March 11th, 2021 by Sarah Miles

Cleaning your roof may not be something you’ve thought about doing but there are actually a number of good reasons to do it. Cleaning your roof is not a standard household chore so you may have lots of questions about it. We have therefore compiled some of the most frequently asked questions to provide all the information you might need.

Why do roofs look dirty?

A number of things can grow on roofs that make them look dirty and unsightly. This includes black lichen, mould, moss, and green algae. These are basically the same organisms that can grow on your drive or patio. The most common, and most dirty-looking due to its black spotting appearance, is black lichen. This will spread if left untreated, feeding off the minerals in the slate.

What are the consequences of not cleaning your roof?

Potentially, if left, your roof can be damaged over time by the organisms growing on it. It can affect roof tiles and cause any wooden materials, such as soffits, to rot. These growths rely on moisture and will trap it to ensure a continuous supply. This trapped moisture can erode your roof over time and allow damp to get into your home.

Is it hard to clean your roof?

It’s not as hard as you may think; in fact, the actual cleaning process itself is very easy. By using a specifically formulated roof cleaning product it’s as simple as spraying it onto the surface of the roof, leaving for an hour, and then rinsing off. Even the stubborn black lichen will be broken down and eradicated.

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Price: £24.95

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Are there any other benefits of cleaning your roof?

As well as the obvious benefits of preventing potential damage and therefore prolonging the lifespan of your roof, there is an aesthetic value to cleaning your roof as well. A clean roof makes a huge impact on the appearance of your home and it’s perhaps only when you see the difference that you realise how a dirty roof can bring down the look of the whole house. A clean roof is also very appealing to potential buyers if you are selling your house as they will be vigilant for obvious signs of damage and disrepair.

Do you need a professional to clean a roof?

Not really. As stated above, the cleaning process is very easy. The difficult part is getting up to the roof and how confident you feel about working at height. For the easiest time, we recommend using a dedicated roof cleaning chemical such as our Roof Cleaner. This is designed to break down dirt and unwanted growths from your roof without any scrubbing or scraping required. This means cleaning is much quicker and easier – just spray it on, leave it to work, and rinse it off. Roof sections at lower heights are very manageable for a DIYer. Porch roofs, extension roofs, and even garages and outbuildings will benefit from being cleaned.

Can roof cleaner be used for any kind of roofing material?

Yes – at least, our heavy-duty Roof Cleaner can! It can be used on all types of roofing material including clay tiles, slates, felt, rubber, corrugated iron, fibreglass, and more.

Can you use roof cleaner on a garage, shed, or outbuilding roof?

Yes, and the lower height of these roofs makes it a very manageable task. Because lower roofs like these are much more visible, the improved appearance is more obvious and can make outbuildings, including summer houses and garden offices, look like new again.