As we reach autumn, it is important that your roof remains clear of dirt and debris – but do you know how to clean your flat roof?
Like it or not, the weather will start turning. Temperatures will start to plummet and it’s only a matter of time before the leaves turn yellow, orange and brown, before falling from the trees.
Most of these leaves will fall on the ground. But many, along with dirt, dust and other debris whipped up by swirling winds, will end up on our roofs. Annoying, yes, but did you know that ignoring this mess and hoping it will go away can actually lead to an expensive repair bill?
It is important that you know how to clean your flat roof before leaves, twigs, mould and algae build up to the point where they block gutters and create harmful water pooling. You will want to carry out the following on a fairly regular basis:
- External and internal checks – look at your flat roof every six months to spot any seasonal changes or small issues. Check the ceiling inside your property for any water damage, rising moisture or damp. This may indicate a more serious problem that will need further investigation.
- Remove any debris – clean your roof, gutters and any other drainage areas of leaves, twigs and dirt to enable rainwater to run off your flat roof freely.
- Check surrounding foliage – if there are trees close to your property, it is far more likely that your roof will end up with debris. Keep trees trimmed
Here are our top tips on how to clean your flat roof in order to maximise its lifespan.
- You should clean your flat roof every six to twelve months to prevent the build up of dirt and debris.
- Before cleaning, brush off any loose leaves and debris.
- Choose between three methods of cleaning:
- Pressure washer: A pressure washer is a great option if you are looking for an effective, environmentally-friendly method of cleaning your flat roof. A pressure washer does not require chemicals – it simply uses approximately 2.4 gallons of water per minute to wash away dirt, moss and algae.
- Chlorine: This option is less environmentally-friendly but if you’re looking for how to clean your flat roof far quicker than a pressure washer, a chlorine solution is the answer. However, you must adhere to the safety instructions if choosing this method as chlorine can be dangerous to humans, animals and plants.
- Sodium hydroxide: Equally as fast and effective as chlorine but sodium hydroxide has its drawbacks. One is that you will need to intensively rinse your flat roof, which will add time and effort to the process. The second is that if too concentrated, sodium hydroxide can cause irreversible damage to your roof. It is imperative that you excise extreme caution.
- If you don’t have the time, knowhow or inclination, call in the professionals! If you are unsure of how to clean your flat roof, concerned about making a mistake, scared of heights or simply unwilling to spend your free time up a ladder, it won’t be difficult to find a local cleaning company. Just make sure that the person you choose is a recommended specialist in flat roof cleaning.
Have you considered upgrading to a maintenance-free flat roof?
Rather than having to constantly worry about how to clean your flat roof, you could opt for a new, maintenance-free system and cast those fears aside. High-Tech’s range of market-leading flat roofs offer unsurpassed protection against all elements, including rain, snow, ice, wind and harmful UV rays. 100% waterproof, resistant to algae and moss and maintenance-free, you are sure to make the most out of your investment.
Tried and tested on both residential and commercial properties, our flat roofing systems come with a LIFETIME guarantee, which carried a 20-year product and labour warranty. This is transferable upon request should you sell your home; however if, at the end of the 20-year term, you are still the owner, our guarantee will remain in place until you sell or pass on the property.
We hope you found our article ‘Top tips on how to clean your flat roof’ of interest. If you require any further information or would like to talk about upgrading your flat roof, please contact High-Tech Membrane Roofing on 01268 859 697.
