DIY Roof Cleaning v Professional Roof Cleaning
When considering, diy roof cleaning v professional roof cleaning, first and fore most; maintaining a clean roof is essential for the longevity of your home. Roofs, especially in the UK, can accumulate moss, algae, lichen, and debris over time, potentially leading to damage. Homeowners often face the decision of whether to clean their roof themselves or hire a professional service. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we’ll compare DIY roof cleaning to professional roof cleaning, outlining the processes, safety concerns, effectiveness, and costs involved.
DIY Roof Cleaning: The Basics
Cleaning your roof yourself can be a tempting option, especially if you’re trying to save money. However, it requires careful planning and consideration of the risks involved. Here’s a breakdown of the process.
Ladder Safety and Access
The first task when cleaning your roof is to safely access it. For DIY roof cleaning, you’ll need a stable, high-quality ladder. Ensure the ladder is positioned on firm, level ground, and it’s advisable to have someone hold the ladder for extra safety. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), ladder safety is crucial, and improper use is a leading cause of accidents (HSE, 2022). A fall from a roof can result in serious injury or even death, so using a secure ladder and having a spotter is critical. The ladder should not be used on a windy day, and someone should always foot the ladder to support your access onto a roof. When on the roof, it is not uncommon to see people then use a roof ladder to scrape the moss off. This item looks like a standard ladder but has a curved end that hooks around the top of the roof. We would also always advise using some kind of safety harness and rope set up, but we appreciate many people do not go as far as that level of safety.
Scraping Moss and Debris
The primary task of DIY roof cleaning is to remove moss, algae, and debris from the roof. This is typically done with a roof scraper, which is designed to lift and scrape away moss from the tiles. However, scraping can be physically demanding and time-consuming, especially for larger roofs. The risk of damage to roof tiles also increases when using aggressive methods, and you may end up removing more than just moss, which could harm the tiles (National Federation of Roofing Contractors, 2021).
Some homeowners opt for a wire broom to remove moss. This can be effective but carries a risk of scratching or damaging certain roof materials, especially more delicate ones such as slate or clay. It’s important to ensure that the broom is used gently to avoid causing harm. This method is fine as long as the diy roof cleaner is careful and is observant for any loose roof tiles, that may need avoided until repaired.
Ground Sheet to Catch Dirt
A messy roof clean often results in debris falling to the ground. To make clean up easier, homeowners can lay down a ground sheet beneath the roof. This will catch any moss, leaves, or dirt that falls during the cleaning process. Afterward, simply fold up the sheet and dispose of the debris. This step is essential for maintaining your garden or driveway, especially if you don’t want moss and dirt to accumulate in the wrong places. Removal of moss is the main aim for a diy roof cleaner, and we discuss more about roof moss on our blog about whether moss should be removed from a roof.
Gutter Cleaning
After cleaning the roof, it’s essential to clear the gutters. Moss and debris from the roof can clog gutters, preventing water from flowing properly. This can lead to water damage, leaks, and even structural issues. Use a scoop or your hands to remove the debris, being careful to avoid damaging the gutters or the roofing material. Regular gutter cleaning helps avoid unnecessary repairs and ensures that your roof functions optimally. Some people block up the gutters with bin bags before they start scraping, and this or disconnecting the gutter downpipes with with the same idea; to limit blockages from the tumbling moss. At the end of the diy roof cleaning, connect back up or unblock the gutters.
Insurance and Liability
When it comes to DIY roof cleaning, insurance and liability are important considerations. Most homeowner insurance policies won’t cover injuries or damages resulting from DIY roof work unless specifically stated. According to the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA), homeowners may be left with hefty bills if something goes wrong during a DIY roof clean. If you fall off the ladder or accidentally damage your roof, you could face costly repairs or medical bills. See our blog on roof damage and repairs for further consideration on things that can go wrong.
On the other hand, professional roof cleaning companies are typically insured. If they cause damage to your property or if an injury occurs during the cleaning process, they are generally covered. Hiring professionals removes much of the liability from the homeowner, giving you peace of mind that the job will be done correctly and safely.
