Unpredictable weather patterns and frequent extreme weather events make the resilience of our homes more crucial than ever. Our roofs make for the first line of defence against nature's fury and have to withstand heavy rain, blistering winds, or brunts of storms.
Before hurrying to reinforce your windows, here's a kind reminder: professional roof cleaning can efficiently prepare your roof for the next storm. Roof cleaning plays a pivotal role in strengthening our homes against extreme weather. We have an in-detail look in the following lines.
Extreme weather impacts the roofs especially if the roofs lack proper maintenance and cleaning. In the UK, extreme weather events don't reach the intensity as in other parts of the world. However, they still present risks and challenges for roofs. Here's how extreme weather affects roofs:
Heavy rain events may overwhelm drainage systems and make water ponds on flat or low-sloped roofs. Long-term exposure to moisture will alter roofing materials and cause leaks, water infiltration, and structural damage. Improper drainage leads to ponding water which weighs the roof and may cause collapse.
High winds and storms can uplift roofing materials like tiles or shingles. The roofing materials may dislodge or suffer damage. Tree branches, loose debris, and airborne objects may affect the roof during high winds and cause cracks, punctures, or dents.
A wind-driven rain can get into the vulnerable areas of the rood and cause water leaks and moisture intrusion.
Snow accumulation on roofs adds weight to the roof, especially if it's a flat or low-pitched roof. The risk of structural strain or even collapse increases because of snow. When it melts, snow may seep into cracks and gaps in the roof, refreeze and expand as ice and further damage roofing materials.
Ice dams along rood edges can block effective drainage and make water backup under tiles or shingles. As a result, water damage and leaks will take place.
Hailstorms can damage the roofs, especially on roofs made of asphalt shingles. They will cause dents, fractures, and cracks. Large hailstones can puncture or dislodge roofing materials, expose the underlying structure, and cause leaks and water infiltration.
Hail damage isn't immediately obvious and may weaken the roof in time. The damage will be revealed after some time if left unaddressed.
Long-term exposure to extreme heat and UV radiation can speed up the ageing process of roofing materials. The roofing materials will crack, brittle, or degrade. Heat buildup in the attic or roof space leads to high energy bills due to cooling. It can also cause premature deterioration of roofing materials.
Professional roof cleaning ensures roof resilience on several levels:
Leaves, twigs, branches, and airborne particles (dust, dirt, and pollen) will deposit on roofs in time. The debris can trap moisture, lead to mould and mildew growth and create a breeding ground for pests. Professional roof cleaners remove debris, prevent moisture retention and lower the risk of roof deterioration.
Dirt and debris on roofs may clog gutters and drainage systems, especially during heavy rain events. Here's how the buildup makes water backup and leak:
The professional roof cleaning will prevent water damage and leaks through several techniques:
Regular roof cleaning may include clearing gutters and downspouts of debris so that water flows freely and doesn't back up.
By removing leaves, twigs, dirt, and debris, roof cleaners prevent clogs and allow free flow for the rainwater off the roof and away from the house's foundation.
With professional roof cleaning, the blockages in gutters and downspouts will be eliminated. Therefore, the drainage system will be effective and direct rainwater away from the roof and foundation. With efficient water flow off the roof, the risk of standing and ponding water, moisture infiltration, leaks, and water damage to the house will decrease.
When cleaning, the professionals will examine gutters, downspouts, and roofing components. They will look for signs of deterioration, damage, or areas of concern. Promptly addressing loose flashing, damaged gutters or deteriorated sealants will maintain the roof's integrity.
Lichen, moss, algae, and other biological growth are common, especially on roofs in shaded or moist areas. The organisms feed on moisture and organic matter and affect the roof's integrity. They cause staining, discolouration, and deterioration.
Professional roof cleaners use specialized techniques and eco-friendly solutions to eliminate biological growth. The roof will look fresh, like new and its structural integrity will no longer be at risk.
Algae, moss, and lichen growth can alter the roof's integrity and properties. Here's how:
Professional roof cleaners remove algae, moss, and lichen growths to prevent structural damage and preserve the integrity of roofing materials with the following methods:
Professional roof cleaners employ soft washing to remove algae, moss, and lichen growth. They use low-pressure water streams and specialized cleaning solutions to carefully remove algae, moss, and lichen growths from roofing materials.
With soft washing, the workers don't use high-pressure water and abrasive scrubbing as they damage delicate roofing surfaces and underlying materials.
Professional roof cleaners use biodegradable cleaning solutions that break down and remove moss, algae, and lichen growths without damaging the roof materials. The cleaning solutions are made to kill the underlying organisms and stop regrowth. They will protect for a long time against infestation.
After they apply the cleaning solutions, professional roof cleaners will thoroughly rinse the roof surface to eliminate all residual debris, dirt, and cleaning agents. The roof will look fresh and like new. If necessary, the roof cleaners will apply preventive treatments or coatings to block re-growth.
Clogged downspouts, gutters, and roof valleys can alter water drainage and cause water backup, ponding, and moisture infiltration. Professional roof cleaning may cover cleaning gutters and drainage systems. The workers remove leaves, debris, and blockages to ensure free water flow.
Roof cleaning restores effective drainage, prevents water damage, and extends the durability of roofing materials.
Debris accumulation on roofs creates wind uplift and makes roofs vulnerable to damage during high winds. Here's how:
Professional roof cleaners turn to several methods to remove debris accumulation and increase the roof's wind resistance:
Professional roof cleaners use specialized equipment and techniques to remove debris from the roof's surface, gutters, and drainage systems. As they clear away branches, leaves, and debris, roof cleaners reduce the weight of debris on the roof and remove sources of wind uplift.
When cleaning the roof, the workers will also clear gutters, downspouts, and roof valleys of debris so that water flow and drainage are free. Roof cleaning prevents water pooling and reduces the risk of uplift pressure beneath roofing materials because it removes blockages.
While they're up on the roof, professionals can examine roofing materials and detect any signs of damage, dislodgement, or looseness. They will repair or replace damaged or loose roofing materials and secure attachments. This way, the roof will successfully withstand strong winds.
Professional roof cleaners turn to gentle cleaning methods to restore the roof's smooth surface, eliminate irregularities that disrupt airflow and create areas of low pressure. When the roof's surface is smooth, the risk of wind uplift during high winds decreases.
Many roofs have coatings, sealants, or waterproofing membranes for durability and weather resistance. The protective layers lose their properties in time because of exposure to moisture, sunlight, and environmental contaminants.
Professional roof cleaning eliminates dirt, grime, and pollutants that speed up the deterioration of coatings and sealants. Therefore, the protective layers will remain efficient for many years.
Moisture infiltration is one of the most common causes of roof damage and deterioration. Water intrusion, leaks, and moisture buildup will weaken roofing materials and boost rot, decay, and mould growth. The roof's structural integrity will be compromised.
Professional roof cleaning will detect and address problematic areas, such as cracked flashings, damaged shingles, or deteriorated sealants. With early detection, the moisture-related problems won't aggravate.
A clean roof efficiently reflects the sunlight, absorbs less heat, and lowers indoor temperatures. By reducing heat gain, professional roof cleaning contributes to energy efficiency. It reduces cooling costs and expands the roofing materials' lifespan as it lowers thermal stress and UV exposure.
