Tag: Roof cleaning

Categories
Roofing

Keep your solar panels clean

Benefits of solar panel cleaning

There are several benefits of cleaning your solar panels. The most important benefit is ensuring they can generate the maximum amount of power possible. Plus, regular solar panel cleaning and solar panel maintenance can expand the functional lifespan of the solar panels. Clean solar panels absorb more sunshine than dirty ones and function more efficiently. Therefore, you’re able to save more on energy bills, helps maintain the manufacturer’s warranty and enables you to get more out of your investment. That’s true even if you do the solar panel cleaning services yourself.

How often to clean solar panels?

Research shows solar panels provide optimal performance when cleaned twice a year. Many experts recommend solar panels be cleaned in spring and Autumn. How dirty solar panels get due to environmental factors determines how often you should clean them. If you live near the sea, near lots of construction dust, automobile exhaust, leaves, bats or birds, you should regularly check the solar panels to see if they need cleaning. However, be aware excessive cleaning can scratch solar panels and reduce their efficiency.

Solar panels before & after cleaning / Source: Kleen Genie

Materials and tools

Very little solar panel cleaning equipment, supplies and tools are required to clean dirty solar panels. They are:

  • A good quality soft brush: This will be used to safely and carefully remove dust, debris or anything else a water hose cannot wash off the panels. 
  • Squeegee:  One side of the squeegee should have a plastic blade, and the other side should have a cloth-covered sponge.
  • Hose: The combination of water, a soft brush, a mild detergent and the squeegee should be enough to get the panels clean. 
  • Very mild detergent: This is an optional item some people use to help remove dirt and grime that cannot be removed with water and a soft brush alone. 
  • Distilled or de-mineralised water: Some people use distilled or de-mineralised water to clean their solar panels to help prevent streaking. De-mineralised or distilled water can produce a spot-free finish which is more resistant to dirt and grime, provides a better result and has a longer-lasting impact. 

Contact local roof cleaners

The best way to clean solar panels

Finding the best method for cleaning solar panels on the roof is very important. Solar panels are exposed to lots of environmental pollutants and must be kept clean in order for them to provide optimal performance. The following steps outline the best method for cleaning solar panels on the roof safely and properly.

  1. When to clean solar panels: If your solar panels are dirty, it’s best to clean them early in the morning on a day when it is overcast. In cooler months, clean the solar panels in the evening. The key reason for this is cleaning solar panels when they are hot can damage them. Plus, the hot sun can make cleaning products dry on the solar panels too quickly and leave grease and residue on them. 
  2. Shut off the system: When you are going to clean solar panels, you first have to shut off the system. This stops electricity from flowing and makes it safe to make contact with them to do the cleaning. You can also have an accredited professional Clean Energy Council certified technician check the panels for discolouration, cracks, chips or other obvious defects. They can also safely make sure all cables and fittings are securely attached before starting to use your solar panel cleaning equipment.
  3. Brush off any debris: Once the system is safely turned off, use a soft brush on a long pole to brush off as much dirt and debris as you can. In many cases that’s all it takes to get the solar panels clean. A soft brush is the best brush for cleaning solar panels because it will not scratch the glass surface.
  4. Scrub with water and a brush: If after you have gone over the solar panels with a soft brush there is dirt or grime, it’s time to add a little water. Aim the hose at the front surface of each solar panel and scrub it using the water and the soft brush. If some dirt and grime remain, you can add a little of the very mild detergent and scrub with the soft brush and the side of the squeegee with the sponge to clean all the grime off each solar panel. 
  5. Rinse: Once the dirt and grime have been carefully removed, rinse the panels using the water hose and dry them with the squeegee. Make sure you only put the water on the solar panels’ top surface. Don’t spray water on the back of the solar panels or in gaps between the roof and panels. This can damage the system. Ensuring the panels are dry prevents hard water mineral build-up on the glass. Regular solar panel cleaning services is an important part of proper solar panel maintenance. 

How to clean solar panels from the ground

People often ask does cleaning solar panels make a difference, and the answer is yes! However, when you are cleaning your solar panels yourself, the safest way is to stand on the ground and use a hose and a squeegee with a very long handle. Cleaning the solar panels while you are standing on the ground is safe and comfortable. Spray the panels with a water hose. Use a soft long-handled brush to remove loose dust and debris and the sponge to scrub off stubborn grime and residue. Then rinse off the panels and dry them with the squeegee. 

