleaners on the market and finding the product that meets your needs without evaluating certain criteria is not always easy. In this article, we will explain how to choose your cleaner and discuss the precautions to take before cleaning a roof.
The different types of roof cleaners
There are a multitude of roof cleaning products on the market. Some brands, like Arcane, have stood out for their premium cleansers. THE roof cleaner based on chemicals is the one most commonly found on the market. It is very effective but not really ecological. To use it, care must be taken not to inhale it.
Water-based cleaners are a gentler, more environmentally friendly alternative. But they are not as effective as those containing chemicals. Finally, cleaners containing bio-enzymes are environmentally friendly and safe to clean a roof, but more expensive.
How to choose the right cleaner for your roof?
To know the type of cleaner you should choose, you must first assess the condition of your roof. If it is very dirty and covered in moss, lichen or algae, you should use a strong cleaner (chemical or bio-enzyme based) to remove stubborn stains. If it is lightly soiled, a water cleaner should suffice.
It is also important to consider the type of roof you have. Every roof has different characteristics, so you need a cleaner that is compatible with your roofing material. For example, if you have a tiled roof, you should not use a cleaner that is too strong, as this can damage the surface of the roof. If you have a metal roof, you can opt for a powerful cleaner, this is not a problem for this material.
Precautions to take when cleaning the roof
To clean your roof, you must take certain precautions to avoid damaging it and for your own safety. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be worn to protect you from fall hazards and the chemicals used in the cleaner. PPE often includes safety glasses, gloves, a helmet and a safety harness.
Then, you have to prepare the work surface by removing all the objects that are on your roof (leaves, branches and debris). It is also recommended to protect gutters and downspouts with tarps to prevent them from being blocked by debris or cleaning products.
Finally, it is important to clean your roof in dry, windless weather to prevent cleaning products from flying or running into the gutters.