Are you planning to give your roof a good cleaning this fall? Between constant debris and weather elements, there’s no question your roof takes a beating throughout the year. However, if you’ve thought about power washing your roof, you may want to think twice. While power washing may seem like a great idea in theory, there are many reasons to avoid this method of cleaning. Though power washing can be effective for cleaning other parts of your home, it can have long-lasting damage to your roof’s surface.
Here’s why you should avoid power washing your roof:
Permanent damage
Power washing is likely to strip the granules off your roof’s shingles which protect your home from rain, snow and sleet. Damage to shingles will deteriorate the integrity of your roof, causing the need for a replacement much sooner than its expected lifespan. Also, if you’re new to using a power washer, chances are you won’t know how to properly regulate the output of pressure coming from the machine. If you assert too much water pressure when spraying, your shingles can easily fall off. For older roofs in particular, power washing can especially cause severe damage. This is because your roof’s shingles have likely already experienced deterioration, making them more susceptible to further damage from the power washer. Furthermore, if you have a large amount of debris on your roof, power washing can cause unwanted moss and fungus to spread to other parts of your home’s exterior, potentially resulting in the growth of bacteria and mold.
Warranty issues
Many people don’t realize that roof warranties often exclude the use of a power washer, as it is likely to cause irreparable damage. If power washing causes permanent damage to your roof, there’s a high likelihood that your warranty will not cover the cost to fix it. If you have an extended manufacturer’s warranty, be sure to read the fine print and avoid doing anything that can potentially have a detrimental effect on your roof’s condition.
If you believe your roof needs to be cleaned, it’s always best to consult with a qualified professional who will be able to fully inspect your roof and provide the best recommendations. From there, you’ll be able to proceed with a cleaning option that will preserve your roof for years to come.
Let AVA Handle Your Roofing Needs
Are you in need of roof maintenance or repairs this fall? Get in touch with AVA Roofing and let our experienced professional contractors answer all your questions!