Do you notice that dirty roof every time you pull into your driveway? It’s probably overdue for a good clean! However, before asking, “Can I pressure wash my roof?” It’s important to consider the potential risks involved.
While the idea of grabbing a pressure washer and tackling the job yourself may seem like the best option, there are significant risks involved that could cost far more than hiring a professional. According to the CDC, over 150,000 Americans require medical treatment annually due to roofing-related injuries—don’t let yourself become one of them!
Before deciding to pressure wash your roof on your own, here are some key considerations:
1. Check Your Roof’s Material
Every roof type requires a specific cleaning approach to ensure safety and durability. Residential and commercial roofs are made from various materials, and each has their own cleaning requirements.
Some materials can withstand high pressure, while it can severely damage other materials. Using the wrong water pressure can drastically decrease your roof’s life expectancy.
If you’re uncertain about your roof’s material, consider reaching out to a builder, checking purchase or repair documents, or consulting with a professional roof-washing company.
2. Are You Equipped with the Right Tools?
Not all pressure washers are made equal. Simply owning one doesn’t mean it’s suitable for roof cleaning. In fact, there are a couple things that can differ between different brands of pressure washers:
- Cleaning Agents: Not all debris will be washed away with water alone. Specific chemicals are often necessary to ensure a clean, non-damaged roof.
- Spray Tips: Different spray tips provide varying flow rates and angles, which directly correlate to their effectiveness and safety. Choosing the wrong tip can lead to accidental roof damage.
Roof washing requires special tools and protective gear that most people don’t already have on hand. Without the right setup, the risks of injury and roof damage increase significantly.
3. Can You Pressure Wash Safely?
Handling a powerful machine while balancing on your roof can be dangerous. With the risk of falls, debris, and high-powered water streams, a simple mistake could lead to serious injury.
As stated above, the CDC reports that roofing accidents send tens of thousands to the ER annually. If you don’t have experience handling heavy equipment in these conditions, it’s rarely worth the risk to handle it solo.
For the best safety setup, you’ll need a team—at least one person to assist on the roof and another on the ground. You’ll also need personal protective equipment (PPE), like slip-resistant shoes, gloves, and eye protection.
4. Do the Risks Outweigh the Benefits?
Between the time, equipment costs, and risks of physical harm, DIY roof washing may be more hassle than it’s worth. Simply put—an emergency room visit or roof repair from a DIY mishap will cost much more than hiring a professional to begin with.
Prefer a Safe and Professional Option? Hire Shine!
When you hire a pressure washing professional, you’re ensuring a job done both safely and effectively. Professional teams, like the one at your local Shine, bring the right equipment and experience to clean your roof without risk of injury or damage. With trained experts who know exactly how to handle different materials, you’ll have peace of mind that your roof is in good hands.
If your roof needs a thorough clean, request your free estimate today! Shine’s experienced team handles roof, deck, fence, and patio washing with the appropriate care, keeping your home safe and looking great without the risks of DIY.
