Here in South East Queensland, we’re almost always facing hot weather. That means we can end up relying on our air conditioning a lot – which isn’t good for our wallets or for the environment. Some homes are insulated better than others, keeping the house nice and cool. Regular roof cleaning helps roofing materials reflect sunlight more effectively, stopping the home from absorbing so much heat. Therefore improving energy efficiency and saving you money.
Reducing the strain on your air conditioning system means your home becomes more energy efficient. With this improved insulation, and your roof working at the best of its ability, you get a more comfortable house year round. And this means savings on electricity, plus less effect on the environment.
Increasing Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Roof Cleaning
How Do Roofs Insulate Homes?
The purpose of insulation is to make the transfer of heat between inside and outside your home slower. This means your house can stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter, which is what we all want! The reduced flow of heat from above to below is usually achieved through either bulk insulation or reflective insulation.
Bulk insulation adds materials inside your roof that trap air, like fibreglass, to create a heat barrier. This is what most homeowners are familiar with, and it’s great for keeping heat in or out. Reflective insulation, meanwhile, sits right below the roof and focuses instead on moving heat away. Reflective barriers are great for homes in warm climates because they’re made to bounce heat off rather than absorb it into the home.
Roofs may also have coatings that make them better at insulating or driving away heat. This can come in the form of a reflective coating, or even be smart colour choices for the paint of the roof. Lighter colours, especially white, bounce heat away rather than absorb it. This means the right coating and colour can be a huge boost for a Queensland home’s energy efficiency.
Why Does Cleaning Help Boost the Insulation Benefits of a Roof?
When a roof is using insulation to keep your house at a comfortable temperature, the surface of the roof needs to be clean and undamaged. If the roof has mould, algae, or debris buildup, the surface is covered up and therefore can’t do its job. Heat may not permeate in the same way, meaning the insulation, whether bulk, reflective, or coating, will not work in the same way. Further, without the best possible ventilation, the roof can’t ‘breathe’ and therefore the heat regulation won’t be so effective.
Meanwhile if there are parts of the roof that are broken, like dents or chips, the reflective surface is also compromised and the roof can’t keep out heat, cold, and moisture effectively. This is why it’s vital to maintain a healthy and clean roof, for safety and energy efficiency. Keeping your roof well maintained also protects your insulation and helps it last longer, because it’s less exposed to the elements. Moisture entering the roof cavity can negatively impact your insulation, and this could be costly down the line if not fixed promptly.
What Should I Consider When Roof Cleaning?
Always be cautious with your roof cleaning if you want to do it yourself. Make sure to research the best tips for your roof type, as well as safety strategies. We have many blogs on these topics, which we encourage you to read up on before making the climb. Before you clean, consider:
- Health: Roof cleaning is great for removing mould and algae buildup, which boosts health for both the home and your family, but always be careful when cleaning as you don’t want to breathe in mould spores. If necessary, wear a mask.
- Safety: Always have safety gear ready before climbing onto your roof, and be cautious especially when the roof is wet.
- Methods: Be gentle on your roof and have a plan before you start cleaning. Prep with a bucket of warm, soapy water and a broom or sponge. Hose down the roof, but don’t use a pressure washer, as this can cause damage.
- Make Decisions: As you assess the roof while cleaning, make notes of any places that are damaged so you can come up with a plan to fix them. Also, consider whether it’s time to apply a new coat of paint or other coating that can protect your roof.
- Hire a professional: This is easier and safer for everyone involved, and you can hire them for regular maintenance, so it’s no longer something you have to worry about. A professional will keep up to date on fixing damage as soon as it appears, ensuring the coatings are in top shape, and giving your roof a professional shine the neighbourhood will covet.
Contact Us for a more energy efficient roof
Maintaining a clean roof is a relatively simple yet effective way to enhance a single-story home’s energy efficiency and create a more comfortable living environment.
At Bayside Roof Repairs and Restorations, we specialise in roof restoration. We also offer tile roof cleaning and metal roof cleaning services for single-storey South-East Queensland homes up to 2.4 metres to the gutter line. As experts in roof maintenance, we’ll be able to keep an eye on your roof’s needs as well as do the regular cleaning, ensuring your home stays in top shape for your house and family’s safety and comfort.
To chat with us about our roof cleaning services, get in touch by phone or online today.
