How Do You Clean a Commercial Roof?

roof washing

Commercial Roof Cleaning

Think about how dirty the roof on your home gets and multiply that by 100s, even 1000s of square footage for a commercial roof. Washing the surface of a commercial roof is just as important as keeping your residential roof clean. For the owner of the commercial structure, it can be extremely important because cleaning rooftops is crucial and too often overlooked.

What is commercial roof washing? 

Commercial roof cleaning is the process of removing algae, debris, trash, and other types of growth from the roof surface. Some commercial roofing materials can be cleaned by power washing, other roofing materials require chemical treatment.

How important is commercial roof washing? 

A commercial roof is exposed to all types of weather elements. From hail and high winds, ice, rain, sleet, snow, and daily exposure to the sun. For that reason along, commercial roof washing is important. Other reasons you should schedule this service on a routine schedule include: 

  • Performance Improved

To get the full benefit of energy efficiency and lifespan from a commercial roof, washing it is a must.  A clean roof helps to maintain a lower temperature on the roof surface, which protects the roof membrane and reduces energy consumption by keeping the building cool. 

  • Moisture Eliminated

Moisture is the number one enemy of a commercial roof. Washing it on a regular schedule keeps the unwanted debris, leaves, limbs and other materials that can keep water from draining. This leads to blistering, ponding, and splitting of the membrane which can cause a metal roof to corrode and ruse. 

  • Fire Hazard Minimized 

In any area where wildfires are commonplace, or a structure that houses or manufacturers combustibles materials, commercial roof washing will keep fire potential minimized. 

  • Roof Damage Exposed 

Along with monthly inspections of a commercial roof, washing it routinely can help find any damage that should be repaired before it becomes severe damage. 

  • Health Protection

Algae and mold on a commercial roof aren’t just ugly, but it creates a health hazard too. These substances get drawn into the HVAC systems and the bacteria blow throughout the building. This can lead to a high rate of employee sick days. Commercial roof washing keeps algae and mold minimized, making your building healthy, and your employees healthy.

  • Building Code

Commercial structures that house a food-related industry are required in many cities to have a commercial roof washing every 6 months. 

  • Aesthetics

Commercial roof washing will help your building make a great first impression on customers and vendors.  

If your building was pre-occupied before you, getting a thorough commercial roof washing will remove the years of algae, dirt, grime, mold, pollution, and more. These things on your roof will leave it looking undesirable and you may have issues there you didn’t know about. The good thing about commercial roof cleaning, once you have the process, stay on schedule and it will get faster each time. 

What kind of chemicals are materials are used to commercial roof cleaning? 

There is a variety of chemicals for commercial roof cleaning. This includes bleach, calcium chloride, potassium hydroxide, and percarbonate cleaners. Sodium hydroxide or sodium hypochlorite 3 are popular choices too. With the right product based on the roofing materials, a water hose and a push broom, commercial roof washing is a fairly easy task, but time-consuming when done correctly. 

Is commercial roof washing safe for the environment?

A proper commercial roof structure will have a drainage system, keeping the flush off the landscape, parking lots, and streets. Reading the labeling on any product used will give you direction as to what is environmentally safe and will be effective for commercial roof washing. 

commercial roof washing

How often should a commercial roof be washed?

An annual commercial roof washing is recommended. As we mentioned earlier, this allows any issues to be noticed and repaired before they become a bigger problem. 

How much does commercial roof washing cost? 

The cost of a commercial roof washing will depend on the square footage and the type of roofing material that is in place. If the drains need to be cleared or any repairs made, that can increase the cost. 

At The End Of The Day and On The Rooftop – Does It Really Matter? 

Yes, commercial roof cleaning is important for the reasons we’ve listed in this piece. Your building is an investment, and the roof protects that investment. Having the roof in the best possible condition is essential in protecting your investment. 

Remember, a clean and healthy commercial structure includes that commercial roof cleaning, creating a good reputation for your company. If your structure looks clean, it will lead to the interior being clean and well-kept too. 

While your own maintenance crew may be able to do a commercial roof cleaning, it is recommended to have it done professionally. A professional will know what issues to spot that could be problems later whereas your maintenance crew may not realize there is an issue.

Clean your roof with commercial roof washing in Texarkana, TX. Contact our Lafferty Roofing & Construction team at 903-824-9871 to get started.