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 exterior flat or low slope roofing membranes become dirty throughout the life of the roofing system from airborne dirt and pollutants.
The accumulation of grime on a darker colored roofing surface is less noticeable than on a white or light colored membrane. The type and amount of dirt buildup is usually related to the location of the installed roof system. Each type of “grime” requires a bit different approach and level of effort to clean a roof surface.
Some of the 1st and 2nd generation of flat roof houses and commercial buildings will now require roof maintenance due to water accumulation in some roof areas. Also consider that many of the original roofing materials installed on these roofs have reached the end of their useful life.
When repairing, the owner must keep in mind that flat roofs are extremely sensitive to human traffic.
There are 2 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 initiatives, an increasing number or designers are looking toward eco- friendly roofing designs to reduce energy expenses which save natural resources. Another consideration in dense areas is to reduce the effects that commercial roofs have on heat islands.
Flat and low slope roof covering makers exclude aesthetics from warranty coverage as an uncontrollable variable. If the building owner wishes to clean his roof to bring back the reflectivity or good appearance of the covering, a materials list and directions for cleaning a warranted roofing system are listed below.
It is the building owner’s responsibility to become familiar with and adhere to local and regional codes and laws regarding acceptable cleaning soaps and proper 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 materials: soft bristle brooms, mops, and squeegees.
1. Broom clean the roof surface. This will remove loose debris and dirt that might clog the drains or abrade the membrane surface during washing.
2. Wet the roofing surface and allow to “soak” for five minutes to soften any dried dirt.
3. Dislodge the grime from the membrane surface by sweeping the wet surface with a soft bristle broom.
4. Thoroughly rinse the area of membrane that is being worked on to determine the effectiveness of cleaning with just water.
5. If there is still dirt on the membrane, re-wet the roof surface and allow to soak for 5 minutes.
6. When soaking, apply a sprinkling of Spic and Span® or tri-sodium phosphate to the wet membrane.
7. Scrub the membrane again with the soft bristle broom.
8. Thoroughly rinse with clean water before the soap residue dries on the roofing membrane.
9. The above steps will get rid of most forms of dirt. If one washing does not remove the dirt, you might have 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.
