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Roof cleaning isn’t something you think about every day. After all, how often are you in a position to see the state of your building’s roof? Nonetheless, it is an important part of building maintenance and something that needs to be regularly undertaken to protect your company assets and ensure operations can continue smoothly.
A dirty roof? We hear you ask! How can a dirty roof disrupt business operations?
Sadly, it can. Let’s explain…
The Importance of Commercial Roof Cleaning
Neglecting your roof cleaning means there is a build-up of dirt, debris, and organic growth.
In short, it’s a mucky, mossy mess.
And that mess means water will collect. In fact, it’s not just a mucky mossy mess; it’s a mucky mossy moisture-ridden mess! Water collecting on your roof is one of the most damaging things possible as it accelerates wear and tear and can find its way into the tiniest crack or fault, seeping its way into the structure until what was just a simple job – that of cleaning the roof – becomes a larger issue. In some extreme cases, it can even mean the replacement of the entire roof. Quite an expensive mistake.
Professional commercial roof cleaning is a cost-effective way to keep your roof in tip-top condition. It clears away any problems and ensures that the roof is able to do its job without any issues. Roof neglect is costly and easily avoided; don’t skip out on commercial roof maintenance.
What Causes a Dirty Roof?
There are four problems we see all the time that lead to a dirty roof:
- Natural Elements – Wind, rain, and snow might all seem like they don’t leave anything behind, but they can carry leaves, twigs and other debris onto the roof, as well as provide the water that lies there to do the eventual damage.
- Airborne Pollutants – Dirt, soot, exhaust emissions, and industrial pollutants can all settle on the roof, contributing to dirt building and hindering the roof’s ability to reflect the damaging UV rays that come from the sun. Roofs are built to shrug off as much of the harmful UV radiation as possible, but over time that protection begins to wane. Pollutants on the roof can significantly lower your roof’s overall lifespan.
- Organic Growth – Mould, moss, algae, and lichen all thrive in the moist environments that are created by the trapped debris. Not only can these organisms directly damage the roofing materials as they slowly eat away, they also cause drainage issues and attract more water. It’s a cycle of tiny attacks on your roof that seem insignificant alone but build up over time to cause devastating damage.
- Birds and Bugs – Your roof is a comfortable nesting ground for many different types of birds, and they don’t come alone. Birds will make nests, bringing plants with them that may even root into the roof. They attract bugs that may themselves nest and attack the roof structure. Undeterred, birds will nest in the same spot for years, returning to places they know. Plus, there’s the faeces – bird poo ruins paint, can be dangerous to humans (especially children), and looks awful.
Common Issues Addressed by Roof Cleaning
Regularly cleaning your roof will tackle a range of issues, some of which you might not even realise:
- Clearing of debris and organic matter
- Unclogging drains and gutter systems
- Removing moss, algae, and mould
- Deterring birds from nesting
- Cleaning unsightly bird droppings
- Removing bug infestations
- Clearing standing water
- Alerting of potentially larger issues
The Hidden Costs of Neglect
So, what if you ignore all this advice? What might come from simply leaving your roof alone? What if you neglect your commercial roof cleaning?
- Repairs – The cost of undertaking repairs because drains become blocked, pooled water leaks, or more significant structural damage occurs is significant and definitely more expensive than regular cleaning costs.
- Higher Energy Bills – Part of your roof’s job is to be good at airflow and insulation, but this can all be disrupted with a dirty roof. Some debris can cause dampness, some types of black algae will absorb heat and increase the heat in the building, while gathered moss can also block ventilation.
- Health – Bacteria on your roof can have an impact on the people in the building and those coming to and fro. In standing water alone, there are links to Staphylococcus aureus (Staph), Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Legionella. And those bird droppings? Breathing dust or water droplets containing contaminated bird droppings can lead to several diseases, including Salmonella and, in some rare cases, Psittacosis.
- Pest Control – Birds are bad enough, but their presence can attract all kinds of other pests, like rodents and insects.
- External Impression – People will judge your business on what they see, and if your company premises are a dirty, unkempt mess, it will affect your reputation. Keep your building in good condition to foster a positive impression for visitors.
The Benefits of Regular Maintenance
Having a regular schedule of commercial roof cleaning does more than just make your roof clean. It:
- Prolongs the lifespan of the roof.
- Gives you early warning of other, more serious issues – leading to lower maintenance costs.
- Ensures the health and safety of your employees and guests.
- Improves your impression of visitors.
Commercial Roof Cleaning with GI Sykes
The many benefits of keeping on top of your roof cleaning and the obvious potential problems of ignoring it make the right action clear – get in touch with us at GI Sykes to have our experienced team bring the shine back to your premises.
