Cleaning Conservatory Roofs: Everything To Know
In our increasingly busy lives, it’s hard to find the time for cleaning, but you’ve got to get it done, and that includes maintaining the appearance of your traditional conservatory roof.
We recognise that conservatory roof cleaning is far from the easiest of chores, however if you don’t do it, aerial views may be compromised and it increases the chances of leaks and damage.
Intimidated by it all? Let ERG Scotland alleviate your concerns with an easy-to-follow guide on how to clean a conservatory roof.
Why Conservatory Roof Cleaning is Essential
Glass roofing systems regularly pick up debris, dirt and algae. Left alone and untreated, it will have a noticeable impact on light transmission and the conservatory’s look.
But that’s just the half of it! It also runs the risk of structural damage and mould growth, which can both cause serious issues that’ll have you wishing you’d put in the maintenance.
Conduct the recommended upkeep in the correct method and these complications can be averted.
Advantages of Roof Cleaning
A large exhale of breath may be your immediate reaction when conservatory roof cleaning is mentioned, but it’s so worth doing to stop costly damage from manifesting and to extend the roof’s performance.
Keeping the glazed areas in pristine condition will also maximise the volume of light that reaches the interior so that it remains a bright location.
A well-cleaned conservatory roof makes for a highly alluring structure, no doubt.
Potential Threats of Inadequate Maintenance
We’ve touched on some of the risks of not putting in the work required for cleaning a conservatory roof, but let’s elaborate some more on them.
Moisture can get trapped when there’s excess moss and algae growth and the knock-on effect from that is a potential weakening of the seals, structural damage and leaks. In the case of drainage systems becoming blocked, water pooling can form on the roof.
If debris weighs heavily on the roof and isn’t cleared, you could start to see the roof sag or crack. Abiding to maintenance will reduce the potential emergence of this.
Knowing When a Roof Needs a Clean
Depleted light transmission can be an indicator that the roof has gathered dirt, streaks, stains or moss growth and needs your attention.
Signs of water pooling are likely due to a blockage in your guttering and you need to get them cleared of obstructions.
Observe the roof with deep scrutiny after some bad weather and at the beginning of each new season so that you can identify any emerging problems and resolve them before they spiral into a massive headache.
The Best Seasons to Clean
It’s fair for us to assume that you wouldn’t want to be cleaning a conservatory roof in bitterly cold conditions or slap blag in the middle of a heatwave?
That’s okay as you’re actually best to get it organised in either spring or autumn when temperatures are neither too cold or too hot.
Incorporate it into your annual spring clean and stick it on the autumn cleaning checklist for ridding a trace of leaves on the roof. This will get it prepared for the conceivable ferociousness of summer and winter.
Pre-Cleaning Guidance
If you have total confidence that you can attend to conservatory roof cleaning rather than paying someone else to sort it out, please do it carefully!
Wait for some good weather to arrive as a starting point. Your ladder needs to be sturdy and sit on a reliable surface, and with non-slip shoes on your feet, head up complete with all the necessary equipment, including the relevant cleaning solutions.
As an extra precaution when a roof is steep or unusually high, pop yourself into a safety harness.
Safety Measures
Never be tempted to take any risks when cleaning a conservatory roof.
Your ladder must be tall enough so that you don’t have to overreach to clean. We urge you not to step onto the roof panels in case it causes them to break and instead rely on a crawl board or roof ladder.
When handling non-abrasive cleaning tools (they will not scratch or mar the glass), it’s safest to wear some goggles and gloves.
Caring For Your Conservatory Interior
A first step in how to clean a conservatory roof is to begin by ensuring all the windows and doors are securely fastened so water doesn’t get inside or the cleaning agents and their associated odours.
Place covers on your furniture, plants and flooring as a precaution.
If the water pressure is too high, it could damage the glass panels and end up in leaks and seal damage, so keep the pressure low.
What Not to Do
Stick to the suggested cleaning routine if you want to steer clear of any damage occurring or expensive repairs being necessary. It will also keep you safe and make your cleaning efforts effective.
Never use harsh chemicals as they can be extremely damaging, as could a pressure washer, capable of cracking the glass.
Don’t attempt to climb onto the roof. To access the system, utilise the right equipment so that no damage occurs and you don’t end up hurting yourself.
The Steps to Cleaning
- Assess the roof closely to identify areas in need of cleaning or repair. To deal with debris, try a soft-bristled broom or a leaf blower.
- To successfully detach grime, mould or algae, immerse a sponge or soft brush in water combined with some mild detergent and gently scrub the panels. Then, rinse with clean water once done.
- Fill a spray bottle with an equal mixture of white vinegar and water and apply onto any stubborn stains and algae. Let it soak on the surface for around 15 minutes and scrub as gently as you can with a sponge or soft brush.
Regular Preservation Advice
Twice a year is sufficient for conducting conservatory roof maintenance and keeping the roof clean and functioning how it’s meant to.
You can get it done quite speedily if you take preventative steps like fitting gutter guards to reduce how much dirt and debris is accumulated in your gutters to enable water to properly drain.
Placement of anti-algae strips along your roofline will also minimise the threat of algae growth.
Conclusion
And that’s conservatory roof cleaning all wrapped up for you, advised on how to carry it out, when’s best to do it, and why you’d be wrong to ignore our recommendations.
Not sure you have the time or inclination to be cleaning a roof? Give our roofing solutions a look, all very straightforward to care for.
What is the finest solution to clean a conservatory roof?
Our best remedy for the removal of algae, debris and dirt from a conservatory roof is the employment of warm water and mild detergent and use of a soft brush.
For those stains that are hard to remove, use a mixture of vinegar and water or a non-abrasive cleaner.
Could I jet wash a conservatory roof?
We’d urge you not to as a high pressure jet wash can cause serious damage to seals, joints and the roofing material, increasing the chances of leaks and structural issues transpiring.
When you have no option but to turn to a pressure washer, lower the pressure as much as you can. The safer alternative is to clean the roof with a soft brush as that’s very unlikely to spawn damage.
Is washing up liquid suitable to clean a conservatory roof?
You could use washing up liquid as a separate option to the cleaning solutions outlined in this piece and it won’t do any damage to the roof.
Add it to some warm water and mix it up, using a sponge or soft sponge to scrub. After you’ve done, rinse off the roof with some clean water.
How do you get green algae off a conservatory roof?
There are a couple of tactics you can attempt. Our first suggestion is trying a combination of water and mild detergent or water and a specialist algae cleaner.
With the help of a sponge or soft brush, scrub the algae in a gentle manner. To treat recurring algae, diluted bleach or white vinegar tends to work well and will just need rinsing afterwards. Stay on top of roof cleaning and algae regrowth is less likely to appear.
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