Clean solar panels / Source: JFK Electrical

How to hire a solar panel expert

Hiring a solar panel expert is a simple and straightforward process. You can ask your relatives, friends, neighbours and acquaintances who have solar panels for recommendations. However, you have to make sure they have the proper licencing and qualifications.

Required licensing and qualifications

To be able to install photovoltaic systems in Australia legally, a person needs two crucial documents. They are an electrical licence as well as Clean Energy Council Of Australia accreditation. They can also work as a solar panel installer if someone with an electrical licence supervises them. Property owners only qualify to get rebates from the government if the solar panel installer is CEC accredited.

Categories
Roofing

Tips for roof cleaning

Many people don’t consider the work that goes into maintaining a roof until there is a problem. It doesn’t hurt to periodically inspect your roof to see if there is anything that needs to be done or if it is holding up under the weather and elements. Having someone look at it can help keep costs down as problems will be detected before they become big issues that will require a lot of money and time to properly fix.

How to clean a roof

Your roof type will determine the best method to clean it. Know what material your roof is made of before you get on it for cleaning. Here are the most common ways to remove built-up algae from your roof:

  • Pressure washing the roof. This will work best when you are dealing with a metal or tiled roof.
  • Chemical washing is best for any type of roof. Make sure it is safe to use with your roof and that it will be effective for your problem.

How to pressure wash it

First, acquire a pressure washer. Consider all the options you have, whether it is to rent or purchase a pressure washer. Once you have the pressure washer, do the following:

  • Start at the peak. This way you will work down and shoot the dirty water off the roof and avoid getting it under the shingles.
  • Do a small area first. Use medium pressure and keep the head about 30cm from the roof. Lower the wand to the roof until you are able to remove the mould and algae. Make sure to not use too much pressure and damage roofing materials.
  • Stand on a dry area while pressure washing. Only stand on areas already clean once you have started as algae becomes very slippery when it is wet.
Take lots of caution when using a high-pressure cleaner on a roof / Source: The Dirt Hunter

Using chemicals

The best option to use when doing chemical cleaning is chlorine. You can also use a weak solution of sodium hydroxide, however this is the more dangerous of the two options. Protect yourself from chemical burns by donning eye and hand protection.

Be safe

  • Have a spotter. If the roof has a steep pitch make sure that you have someone near to watch and get help if necessary.
  • Make sure the chemicals you use will not harm you or the plant life below as you spray it off the roof.
  • Make sure to use minimal pressure with the pressure washer. It will help you control it and will reduce any harm you may do to your roof.

Removing moss 

In addition to adding a rustic and charming look to your roof, moss may actually be damaging your roof. You’ll want to have any visible moss removed as quickly as possible to reduce your chance of roof damage. 

Why should you remove moss?

The damage caused by roof moss actually comes from rain water runoff. Large sections of moss can impede the flow of water from your roof. These sections of moss act like a dam and cause the water to back up under the shingles on your roof. Additionally, These pools of water take longer to dry and reduce the life of your roof. Over time, large patches of moss can cause roof damage and leaks. When you find small patches of moss, it’s a good idea to have them removed before they become larger and start causing these problems.

Contact local roof cleaners

How to remove moss from your roof

While a pressure washer can remove moss from your roof, it can also damage your roof. It’s best to have a professional pressure wash your roof to remove moss to avoid major roof damage. When done right, a high-pressure jet of water will lift the moss from your roof. Done improperly, your roof will be damaged or removed along with the moss.

Another option is to scrub the moss from the roof using a broom or brush with stiff bristles and soapy water. While it’s more difficult to damage your roof while removing moss in this way, it’s also a difficult and slow-going job.

If you catch the moss early enough, you can remove it by treating your roof with a solution of copper sulphate. Simply mix 45 litres of water with 2 kilogrammes of copper sulphate and apply the solution to your roof according to the product’s instructions. This will provide enough solution for an average size roof. However, larger or smaller roofs can adjust this recipe to suit their needs.

Before and after roof cleaning / Source: Maxxy Roofing

Stopping moss growth

The best way to stop moss from growing on your roof is to treat your roof with zinc carbonate on a regular basis. If you don’t feel like mixing up a batch and spraying it on your roof regularly, then you should consider using zinc strips. Simply install zinc strips at special places along your roof and wait for rain. Every time it rains, the zinc strips will release zinc carbonate which will wash over your roof. This reduces the amount of future moss growth with one easy installation.

Should you hire someone to clean your roof?

