Roof maintenance through cleaning is the secret to the long life and efficiency of the roof. Eco Friendly Roof Cleaning. A cleaned roof will avoid damage, make the building more attractive, and also prolong the life of the roof. But most types of roof maintenance through cleaning employ harsh chemicals that are harmful to the environment.
You should choose environmentally friendlier roof maintenance if you opt for greener practices. In this article, we will tackle various methods and how-tos of cleaning the roof in the most environmentally friendly way.
Why Opt for Green Roof Cleaning?
All of the so-called popular methods of selling how to clean roofs all employ unsafe chemicals, traditionally, that find their way into the environment, are harmful to your pet, grass, and the water that is in close contact.
Green roof washing, though, uses safe products and ways that are perfectly efficient when we are after dirt, rubble, algae, and moss, but not threatening to the environment.
By selecting environmentally-friendly ways, you guarantee that the cleaning does not add to the pollution of the water, soil erosion, or damage to the wildlife.
Moreover, environmentally-friendly ways are also potentially less harmful to the people occupying the home, like children and household pets, as they could be vulnerable to the chemicals.
Standard Non-Toxic Roof Cleaning Procedures
Pressure Washing with a Low-Pressure Setting
Even though high-pressure washers are commonly used when they are washing roofs, they are more than fragile roofing types are able to withstand, and even make water run down storm sewers, carrying chemicals with them.
A better, environmentally conscious approach would be to use the pressure washer in a low setting so that dirt, debris, and leaves will be cleaned away, but the roof will not be harmed.
So that the service is as environmentally sustainable as possible, make sure the water from the pressure wash is collected and not discharged untreated. This will prevent the risk of pollution of the stormwater systems and the natural watercourses.
Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Team
Most corporate roof cleaners use chlorine bleach and other detrimental chemicals that are bad for vegetation, wildlife. The environment-safe roof cleaning products, however, are usually non-toxic, naturally degradable, and less detrimental to the environment. These could be made up of:
- The Vinegar and Baking Soda Method: A solution of vinegar and baking soda is good if you need to rid your roof of algae and moss. The vinegar has acid that will break down the algae, and the baking soda is a rough agent that will grind the dirt away slowly.
- Lemon Juice and Water: Lemon juice is acidic and is effective for the elimination of algae and mold spots. A mixture of lemon juice and water is regarded as effective and safe for the cleanup of roofs.
- Oxygen Bleach: In contrast to chlorinated bleach, oxygen bleach is a harmless, environmentally friendly alternative that is safe to both plants and pets. It functions through the release of oxygen when the solution is added to water, lifting dirt, algae, and mold from the roof.
Biodegradable Agents for Roof Cleaning
There are already multiple roofing cleaning contractors that market non-toxic and biodegradable roof cleaning chemicals that are actually designed to gently remove the organic substances like lichen, algae, and moss. These are all naturally made products that will not hurt the environment. The products are commonly sprayed through the use of the soft wash method, a gentler method that won’t hurt roofing substrates and avoid damage brought about by high-pressure water.
Soft Washing
Soft washing is a procedure that uses low-pressure water in conjunction with environment-friendly removing chemicals to gently wash the dirt, moss, algae, and debris off a roof. Unlike huge cleaning, where zoster would be bruised, a soft rinse is done with the use of lower force water that does the job of cleaning the surface but does not harm the shingles.
Soft washing is a common method that is used with environmentally-friendly, nontoxic cleaning chemicals that are also harmless for people residing in the home. The method is effective in the cleanup of roofs without dislodging debris that could kill or injure vegetation and wildlife.
With Plant-Based cleaners
Vegetable washes, like huge ones made of citrus or soy, are also an environmentally friendly way of washing the roof. These plant-based products will dissolve the dirt and grime, but are environmentally safe.
The vegetable cleaners are environmentally safe because they are biodegradable and will not leave harmful residues that will end up contaminating the surrounding environment.
Soap and Hot Water for Rinsing
A solution of warm water and mild soap is, in some instances, all that is needed to wash a roof. This is a non-abrasive approach that does not involve the use of lethal chemicals.
You may use soap and warm water in a soft sprayer, or you may use a soft-bristle brush to strip away dirt, algae, and moss. Make certain that you use a biodegradable soap that will not poison the environment.
