Comprehensive Guide for Roof Cleaning in Melbourne: Tips and Insights

Roofs are often overlooked on residential & commercial buildings. They are a large part of the presentation of your building/property and cover a large surface area. Everyone cleans the interiors and immediate exteriors of their property every day or frequently, but only a few maintain a regular cleaning routine when it comes to their roofs. It is mostly so because roof cleaning can be tricky & dangerous to clean. Roofs are continuously exposed to harsh weather conditions, and over time, a lot of dirt and dirt accumulates over the surface of the roofs. So, they demand a thorough cleaning, taking up a lot of your time. If you are someone who has been skipping roof cleaning and now dirty roofs are ruining the look and feel of your property, it is time you seek the help of a professional roof cleaning company in Melbourne. But before that, let us take you through everything you need to know about roof cleaning – its importance, frequency, step-by-step procedure, etc.

Let’s get started!

Understanding the Need for Regular Roof Cleaning

DIY roof cleaning can be dangerous, time-consuming and most people don’t have the equipment and know how. This is precisely why property owners both residential & commercial, delay or don’t clean their roofs. However, one needs to realise that roof cleaning is not an extra care measure but an important requirement for maintaining the integrity of any property. Here are some reasons why roof cleaning is essential –

• Roof cleaning prevents the growth of mould and algae. If these organisms accumulate over your roof, they will slowly build up and make your property look dirty & unsightly.
• Roof debris like leaves and dirt can trap moisture and lead to the deterioration of your roofing materials, bringing down the lifespan of your roof.
• Clogged gutters and downspouts resulting from the accumulation of dirt and debris can lead to water leakage.
• A stained or discoloured roof will remove the curb appeal of your property, and roof cleaning can help you present your space & overall appearance.
• Regular roof cleaning can help you detect any underlying issues and get them repaired beforehand.

So, roof cleaning is an efficient way to keep any roof-related issues out of the picture.

How Frequently Should You Clean Your Roof in Melbourne?

Now that you understand why roof cleaning is essential, the next question is, how frequently should you clean your roof in Melbourne? There is no one number that works for all when it comes to roof cleaning; there are certain factors that determine the ideal cleaning frequency for any roof. This includes – climate conditions, type of roofing material, etc. So, let’s look at these factors and determine the ideal exterior roof cleaning schedule for your Melbourne property.

Climate Considerations

• As Melbourne receives regualar heavy rainfall, roofs are prone to algae, lichen and mould growth and should have a more frequent cleaning schedule.
• In Melbourne areas with high humidity and higher density of trees will definitely present with more issues in terms of mould & mildew.

Melbourne’s weather with its wet and dry spells can quickly lead to the contamination of roofs. During the rainy season growth of algae and moss becomes common and during dry months, a lot of dust, dirt and debris accumulates. So, with regular cleaning, you can efficiently deal with both.

Types of Roofing Materials

Different types of roofing materials have different cleaning requirements. So, the ideal cleaning frequency for your roof will depend on the type of roofing material used.

• Colorbond / Metal Roofing: It is durable and can go without cleaning for ten to fifteen years.
• Tile Roofing: Tile roofing offers less resistance to harsh weather conditions than metal roofing and requires roof cleaning every seven to ten years.
• Slate: They are prone to algae growth and require cleaning every 7-10 years.

Surrounding Vegetation

If there are overhanging trees around your roof, a lot of waste will accumulate on your roof in terms of leaves, twigs, small branches, etc. All of which, if left unattended, can –

• Lead to algae and mould growth.
• Trap moisture and lead to water damage.
• Block your downpipe and gutters.

If you have a lot of trees around your home, clean your gutters and roof regularly on your own and/or schedule professional roof & gutter cleaning services frequently.

Structural Factors

Certain structural elements of your roof also determine the ideal cleaning frequency of your roof.

• Roof Slope: Steeper roofs allow accessible water and debris flow, whereas flat roofs are prone to waste/water accumulation.
• Gutters & Downpipes: Clear gutter & downpipes will effectively channel the water and debris off your roof and away from your property, but blocked gutters and downpipes will lead to overflow & water damage.
• Design Features: If your roof has additional design elements like valleys, dormer windows, HVAC equipment and skylights, you will need more frequent cleaning as such structures trap dirt and debris including bird nests & debris.

So, consider your roofing structure and determine how frequently you need roof cleaning in Melbourne.

Benefits of Regular Roof Cleaning

If you are still wondering if roof cleaning in Melbourne is worth your money, let us take you through some proven benefits of availing professional roof cleaning services.

• Extend the Lifespan of Your Roof

  With regular roof cleaning, you can prevent the growth of mould, mildew and algae, protect your roof against structural damages and extend the life of your roof. Also, accumulation of dirt and debris can deteriorate your roof beyond repair and lead to water damage throughout your home. So, roof cleaning is an efficient and effective way to ensure the longevity of your roof and other structures.

• Curb Appeal

  A well-maintained and clean roof will hugely improve the look & presentation of your property. If your roof has stains, mould & algaei and is filled with dirt, it will create a negative impression for any customers, public, neighbours. This is especially crucial if you are selling your home or have customers frequenting your commercial property.