It’s much safer and easier to hire a professional to clean your roof. Scrubbing your roof by hand from a ladder is a precarious task, and improper use of a pressure washer could remove your roof along with the moss, algae or dirt. Instead, most people opt to hire a professional pressure cleaner or a roof maintenance company. Their experience enables them to remove moss with minimal damage to their roof. They’ll also be able to make recommendations for preventing or slowing future dirt and moss build up.

Categories
Roofing

Cleaning your gutters

It is one of the most dreaded chores you can do around the home. The fact that the gutters fill with debris that needs occasional clearing means you probably put off getting it done until its too late or you’re forced to do it.

The issues that arise when you don’t clean the gutters can be severe since the rain gutters were designed to help your home’s structure. If the gutters are left clogged, you could end up with the unpleasant task of paying for some very expensive roof or home repairs.

Why gutter cleaning is important

When it rains, the water runs from your roof into the gutters and down to a designated area. Some people allow rainwater to make its way down to the stormwater system, while others have special catchment areas for gathering rainwater. No matter what you choose, it is vital that your gutters are free of blockages and obstructions at all times. If you neglect this, water will build up inside the gutters and eventually overflow. The overflowing water can get into your ceiling, inner walls, and even the inside of your windows. This can cause devastating structural damage to your home.

Source: Roof Leak Services

In areas where fires are a common hazard, gutter cleaning is an essential part of reducing this risk. Proper, regular cleaning also ensures that your gutters and downpipes last longer and eliminates common breeding areas for insects, like mosquitoes. For the most part, gutters only need cleaning once a year. However, in areas where tree growth is dense, cleaning may need to take place as often as every three or four months.

Certain gutter cleaning services go the extra mile and clean your ceiling cavity too. This reduces the risk of allergies from dust mites and removes rodent breeding areas.

If you regularly clean out your gutters, you will be able to avoid:

  • Wearing your gutters out before their time
  • The opportunity for water to enter your home unwanted
  • Debris blocking down pipes and drains
  • Creating an environment for vermin and insects like mosquitoes and mice
  • Having possible dry debris available for fuel during fire seasons

Setting a schedule for gutter cleaning

If you have a large number of tall trees that overhang your home’s roof, this can be the biggest culprit for a dirty gutter. The idea is that if you have a half a dozen trees that shed their leaves, you are going to want to clean them out at least once a year after all the leaves have fallen for the season. Although, it is recommended that you at least inspect and clean accordingly a few times a year. If you have gutter guards, you might only need to inspect the gutters annually and clean them every other year or so.

Should you clean your gutters or hire someone?

If you are physically able to clean your own gutters, then you can save yourself the additional cost of hiring someone to do it for you, and do it yourself. The task of cleaning out the gutters only requires that you have access to a pair of gloves, a hand rake or garden scoop, and a ladder tall enough to comfortably and safely reach the gutter.

If for some reason you do not wish to clean your own gutter or are not physically able to do it, then hiring someone to do the cleaning is a must. Be sure to hire someone who is either licensed to perform work on your home like a handyman or landscaper. If you do hire a professional and do not already have gutter guards in place, ask them about installing some. This will drastically reduce the need to clean the gutters as often in the future.

Professional gutter cleaning services

When calling in the professionals, these are some of the services you can expect:

  • Leaf and debris removal from the roof, gutters and downpipes
  • Gutter and downpipe flushing where necessary
  • Cleaning of the ceiling cavity
  • Checking for any damaged roof tiles while conducting roof cleaning
  • Complete waste removal once cleaning is complete
  • Gutter guards supplied and fitted
  • Ensuring your gutters are bird-proof
  • Repairs to damaged roof tiles
  • Full report on roof condition

Choosing a gutter cleaner

The most important question to ask before hiring a gutter cleaner is whether their company and all its staff are fully covered by insurance. Make sure that they follow all the safety guidelines when doing the job.

Shop around for quotes and, when doing so, make sure that each company is offering the same, or at least a similar range, of services. The cheapest option is not always the best, so make sure you read through all the terms of their service. Check if they remove the waste collected in the gutters. You may ask them to leave it behind if you want to use it as mulch. Ask them if they have a satisfaction guarantee, how soon they will be able to clean your gutters and if they offer any kind of emergency service.

Categories
Roofing

The importance and benefits of regular roof maintenance

Maintaining your roof with regularly scheduled checkups can ensure the structure covering your home is stable to keep you and your families safe. Homeowners give importance to roof health, the moment something severe occurs. For instance, there could be water accumulation in the house. And the chances are that the potential damage is already done. Hence, there’s a need for regular roof inspections and maintenance activities.

