What DIY Commercial Roof Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid?

Commercial roof cleaning is a critical aspect of building maintenance, which guarantees the roof's longevity and avoids costly repairs. Although DIY roof cleaning appears to be a cost-saving measure, it has its own challenges and risks. Most companies choose to clean their roofs themselves to avoid expenses, but poor decisions may result in damage, safety issues, and more expensive repairs later on. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common DIY commercial roof cleaning errors to avoid.

1. Using the Wrong Cleaning Products

One of the most prevalent errors that are committed while attempting DIY commercial roof cleaning is using the incorrect cleaning agents. Most cleaning agents sold in stores are not intended for roof surfaces and can end up doing more damage than good. Harsh chemicals can destroy roofing materials, particularly if your roof is constructed from materials such as asphalt shingles, metal, or slate.

It is essential to investigate and select cleaning products that are specifically designed for roof cleaning. Gentle, environmentally friendly products maintain the integrity of your roof and prevent the introduction of toxic chemicals into the environment. Always consult a professional if you are not sure what cleaning products are safe for your roof.

2. Ignoring Safety Precautions

Roof cleaning is a job that requires working at heights, which can be risky without the necessary safety gear and precautions. Roof cleaning without safety precautions is one of the most critical errors that can lead to accidents or even death. Most companies downplay the risk of slipping or falling when cleaning a roof, particularly when it is wet or covered with debris.

To prevent accidents, always wear proper safety equipment like harnesses, ladders, and non-slip shoes. If you are not confident working at heights or do not possess the required safety equipment, it is advisable to employ a professional roof cleaning company. Roof cleaning should be left to people with the appropriate tools and training to avoid accidents.

3. Not Clearing Debris Properly

During a cleaning of a commercial roof, debris like leaves, twigs, and branches can build up, clogging gutters and drains. Letting this debris clog drains can result in water collecting on a roof and damaging it in the long run. Lastly, debris that gets trapped can encourage mold, algae, or moss growth, further hurting the roofing material.

Another DIY failure is not taking the time to thoroughly clean out the debris from the roof or gutters and downspouts. Make sure to employ the proper tools, such as a roof rake or blower, to keep debris from causing damage to the roof. Cleaning and maintaining gutters can avoid clogging, water damage, and other long-term problems.

4. Forgetting About the Condition of the Roof

Prior to taking on a DIY commercial roof cleaning task, it is important to inspect the general condition of the roof. Certain roofs have cracks, loose shingles, or broken areas that may be made worse by cleaning. Cleaning a roof with existing issues can lead to additional damage or leaks. DIY roof cleaning is usually done hastily, and minor issues might not be noticed until it is too late.

Set aside time to visually examine the roof for damage prior to cleaning. If you identify major problems, it's best to hire a professional to correct them prior to cleaning. Ignoring roofing conditions can result in costly repairs and more expense down the road.

5. Utilizing High-Pressure Washing

High-pressure washing is usually considered a good way to quickly clean roofs, but it's one of the most destructive methods if improperly used. High-pressure washers can knock off dirt and debris, but they can also blow off shingles, break tiles, and push water into the underlayment of the roof, leading to leaks. High-pressure water can also strip protective coatings and lead to long-term structural damage to the roof.

Instead of using high-pressure washers, consider using low-pressure cleaning techniques that are gentler on the roof material. Low-pressure washing or soft washing methods are much safer and still effectively clean the roof without causing damage. Always use caution and avoid high-pressure washing for commercial roofs.

6. Overlooking the Importance of Gutter Cleaning

Gutters serve a critical function of safeguarding the roof and the remainder of the building by directing rainwater away from the building. When gutters are plugged with debris, water will back up, creating leaks, roof decay, and even foundation issues. Home cleaning projects of commercial roofs tend to only target the surface of the roof, failing to notice that gutter cleaning is also necessary.

Make sure you clear the gutters properly when cleaning the roof. Inspect for blockages, leaves, and debris that might hinder water flow freely. Gutter cleaning is an important roof maintenance task that should be done regularly to prevent long-term damage.

7. Not Hiring Professional Help When Needed

One of the most frequent errors that companies commit is assuming that roof cleaning is always possible to be done in-house without expert assistance. Although it might appear to be a simple process, home cleaning of a roof can be more complex and dangerous than expected. If you're not conversant with ideal cleaning methods, your roof can get damaged, or you might get hurt in the process.

If your roof has complex designs, hard-to-remove stains, or needs special equipment, it's best to hire professionals who possess the know-how and equipment required for the task. Professionals are equipped to deal with tricky situations and can guarantee that your roof is cleaned safely and efficiently. In most instances, paying for professional cleaning services can save time, lower risks, and end up costing less than trying to fix damage resulting from DIY cleaning errors.

8. Failure to Schedule Periodic Roof Inspections

A common last error businesses commit is the failure to schedule periodic roof inspections after self-cleaning. Cleaning of roofs is merely part of regular maintenance, and an inspection of the roof must be conducted to ascertain whether all components are performing optimally. Periodic checks help detect any underlying problems at an early stage so that small issues do not turn into massive repairs.

Once you clean your roof, make regular visits to a professional for inspections for damage or parts of the roof that need more focus. Such anticipation can rescue you from repair costs in the long run.