How to clean your flat roof

Christmas is just around the corner, which means it’s not long until Father Christmas makes an appearance! Sadly, he’s not going to get down that chimney if your roof is covered in leaves and debris…

Ok, so it’s a very tenuous link, particularly as it’s highly doubtful that your flat roof has a chimney! But at this time of year, it is important to ensure that your roof is clear of dirt and debris.

Yes we know – cleaning your flat roof isn’t exactly at the top of your ‘to do’ list. But the leaves have fallen off the trees and they have to land somewhere. It’s recommended that they don’t spend the coming months rotting on your flat roof or you may end up with a very expensive bill down the line.

High-Tech Membrane Roofing suggests that you or a professional cleans your flat roof every 12 to 24 months to prevent dirt and debris build-up.

Before any cleaning commences, you need to brush off any loose leaves and debris. You then have four options available to you in terms of cleaning your flat roof.

1. Pressure washer: If you’re looking for highly effective, environmentally friendly method of cleaning your flat roof, a pressure washer is the perfect option. A pressure washer uses around 2.4 gallons of water per minute to clear moss and algae with ease without the need for any chemicals.

2. Chlorine: A chlorine solution is a far quicker way to clean your flat roof than a pressure washer. In turn, the less time you or a professional spends walking on your flat roof, the less wear and tear. However, it is imperative that you are very careful if you choose this method as chlorine can be dangerous to certain people, animals and plants.

3. Sodium hydroxide: Sodium hydroxide is just as powerful and effective as chlorine but comes with two major drawbacks. The first is that it requires more intensive rinsing once you have washed your flat roof. Secondly if the sodium hydroxide solution is too concentrated it could cause significant and irreversible damage to your roof. Therefore you must excise extreme care.

4. Get someone else to do it! Not all of us are naturals when it comes to DIY. And even if you are, the idea of spending hours cleaning your flat roof when you could be working or spending time with your family may leave you cold. If you are unsure about how to approach cleaning your flat roof, don’t have the time or simply don’t want to, you will be able to find a number of professional cleaning companies that will do the job for you. Just make sure you choose a reputable, recommended specialist.

Our range of market-leading flat roofs offer full protection against the adverse effects to rain, snow, ice, wind and UV rays. Our PVC, single ply flat roofing systems have been used on commercial and residential properties and are well known for their exceptional quality and durability.

Plus for total peace of mind, our flat roofs come with a LIFETIME guarantee, which carries a 20 year full product and labour warranty. This warranty is fully transferable on request should you decide to sell your property. However, if you are still living in your home at the end of this term, the guarantee will remain in force until you sell or pass on the property.