Eco-Friendly Roof Cleaning: How to Clean Your Roof Responsibly
Eco-friendly roof cleaning should be a point of consideration when exterior house cleaning with NZTS.
A lot of New Zealanders have a deep commitment to the environment and a willingness to make positive changes to the way we go about our lives. This has been especially noticeable in the cleaning products we use around the house, and things like the plastic bag petition that was recently presented to parliament to ban plastic bags in supermarkets.
Often, though it’s not always clear about the best way to go about large exterior cleaning jobs around the house. The roof cleaning or roof treatment is one of these jobs that pops up every so often. That we entrust a contractor to take care responsibly.
Soft Washing vs Pressure Washing
Soft washing is the preferred method for eco-friendly roof cleaning as it uses low-pressure water combined with biodegradable cleaning solutions to remove moss, algae, and dirt safely. It reduces the risk of roof damage and uses significantly less water.
Pressure washing, on the other hand, can force water under roofing materials, damage surfaces, and increase contaminated runoff into stormwater systems. For most residential roofs, especially older ones, it is not recommended.
Without a doubt, the most effective way to protect the environment during roof treatment or cleaning is to prevent roof-cleaning chemicals, cleaning byproducts, and sediment from entering the stormwater system and, ultimately, the environment.
Regardless of the roof-cleaning method you’re employing, these are the best ways to achieve this:
Eco-Friendly Roof Cleaning Tricks
Disconnect the downpipes
Disconnecting the downpipes of your home is easily the best way to keep roof cleaning products from reaching the environment.
This isn’t always a simple operation as fittings are often painted over or plastic cement is used to join the downpipes to the gutter or drop box.
Install downpipe diverters
Downpipes diverters are a great way to redirect chemical runoff away from stormwater and the environment. Also great for providing a point to access your rainwater system to check for blockages.
The fibres become friable (i.e., crumbly and easily airborne) after the roof cleaning is complete and the sludge dries. The asbestos becomes most hazardous as the fibres are picked up and blown around.
Vacuum runoff out of the gutter system
Runoff chemical and sediment from the roof pose a real threat to the environment. Some of the roof cleaning products used to treat a roof are not discriminatory to the plant or aquatic life they target. Vacuuming this waste out of gutter systems is often a great solution for large roofs or roofs with a steep pitch.
Rainwater Tank Warning
If your home collects rainwater, it is important to disconnect tanks before any roof cleaning begins. Cleaning solutions and debris can contaminate stored water and make it unsafe for use.
After cleaning, gutters and downpipes should be flushed before reconnecting the tank. Always confirm with your contractor whether tank-safe products are being used.
Other eco-friendly roof cleaning tips
Pick the best roof cleaning method specific to your roof: Consider the method of cleaning and the roof type and the condition of the roof being cleaned. Iron in good condition is a great candidate for water blasting or soft washing. A negligible quantity of sediment will be picked up from the roof wash and carried off into the environment.
Avoid High-Pressure Washing: High-pressure sprays can strip paint and damage delicate surfaces. Stick to low-pressure or soft wash techniques for safer results.
- Choose Biodegradable Cleaners: Use eco-friendly cleaning products that break down naturally and won’t harm plants, pets, or nearby water systems.
- Protect Surrounding Plants:
Cover or rinse nearby landscaping before and after cleaning to prevent chemical exposure or water stress.
- Manual Cleaning: For delicate surfaces, scrubbing by hand with soft brushes allows for precise cleaning without surface damage.
Do you have an asbestos roof? This article will give you techniques on how to clean your asbestos roof responsibly.
Watch for roof paint or coatings in a poor condition
Paint in poor condition on any roof type can seriously affect the environment. There are cases where whole streams have been turned bright red from washing roofs and paint in poor condition.
Question your contractor
Asking the right questions and giving some thought to runoff before commencing a roof cleaning job is the best way to help to protect the environment.
What NOT to Do
To protect both your roof and the environment, avoid the following:
- Do not use high-pressure washing on delicate roofs
- Do not allow runoff to enter stormwater drains untreated
- Do not use harsh or non-biodegradable chemicals
- Do not clean during heavy rain or windy conditions
- Do not walk on fragile or steep roofs without proper safety equipment.
Roof wash regularly
An annual roof clean is the best way to cut down on the amount of chemicals and water needed to maintain your roof.
This will not only lower the impact on the environment, it will lower the cleaning cost and also extend the life of your roof, eliminating the need for a major high-pressure or potent chemical roof washing operation after being left for an extended period of time.
NZTS roof cleaning experts are always on hand for free no obligation advice.