• Preventing Damage and Costly Repairs

  With regular cleaning, you can prevent the accumulation of dirt and debris, preventing several issues like water damage, surface runoff, etc. A clean roof ensures proper drainage and will protect your property against water leaks. Also, with regular cleaning, you can detect roofing issues like broken or loose tiles; gutters and downpipes that may be blocked and skylights that are dirty or even bird nests around heating/cooling plant.

Step-by-Step Guide to Roof Cleaning

If you are still wondering if roof cleaning in Melbourne is worth your money, let us take you through some proven benefits of availing professional roof cleaning services.

• Step 1: Adopting the Right Safety Measures
  you start the cleaning process, you must undertake all the necessary steps to ensure your safety. Wear non-slip shoes, gloves, eye protection, and other required safety gear. Harnesses & anchor points are critical to staying safe on your roof. Please don’t attempt to clean your roof without this.
• Step 2: Preparing Your Roof for Cleaning
  Next comes preparing your roof for the cleaning process. Remove all the leaves and branches lying on your roof. Also ensure you clean all gutters & check all downpipes are clear before you use any chemicals or water for cleaning. Also, you can trim any surrounding trees to minimise the accumulation of such debris in the future.
  Also ensure if you are collecting water from your gutters that you block of any inlets to the tanks.
• Step 3: Choosing the Tools and Cleaners
  Once you remove the debris, you must use a mould & mildew treatment to clean the surface thoroughly.
• Step 4: Applying the Cleaning Solution
  Applicate the mould & mildew cleaning solution doesn’t dry up before you clean the surface.
  Colorbond has specific gudelines to ensure you don’t void the warranty on their roof, so please follow this.
• Step 5: Dwell and Rinse Time
  Allow the cleaning solution to sit for the required duration, and then use a pressure washer for pressure washing the surface.
• Step 6: Post-Cleaning Inspection
  Once you are done cleaning, look for any areas needing repair and fix them or avail of expert assistance. Also, check that all your gutters and downpipes are clear to ensure the proper flow of water.

Safety Precautions for DIY Roof Cleaning Enthusiasts

If you wish to opt for DIY roof cleaning, here are a few safety precautions to adopt –

• If you use a ladder, place it correctly on a slip-proof surface with enough support and ensure you tie it down.
• Please ensure you have the correct footwear and also harnesses & anchor points
• If there are any delicate plants in your garden, cover them with a plastic sheet to prevent any damage.
• Block of any water tank inlets before using chemical to ensure no chemical enters the tank
• If you notice that your roof is damaged and there are signs of a water leak, call a plumber and have them inspect it before you initiate the cleaning work.

Hiring Professionals for Roof Cleaning in Melbourne

When it comes to roof cleaning in Melbourne, the biggest question is – whether to go DIY or opt for professional roof cleaning services. While you can clean your roof on a regular basis on your own, certain conditions do demand expert assistance.

• If your roof is steep or rugged to access, cleaning the roof on your own can be risky. In such a situation, seek professional help.
• If your roof is made of delicate roofing materials like slate or terracotta tiles, don’t risk damaging your roof with DIY solutions.
• If your roof is excessively covered with moss, algae, or mould growth, it’s better to let experts handle it.
• If you have a spacious and big roof, cleaning the roof can require use of commercial pressure washers and will be time-consuming. So, leave it to experts and rest assured.
• If there is a risk of asbestos, make sure to call an expert, as handling it alone can be hazardous.
• If there are persistent or tough stains on your roof, it’s better to seek help and make way for a thorough cleaning job.

Professional roof cleaners have years of experience undertaking projects of all kinds and have complete knowledge of what works and what doesn’t. With them, you can always expect work delivered to perfection.

Tips for Selecting a Reputable Roof Cleaning Company

Now, if you have decided to hire a professional roof cleaning company, here are a few tips to choose the right one –

• Make sure the team you are considering is licensed and insured. Insurance coverage is essential when delivering risk services like roof cleaning.
• Your choice of cleaners should have prior experience undertaking roof cleaning projects of similar kinds.
• Go through their website and read their client testimonials to get an insight into their service delivery.
• Have a look to see if they have videos online on Youtube or other such video channel
• Enquire about the safety measures they adopt to ensure an accident-free and risk-proof delivery of services.
• Ask them for a quote and compare prices before you make your choice.

How Much Does Roof Cleaning in Melbourne Cost?

Roof cleaning costs in Melbourne can vary from company to company, and it also depends upon diverse factors –

• The dimensions of your roof (cleaning area)
• Gutters & downpipes must be cleaned prior to the roof
• The extent of the cleaning service required (would basic cleaning suffice or there are excessive stains)
• The climatic conditions during which the service is availed.

At Exterior Clean Melbourne, we offer our roof cleaning services at the best rates. Once you connect with us, we will visit your location to understand the scope of work and offer a detailed quotation accordingly.

Conclusion

This is everything you need to know about roof cleaning in Melbourne. We hope it will help you make informed decisions about cleaning your roof. Roof cleaning is a basic requirement for every commercial or residential property. So, make sure you don’t skip it and make way for unnecessary yet costly repair work. If you have any doubt regarding the cost of roof cleaning or wish to avail of our services, connect with us today.