The roof plays a crucial role in protecting the home. Both inside and outside, it shields it from rain, snow, wind, and even hail.

That’s not all, this part of the house contributes to the comfort of the occupants. With good insulation, the use of air conditioning and heating is significantly reduced.

Method	Description	Advantages	Disadvantages
Pressure washing	Use of a high-pressure cleaner to remove moss, lichens, and dirt.	Fast, effective, removes ingrained dirt.	Risk of damaging fragile tiles, requires experience.
Manual brushing	Use of a hard brush and water to scrub the roof surface.	Gentle method, suitable for fragile tiles, no expensive equipment needed.	More time-consuming and physical, less effective on stubborn moss.
Application of anti-moss product	Spraying a chemical or ecological treatment that destroys moss and lichens.	Long-lasting action, prevents regrowth, preventive maintenance.	Requires waiting time for the product to take effect.
Waterproofing treatment	Application of a waterproofing product after cleaning.	Protects against moisture, extends the roof’s lifespan.	Must be applied on a clean and dry roof, additional cost.
Cleaning by a professional	Intervention by a specialized company with appropriate equipment.	Safety, efficiency, time-saving, guaranteed results.	Higher cost than cleaning yourself.

Thanks to its good waterproofing, the roof ensures the longevity and durability of the building. To properly fulfill its functions, it is crucial to take care of it according to best practices.

This article provides you with important details on the subject. Discover the essential steps to proceed with roof cleaning.

Inspect the roof

Before taking action, start by walking around the house to locate visible problems.

Check if the roof edges are well fixed. The same goes for the ridge tiles. Inspect the chimney joints, protrusions, edges, and the ventilation grille.

Take a look to see if the gutters are pierced or torn off. Observe the tiles for any missing pieces. Take notes so that nothing escapes your attention.

Once these problems are resolved, now move on to the serious work. To climb onto the roof, use a sturdy ladder. Equip yourself with a safety harness and non-slip shoes to protect yourself from possible accidents.

On the roof, perform manual cleaning by removing dirt or vegetation that accumulates such as dead leaves, moss, and fungi.

Take the opportunity to fix any misplaced tiles. If some are worn out, do not hesitate to replace them.

Clean with high pressure

Manual maintenance is largely insufficient to keep the roof intact. There is nothing better than using efficient equipment to achieve effective and lasting results.

Just like the pillar drill, jigsaw, angle grinder or sander, the pressure washer is one of the most essential tools at home.

Electric or thermal, the device is not only used to maintain walls, the facade, the terrace, or the car. It is also a valuable aid to effectively clean the roof. With its high pressure, the housing cover becomes clean as new.

To do this, it is recommended to use an electric model. The latter has the advantage of being light, compact, and easy to handle. Even though the thermal cleaner is ultra powerful, it risks damaging the coating.

In order to clean the roof, work from top to bottom. The device expels water at high pressure through its nozzle. This helps you perform a deep cleaning of your roof.

This method may seem quick and efficient for removing all dirt and stubborn stains.

Use an anti-moss product

• Proliferation of moss and lichens: Climatic variations quickly promote the appearance of moss, lichens, and algae on the roof.
• Products available on the market: There are many anti-moss products suitable for all budgets. Versatile ranges can also be used on floors and walls.
• Application method: Depending on the chosen product, rinsing may be necessary after installation, while others, such as slow-acting anti-moss, require no rinsing.
• Slow and progressive action: Slow-acting products work with the help of rain; the moss gradually disappears without using a water jet or pressure washer.
• Compatibility with different materials: This treatment can be applied to all types of roofs: slate, concrete, tile, plastic, or plaster.
• Prevention and curative treatment: Anti-moss is used both to prevent the appearance of moss and to eliminate it when it is already present.

Apply the water repellent

After cleaning the roof with high pressure and then applying the anti-moss product, applying the water repellent makes it possible to waterproof the surface.

Besides dust, sun, and wind, bad weather and humidity are factors that accelerate the deterioration of the roof.

The water repellent treatment or waterproofing consists of applying the water repellent product. The goal is to protect it from moisture. The technique optimizes its tolerance to bad weather.

Whether water-based or acrylic resin-based, the additive serves to seal cracks. It prevents rainwater from infiltrating the tiles. Some models are capable of combating the appearance of moss and fungi.

In any case, the product is effective in reinforcing the waterproofing of the roof, which guarantees its durability. However, it is not suitable for a roof in poor condition. At this stage, it is better to replace it.

The right time to clean your roof

This maintenance work should not be done at just any time. Specialists recommend early spring or late autumn.

For the first case, consider checking the impact of the frost season. Sometimes, winter weather conditions have caused more or less significant damage. 

As for the second, it is the ideal time to remove moss, dead leaves, branches, lichens, or fungi from the roof.

In any case, choose the day to intervene. It is preferable to act during dry and less windy weather. It is advised to maintain the roof twice a year.