Do it yourself (DIY) is a great option for your regular roof maintenance when it comes to keeping it looking nice. But long term, professional roof cleaning is a great way to save yourself time, save yourself risk, and make sure your roof can protect your home for decades to come. In this blog post, we’ll be offering our best advice for DIY roof cleaning, as well as when it’s time to call in professionals – and what professionals like us at Bayside Roof Repairs and Restorations can do for you and your home.
Can I DIY Clean My House’s Roof, or Should I Call Professionals?
When is DIY Roof Cleaning a Good Option?
When your roof is low and easy to access, a DIY clean can be done. Safety, of course, is paramount. Without the experience of professionals, we like to suggest you keep this as your top concern when considering a DIY clean. Climbing onto a rooftop, especially if it’s hot, wet, or has a lot of debris or algae buildup, can be very dangerous. However, with the right safety precautions, you may be comfortable completing basic roof cleans every now and then. If you don’t have experience with safely using ladders and working at heights, and if there is significant debris buildup or other dangers, please call a professional.
What are the Pros of DIY Roof Cleaning?
- Money savings
- Satisfaction from completing the job yourself
- Ability to do basic cleans more often to improve the integrity of the roof/reduce the risk of problems
What are the Cons of DIY Roof Cleaning?
- Risk of falls and injuries from working at heights, as well as working with ladders
- Risk of damaging roofing materials with improper cleaning techniques or excessive pressure
- Takes a lot of time and energy from your day
- Likely won’t achieve the same result as a professional clean
When is Professional Roof Cleaning the Better Way?
Professional roof cleaners can get the job done safely and to a high standard, which you may not be able to achieve on your own. You don’t have to worry about preparing your ladder and supplies, the risk to yourself, or the time it’ll take; instead, professionals take over and you don’t have to do a thing.
We recommend professional roof cleaning at least once a year, particularly before storm season in South-East Queensland so professionals can make sure your roof is ready to handle intense weather events. The types of roofs that we recommend always hiring professionals for are those that are steep and complex, those with heavy algae or mould buildup, and those made of delicate materials like terracotta. Of course, it’s also up to you to decide whether you want a deeper, more professional clean that doesn’t risk your safety. This is particularly important to consider if you’re not confident with heights and ladders.
What are the Pros of Professional Roof Cleaning?
- Professionals bring expertise in safe and effective cleaning techniques to protect your roof
- They have equipment and cleaning solutions ready for your roof type, so you don’t have to buy products
- Risk of damage to roof or people is reduced
- They can check for any other problems such as loose or damaged tiles that you may not notice
What are the Cons of DIY Roof Cleaning?
- Cost is higher due to labour
- Scheduling and coordination with the service provider could cause bumps in timing
What about Metal versus Tile Roofs?
Cleaning a tile roof typically involves a multi-step process, often requiring gentle cleaning with a soft brush and low-pressure washing, potentially including biodegradable cleaners, while metal roofs can often be cleaned with a simple low-pressure wash and debris removal. Metal roofs are generally more low-maintenance, requiring less frequent and less intensive cleaning than tile roofs.
Tile Roofs
- Cleaning: Delicate cleaning is necessary to avoid damage to tiles. Low pressure washing and soft-bristled brushes are key, as well as soaps that don’t contain harsh chemicals.
- Maintenance: Inspections by yourself or professionals are needed regularly to check for cracked or loose tiles, and potential leaks.
- Moss and Algae: If there is any growth on your roof, call professionals as they will have the right treatments to clean this effectively and safely.
Metal Roofs
- Cleaning: May not be needed as regularly as a tile roof. Low pressure washing and debris removal are key. If you’re unsure due to metal type what is best, call professionals.
- Maintenance: Less maintenance is needed beyond occasional cleaning and debris removal. Metal roofs are more resistant to damage and rot.
- Calling Professionals: If you’re worried about damaging your roof, or you have stubborn stains you can’t remove yourself, call professionals. Also call for any damage to ensure your roof can get back to protecting your home.
Contact Us
Ultimately, the best approach depends on your individual circumstances, including your comfort level, the condition of your roof, and your budget.
We’d love to help you keep your roof in tip-top shape over at Bayside Roof Repairs and Restorations in Brisbane Bayside. We offer metal roof cleaning and tile roof cleaning for single-storey homes with roofs up to 2.4 metres to the gutter line. We also offer tile roof insurance work, tile roof painting and metal roof painting, with information on roof painting cost, roof maintenance, tile roof repair, and tile roof restorations and info on tile roof restoration costs for roofs that need extra TLC to keep your home, family and belongings safe. On the commercial side, we offer commercial roof restoration and commercial roof painting.
Want to know more about how we can make your roof the envy of the neighbourhood? Contact us today online, or give us a call on 0409 643 468 or 07 3820 6510.
