Residential and commercial roofing cleaning services are available for flat or low sloped roofs in need of repairs and maintenance to protect the home or establishment.
All exposed flat or low slope roofing membranes become dirty throughout the life of the roof system from airborne pollutants and dirt.
The buildup of dirt on a dark shaded roofing surface is not as noticeable on a light colored or white membrane. The amount and type of grime buildup is usually related to the location of the installed roof system. Each type of “dirt” requires a bit different level of effort and approach to clean a roof surface.
Some of the 1st and 2nd generation of flat roof houses and other buildings now require roof maintenance due to water accumulation in some roof locations. Also consider that many of the original roofing materials used on these roofs have reached the end of their useful life.
Prompt repair of deteriorated or damaged roofing materials by a professional roofing contractor will help prevent interior water damage and mold infestation.
There are two main issues when a light colored roofing system becomes grimey:
1. Aesthetically, a clean roof looks better and helps with curb appeal and property values.
2. Practically, a clean roof will be more energy efficient.
With current design imperatives, more and more architects are looking at environmentally friendly roof designs to lessen energy expenses which conserve natural resources. Other considerations in dense areas is to lessen the effects that commercial roofs have on heat islands.
Flat and low slope roofing covering makers exclude appearance from warranty coverage as an uncontrollable condition. Should the building owner wish to clean his roof to bring back the reflective qualities or good appearance of the covering, a materials list and directions for DIY cleaning a warranted roof system are listed below.
It is the owner’s duty to be familiar with and adhere to local and regional codes and laws with regards to acceptable cleansers and correct disposal of dirty water.
It is advised to hire a professional roof cleaning company to do this job because of the chemical solutions involved and the hazards involved working at heights.
Needed equipment: soft bristle brooms, mops, and squeegees.
1. Broom clean the roofing surface. This will remove loose dirt and debris that might clog the drains or scratch the membrane surface during washing.
2. Wet the roofing surface and allow to “soak” for five minutes to soften any caked on dirt.
3. Loosen the grime from the membrane surface by gently sweeping the wet surface with a soft bristle broom.
4. Thoroughly rinse the area of membrane that is being worked on to assess the effectiveness of cleaning with water alone.
5. If there is still dirt on the membrane, re-wet the roof surface and allow to soak again for five minutes.
6. While soaking, apply a generous amount of Spic and Span® or tri-sodium phosphate to the wet membrane.
7. Re-scrub the membrane with the soft bristle broom.
8. Thoroughly rinse with fresh water before the soap residue dries on the roof membrane.
9. The above steps will remove most forms of roof grime. If one washing does not remove the dirt, you may need to repeat steps 1-8.
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Cautions and Warnings:
Damage to the roof during washing operations is not covered under the warranty. If damage occurs during washing, it is the responsibility of the owner to repair.
Source for the following: genflex.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Design-Criteria1.pdf
Do not abrade the surface of the roof membrane. Seams are typically laid shingle fashion towards the roof drain or gutter. Do not agitate, power wash or scrub against the seam. Go over the top or parallel to it.
A commercial roofing system is a major investment for a property owner. It is important to protect the roof system from accidental damage during cleaning.
Before hiring the project out to a local contractor, there are a few things to consider.
1. Building owner assumes all risk for damage to the roofing membrane during the cleaning process. Use extreme caution in performing the work yourself or hiring the job out.
2. The roofing manufacturer is available for assistance in writing the scope of work.
3. Many installers also offer roof cleaning services.
4. Perform a visual inspection of the roof system before and after cleaning the roofing membrane to identify any pre-existing roof damage and to verify the effectiveness of the cleaning process. It may prove beneficial to take photographs of the roof system before cleaning begins.
5. Do not use, or allow anyone else to use, a floor scrubber on the membrane.
6. Pressure washing equipment can severely damage a roofing membrane if not used by a professional with membrane roof cleaning experience. If a pressure washer is used in cleaning the roofing membrane, please keep the following items in mind:
a. Do not use any pressure washer tip less than a 30° arc. Tips with a concentration angle smaller than 30° will damage the roofing membrane.
b. Do not use a rotating tip apparatus.
c. Maintain a minimum of 24” (60 cm) between the pressure washer nozzle tip and the roofing membrane.
d. Do not use a pressure washer rated higher than 2500 psi (17 MPa).
7. Always get current certificates of liability insurance from the contractor performing the work with your company listed as an additional insured party.
8. If you suspect the warranted roof system may have been damaged during the cleaning process, contact the manufacturer immediately.