Economic Measures for Green Roof Cleaning
RooSeam is an eco-safe roof-cleaning method that is fast, simple, and effective. See the step-by-step instructions for how to safely, but not environmentally harmfully, clean the roof of your building:
Inspect the Roof
Before you actually commence the cleanup, check the roof for damage. Check if there are loose or broken shingles, for instance, because they will most likely be further damaged when you are actually in cleanup. Check if there is huge debris, such as branches, that you can eliminate first.
Clear Large Debris
Begin with the cleanup of the larger debris, for example, branches that have been dropped, twigs, and scattered leaves. A broom that is soft or a blower is effective in sweeping the debris gently away, taking care not to hurt the roofing material.
The Non-Toxic Washes
Choose the desired green cleaning product, like a solution of vinegar and water, oxygen bleach, or a commercial biodegradable roof cleaner. Spray the solution onto the affected areas so that the solution comes in contact with the dirt, algae, or moss-coated surface.
Leave the solution for 10-15 minutes so that the solution will be able to dissolve the dirt. Don’t let the solution evaporate on the roof since that will leave streaks or residue.
Rinse With Low-Pressure Water
When the cleaning solution is running, flush the downstairs roof with low-pressure water. With a pressure washer, turn the power down to the lowest setting so that you will not damage the roof. Be sure that the flow of the water is able to flow safely away from the roof, and turn the flow away into a rain barrel or bucket if you’re able.
Inspect and Touch Up
When the overall cleanup is done, check the roof for dirt or spots. Rub the hard spots with a soft-bristle brush. Don’t rub them so hard that they’re destroyed or that they scar the shingles or other roofing.
Avoid Future Accumulation
Consider applying a protective coating or seal to your roof to avoid the accumulation of algae and moss in the future. Some environmentally responsible products are made to develop a protective coating that inhibits the growth of such organisms, thus they do not need to be cleaned that frequently.
Advantages of Green Roof Cleaning
- Environmental Protection: Non-toxic chemicals are avoided in the use of eco-friendly cleaners, thus protecting local environments such as plants, wildlife, and streams.
- Healthier Living Room: The less-toxic home cleaners are less unsafe for you and everyone you’re responsible for, less contact with harsh chemicals that make breathing harder, irritate the skin, or bring on other health issues.
- Roof Lifespan: Environmentally conscious cleanup methods, such as the soft wash, are less harmful for your roof, covering less chance of damage and enabling your roof to become longer-lived.
Economic: The green cleaners for roofs are less expensive than the conventional chemical cleaners and are also a better long-term investment, since they are sustainable.
FAQs on Environmentally Friendly Roof Cleaning
What are the most effective, environmentally friendly roof cleaning techniques?
The most effective environmentally-safe means of cleaning the roof are the use of low-pressure washing, of environmentally-safe cleaners, and of all-natural cleaners such as vinegar, baking soda, or lemon juice. Non-toxic soft wash is also a good, environmentally safe means.
Will power washing damage my roof?
Pressure washing is safe for your roof when done with caution. High-pressure settings, in particular, will tear shingles and lead to leaks. For the environmentally conscious solution, always set the pressure low to avoid damaging the roof while still being effective in the cleanup.
Am I able to make my roof clean using vinegar and baking soda?
Vinegar and baking soda are a good and sustainable solution when you need to clean the roof. The vinegar's acidity will dissolve the algae and the moss, while the baking soda is an abrasive that will thoroughly eliminate the dirt but will not hurt the environment or the roofing.
Are oxygen bleach products safe for the environment?
Yes, oxygen bleach is an environmentally friendly and safe chlorine bleach substitute. Also, oxygen bleach is biodegradable and will not kill vegetation, animal life, or water systems. Good for the eradication of moss, algae, and roof stain, and will not cause an environmental disaster.
How often should you have the roof cleaned?
The maintenance frequency also relies on the material and the climate. Once or twice annually or yearly is sufficient in most cases for debris, algae, and moss elimination. You will need maintenance that is more frequent if you are residing in a locality that is raining heavily or that experiences high algae and moss concentration.
Conclusion
Washing the roof is a definite maintenance necessity, and implementing greener techniques is a wonderful way of preserving the environment while taking good care of your home in the finest manner.
You are offered low-pressure rinses, green cleaners, or even cleaners such as vinegar and baking soda, so you are not stymied for green alternatives. You will not only prolong the life of the roof and improve the appearance of the roof better but also make the planet a healthier, better place.
If you are not sure of the environmentally responsible method that is the best for you, then you should consult someone experienced in environmentally responsible methods of cleaning. With the proper method, your roof will be sustainable in the long term, safe, and healthy.