Regardless of whether you run a high-volume plant or a little boutique business, keeping up appearances and protected property is likely high on your need list. That is the reason such a large number of business and mechanical ventures put resources into intermittent business material upkeep. In any case, there are a higher number of advantages to doing as such than just wellbeing and appearance.

At the point when rooftop spills are not distinguished and tended to in time, they will at last lead to discolouring steel just as debilitating materials, consequently bargaining the auxiliary respectability of the house. Fixing spilling rooftops is generous speculation for property holders. It’s essential to have a proactive support plan for your home or business rooftop by distinguishing and repairing small issues before they become significant problems. Being prepared can also mean that your expenses for new materials. Here are some benefits that Patriot Roofing and Construction, a roofing company in the United States, highlight for systematic and regular roof maintenance.

Dark grey colorbond roof of a single storey house on an overcast day.
A freshly cleaned roof can add extra street appeal to your property / Source: Evolution Gutters & Downpipes

It prevents your roof from the visible wear and tears

With time your roof will undergo ample wear and tear! And it is necessary to inspect it regularly. It would be best if you hire a professional roofer to check your roof when there’s a need for it. Also, getting the roofer for an annual check is essential. Solar energy, wind, snow, and rainstorms usually wear out the roofing materials. Completing essential roof maintenance and repairs will keep you strategically distant from costly fixes and upkeep. It’s imperative to comprehend that most makers of roofing materials put it clearly on their guidelines that inability to do appropriate support could void the guarantee given.

Adds more years to your roof

Roofs are costly and will eventually come towards the end of their lifecycle! But when you deploy the best roof maintenance steps, you can make your roof more durable. It also saves you from investing in new roofs before the end of its lifecycle. Today, the best roofing contractors are available to assist you in providing the best maintenance and upkeep tactics to expand the roof’s lifespan. It would be best if you averted expensive repairs as you sort out major and minor damages with time.

Also, proper roof maintenance helps you to add to the savings as well. You likely don’t contemplate your rooftop except if something turns out badly with it. Tragically, when that you notice something isn’t right, the fix might be costly, or the harm could be broad to such an extent that it is hopeless. At Superior Roofing Company of Georgia, Inc., we realise that there are some valid justifications to enlist a natural material and fix administration to turn out to your home at ordinary interims. With ordinary assistance calls, your home will hold its worth, appearance, and claim.

Aerial view of an orange tiled single storey house with 3 skylights and a cimney
Aerial view of a well-maintained tiled roof / Source: All Roof Repair Pty Ltd

Repairs the damages in perfect time

Almost anything can lead to roof damage! It can occur from strong winds to the tree falling atop the roof! Also, the damages come in every size and shape. Hence, it’s best to repair the same at the earliest. The moment your roof undergoes major or minor damage, roofing repair is essential. If you find tree limbs and branches on the roof, you can eliminate it before its weight results in excess loss.

Helps to clear the fauna and flora from the roof

Having fauna and flora on your roof is a common phenomenon! However, it’s a smart call to get it cleared before the damage. When you find the winds are blowing seeds to the roof, it’s common that a few of them would germinate, in the rainy season. Clearing the greenery from your roof has both functional and aesthetic benefits. The fauna and flora on the roof affect the drainage that, in turn, leads to the debris trapped on the roof tracks. Probably the most significant duty you have as a property holder is ensuring your venture. Even though you may live in a protected neighbourhood, you despite everything need to ensure that each part of your property is up to code.

Removing moisture from the roof

When you eliminate the excess roof moisture, you automatically maintain the roof health! When you say yes to systematic and regular roof inspections, you will have a clean and stable roof. The moisture removal is essential as standing water gives rise to mosquitoes and other germs and bacteria as well. Much the same as everything else, time will in general negatively affect your rooftop, particularly on the off chance that you don’t have it usually assessed. Making meetings with an expert roofer guarantees that the rooftop in our inspections and repairs. Rainstorms, day off, and even sun oriented vitality will, in general, wear out roofing materials so keep in touch with your roofing professional.

Conclusion

These are some of the reasons for which you need to say yes to regular roof maintenance. Make sure you take the guidance from an expert roofing company to leverage the benefits. All mortgage holders will require their homes to expect the best and great structure consistently. Remember maintaining your home’s rooftop will not only make your home look great but ensure it is safe!