It’s springtime, and the winter weather has loaded your roof and gutters with leaves and debris. So, you need to clean your roof. Where do you start? Here are a few important things to know before cleaning your roof this spring.

Why clean your roof and gutters in the first place?

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against water damage. Your gutters facilitate that protection. If either piece of this armor is malfunctioning, you could be in for some major interior water damage without even knowing it.

Cleaning debris off of your roof and keeping moss from growing on your shingles helps to ensure that the interior of your home is guarded against invasive water. Once water is able to flow freely from your roof, it will next travel to your gutters, which can quickly become blocked by leaves and other plant material, causing water to back up and find new ways to follow gravity.

Your gutters must remain clear to prevent water from pooling and going places it is not supposed to be. Ensuring your gutters are clear will drastically decrease the likelihood of water damage inside your home.

Proper tools and equipment for roof cleaning. 

When cleaning your roof yourself, make sure to have the following materials gathered beforehand:

• Thick rubber gloves or work gloves

• Gutter cleaning tools

• Safety goggles/glasses

• Pressure washer

• Ladder

• Paintbrush/paint

• Caulk

• Mold and mildew remover

Clean your gutters and roof at the same time.

Cleaning both your roof and gutters at the same time can save you time and money, especially when hiring a professional to take care of the problem for you. If you do both simultaneously, you only have to schedule roofers for one appointment, and they can often combine both tasks in a way that cuts down significantly on the time it would normally have taken should the appointments have been separated. Also, you typically only have to pay the roofers one service fee instead of two.

Ladder safety.

When cleaning your roof, it is crucial to use the buddy system at all times. Never clean your roof by yourself. You should have a partner on the ground monitoring you as you work on the roof, ready to call for help or call 911 if necessary. Your buddy can hold the ladder for you as you climb, making sure to keep you steady and safe.

When on a ladder, make sure to never climb above the second to last rung, as it becomes significantly less safe the higher you go beyond that point. If you have a two-story home, make sure to use an extension ladder.  

If you need a roof or gutter cleaning, reach out to us here at New Look Roof! Our team of professionals will gladly come and give you a free inspection and price quote.