Flat roofs are special in many ways, one of the features that you need to pay attention to being that they are more sensitive to the accumulation of debris than pitched roofs.
The dust, dirt, feathers, twigs, leaves and other debris carried by the wind tend to settle on flat surfaces, then the accumulations absorb and trap the water from the air and cause damage to the roof surface underneath. Commercial roofing Denver CO experts confirm that the only way to prevent the issue is to clean the roof at regular intervals, at least every six months and to include additional cleaning sessions whenever necessary, after storms or other forms of severe weather. Here is how to do it right:
- Stay away from your pressure washer – however tempting it may be to use the appliance, the strong jet of the pressure washer might damage the roof, so you should not use it;
- Sweep the roof first – dust turns to mud when it comes into contact with water. To avoid that, always start the cleaning process sweeping the roof with a broom to eliminate dry debris;
- Wash and rinse the roof – use a soap and water solution or a mild chlorine solution to remove the remaining dirt from the roof, then rinse the roof thoroughly to remove any chemical residue;
- Clean the gutters – the roof cleaning process might send debris to the gutters, so when you are done cleaning the roof surface, always clean the drainage pipes.