Diy roof cleaning v Professional Roof Cleaning
While considering diy roof cleaning v professional roof cleaning, there are several reasons why many homeowners prefer to hire professionals. Below, we’ll discuss the key benefits of professional roof cleaning.
Steam Cleaning for Better Results
One of the major advantages of professional roof cleaning is the use of steam cleaning technology. Steam cleaning is much more effective at removing moss, algae, and lichen than scraping or brushing alone. The high-pressure steam is able to penetrate deeply into the moss, killing it at the root. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), steam cleaning is one of the best methods for ensuring that moss doesn’t regrow (NRCA, 2023). DIY methods like scraping only remove the visible moss, leaving the roots behind, which can regrow in a short time.
Moreover, steam cleaning doesn’t involve harsh chemicals that could harm the environment or surrounding plants. It’s a natural, eco-friendly way to clean your roof, which is another reason it’s often preferred by professionals.
Biocides and Professional Spraying Equipment
Another benefit of hiring a professional is access to high-quality biocides and specialized sprayers. Biocides are chemical treatments designed to kill moss, algae, and lichen without damaging the roof. These are far more potent and effective than the biocides available to DIYers. Professional roof cleaners can use advanced spraying equipment to apply these treatments evenly and thoroughly across the entire roof, ensuring no areas are missed. Here, we delve more into chemical roof cleaning.
The use of professional-grade sprayers means that biocides are applied efficiently, providing longer-lasting results. DIYers, by contrast, may struggle to apply treatments evenly, leading to poor results and the potential for missed spots where moss could regrow.
Expertise and Experience
Roof cleaning professionals have the experience and expertise to handle different roofing materials, from asphalt shingles to clay and slate tiles. They know how to remove moss and algae without causing damage. A professional cleaner will also be able to identify any underlying issues, such as leaks or damaged tiles, which might otherwise go unnoticed. By catching these problems early, they can save you significant repair costs down the line.
Additionally, professionals are trained to work safely at heights, reducing the risk of accidents compared to DIY cleaning.
Cost Considerations
While DIY roof cleaning may seem like the cheaper option, it can become costly when considering the time, tools, and potential damage to the roof. DIYers need to purchase a ladder, scraper, broom, and biocides, which can add up. In some cases, if mistakes are made, the cost of repairing the roof can outweigh the savings from doing it yourself.
Professional roof cleaning typically costs more upfront, but the benefits often outweigh the price. Experts have the necessary equipment and expertise to get the job done quickly and correctly, potentially saving you money on repairs and maintenance in the long run.
Environmental Considerations
Professional roof cleaners often use environmentally friendly cleaning solutions, such as biocides that are safe for plants and wildlife. Furthermore, steam cleaning uses only water and heat, which reduces the reliance on harmful chemicals. Professional roof cleaning services tend to be more mindful of the environment and dispose of debris responsibly.
In contrast, DIY cleaning may involve the use of harsher chemicals that can harm the environment if not applied correctly. Without the proper knowledge, DIYers might also dispose of moss and other debris improperly, leading to environmental issues.
Conclusion
Choosing between DIY and professional roof cleaning depends on several factors, including budget, the condition of your roof, and personal skill level. DIY cleaning is more cost-effective initially but comes with the risk of injury, poor results, and potential damage to your roof. On the other hand, professional cleaning, while more expensive, offers a safer and more effective solution. The use of advanced techniques like steam cleaning, biocides, and specialised equipment ensures a longer-lasting and thorough clean.
For many homeowners, the additional cost of professional roof cleaning is well worth the benefits, as it can extend the lifespan of the roof and prevent costly repairs down the line. Whether you opt for DIY or professional services, regular roof cleaning is essential to maintaining your home’s value and integrity. See our Roof cleaning Edinburgh page for more about our own roof cleaning services.
References:
- HSE. (2022). Ladder safety: Avoiding falls at work. Health and Safety Executive. Retrieved from https://www.hse.gov.uk
- National Federation of Roofing Contractors. (2021). Roofing Guide: Roof Moss Removal. Retrieved from https://www.nfrc.co.uk
- National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). (2023). Roof Cleaning: Best Practices and Methods. Retrieved from https://www.nrca.net
