There are a couple of roof washing methods available, but how do you know what’s suitable for your roof? You definitely don’t want the roof damaged or the life of the roof affected. Picking the wrong roof cleaner and you end up with a leaky, damaged roof. You also want to avoid being held liable for injured employees, or avoided roof warranty.
Let’s look at the questions you need to ask before hiring any roof washing company.
How long have you been in business?
Professionalism and experience are key. You want to work with a roofing company that has a proven track record. Chances are if a roof washing company has been in business for several years and are trusted by the community.
What type of pressure washing method do you use?
You must find out what type of roof washing technique any roof washing company you’re considering uses. A traditional pressure washer is not the best option for cleaning a roof because they are too powerful. They can loosen the tiles and cause quite a bit of damage.
You want a company that ideally offers a low water pressure-washing alternative. This is a roof cleaning technique that uses a hose that is a regular strength along with biodegradable detergent. They work together to efficiently remove mold, fungus, mildew, dirt, and grime from the roof, getting rid of marks and streaks too. If you’re not sure of the type of pressure washer they are using, try this. Ask the contractor to hold their hands under the spray. If they can’t, the pressure is too high and can damage your tiles.
You also want to ensure they don’t use any dangerous chemicals to clean your roof. They can damage the roof, void your warranty, can be harmful to children and pets, and kill off your plants and affect your landscaping in the area where the liquid runs off below. A professional company will not hesitate to explain what products they use and reiterate its safety for the environment.
If they wet down or cover plants before, during, or after the roof cleaning treatment or use a runoff recovery system, it could mean that a chemical such as chlorine bleach is being used.
Do you have good references?
What do their previous clients have to say about the roof washing company? Ask for customer feedback or reviews before you sign on. You can also look online to see if anyone has posted positive or negative reviews of their experience with the company. Ask them specific questions to get a sense of their professionalism too. Such as, d they value education and training? Do they clean up after the work is done?
Are you licensed and insured?
A licensed roof cleaner will give you the peace of mind that they will work to a high standard. You are well within your rights to ask for them to clarify their certification if this isn’t detailed on their marketing material already.
Roof maintenance can be dangerous, and even when all safety precautions are taken, anything can happen when you are on a roof. You want to know that your roof cleaner carries worker’s compensation and liability insurance to cover their employees on the job. If not, you could be held liable for injuries incurred while work is done on your roof.
Is your work guaranteed?
A roof cleaner that won’t offer you a guarantee for their work should be viewed with suspicion. Roof maintenance requires skill and care. If they aren’t prepared to back up their work and fix any work you consider below par, avoid working with them from the start. A reputable and trusted roof cleaner knows the importance of roof maintenance. They will be keen to do an excellent job so that you will work with them in the long-term – and recommend them to your friends and family.
It’s also worth asking if the roof cleaning company also offers roof repairs and roof installations. It’s ideal to work with one single company for all your roof needs, including the annual roof and gutter inspections. While they are on the roof cleaning it, they can also take the opportunity to spot any possible issues that require repairs.
Finally, before you hire a roof cleaning company, ask them if they require payment for a roof inspection for quote purposes. A reputable and trustworthy roof cleaner usually won’t mind quoting on a job for free because they know their pricing and service make it likely you will book with them to get the job done.
Other tips? When hiring a contractor, ask if they will guarantee that the algae (as well as lichens or moss) will not still be there before they leave your house. Also, check if they offer an annual roof stain prevention program.
