How to Clean a Conservatory Roof: A Comprehensive Guide
A sense of dread comes over some people when you mention cleaning to them, multiplied if it involves ensuring a traditional conservatory roof retains a polished look!
We sympathise with anyone faced with the task of keeping an old conservatory covering looking like new, but it’s important you do it to sustain immaculate aerial views, thwart leaks or other damage.
Hazlemere would like to assist, offering an easily digestible guide to how to clean a conservatory roof.
Importance of Cleaning Your Conservatory Roof
Glazed roofs naturally attract and accumulate dirt, algae and debris. Sitting back and allowing it to overly build up can affect light transmission and the overall appearance of a conservatory.
Worse than that, repeated neglect could prompt structural damage and mould growth and once either of those develop, real problems can lie ahead.
Averting the manifestation of these complications just needs effective and timely cleaning.
Benefits of a Clean Roof
Endeavour to look past the chore of conservatory roof cleaning and focus on how it can stop the emergence of costly, inconvenient issues and extend its lifespan.
Keeping glazed facets spotless will also allow sunlight to pervade the interior, making for a gorgeously bright environment that’s terrifically inviting.
Added to that, an unblemished roof will enhance the conservatory’s overall aesthetic.
Risks of Neglecting Roof Maintenance
Let’s delve a little deeper into the dangers of failing to perform the task of cleaning a conservatory roof.
Too much moss and algae give rise to moisture becoming trapped, potentially spawning a weakening of the seals, structural damage, and leaks. Drainage systems can become blocked, and if they do, it increases the threat of water pooling on the roof.
Untouched for a significant period, the roof may start to sag or suffer cracking due to the weight of debris. Guard against such peril by conducting our suggested upkeep.
Recognising When Your Roof Needs Cleaning
Diminished light gain is a signal that your roof needs a good rinse to remove dirt, streaks, stains and moss growth.
When water pooling occurs, it will usually indicate that gutters are blocked and need clearing.
As we transition from one season to the next and after a period of particularly unsettled weather, it’s a wise idea to inspect the roof and check whether it needs some attention before any difficulties arise.
Ideal Seasons for Cleaning
We’ll assume that you don’t want to be cleaning a conservatory roof in the middle of winter or a burning hot summer, right?
The optimum seasons to get it done are in spring and autumn due to the moderate temperatures experienced in these seasons.
Include it in your spring-cleaning checklist and autumn is a time when falling leaves may find their way onto the roof. Leave it in a condition to cope with the extremities of the seasons, singularly summer and winter.
Preparation Steps Before Cleaning
If you decide not to hire a company for conservatory roof cleaning and wish to undertake it yourself, take the necessary precautions so you can do it safely.
Wait for a nice, clear day and use a sturdy ladder placed on flat ground to ascend whilst wearing non-slip shoes, armed with non-abrasive cleaning implements and the relevant cleaning products.
For steep and very high roofs, consider wearing a safety harness.
Safety Precautions
Please don’t take the slightest risk when cleaning a conservatory roof!
The ladder needs to be tall enough to avoid you having to overreach to clean. Prevent damage to the roof panels by not stepping on them and instead using a crawl board or roof ladder.
Pop on a pair of goggles or gloves when you come to operate the non-abrasive cleaning tools – these tools will not scratch or impair the glazed surfaces.
Protecting Your Conservatory's Interior
Closing all the windows and doors is the first step in how to clean a conservatory roof to stop water or cleaning agents and the smell they emit getting inside the structure.
We’d recommend covering any furniture, plants and the flooring too.
Too much water pressure applied to the panels might prove to be damaging, resulting in leaks and damage to seals, so keep it low.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It is vital you follow the correct cleaning procedures to avoid provoking costly damage and expensive repairs. Abide to a safe and effective cleaning process, circumventing the mistakes often made by conservatory owners.
Harsh chemicals are a no-no – they can cause irreversible damage – and glass can end up cracking if a pressure washer is applied to them.
Under no circumstances should you climb directly on the roof. Access it with proper equipment to limit the chance of damage or injury materialising.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
- Scrutinise the roof closely to see where it needs cleaning or repair. Debris like dirt and leaves are best removed with a soft-bristled broom or leaf blower.
- Douse a soft brush or sponge in water mixed with a mild detergent and then smoothly scrub down the panels to detach algae, mould, or grime, rinsing afterwards with clean water.
- Mix an equal amount of white vinegar and water and add to a spray bottle for application on stubborn stains and algae. Allow it to soak for about 15 minutes before scrubbing gently with a soft brush or sponge.
Regular Maintenance Tips
Conservatory roof maintenance only needs to be performed a couple of times a year to keep a roof clean and functioning like it’s designed to.
It won’t take too long if you employ preventative measures such as installing gutter guards to minimise dirt and debris building up in the guttering so that water can drain properly.
Algae growth will be less probable with the adding of anti-algae strips across the roofline.
Conclusion
There you have it! You’re now totally up-to-speed with how to clean a conservatory roof, as and when it should be done, and why it’s a mistake not to execute our many hints and tips.
If it sounds too much like hard work, explore our easily maintained roofing solutions, some of which can house self-cleaning glass technology.
What is the best solution to clean a conservatory roof?
Most dirt, algae and debris can be shifted from a conservatory roof with a soft brush and mix of warm water and mild detergent.
Try a blend of vinegar and water or non-abrasive cleaner for any stains you have trouble removing.
Is it OK to jet wash a conservatory roof?
We strongly advise that you don’t as the high pressure of a jet wash can see damage caused to seals, joints and the roofing material, which increases the possibility of leaks and structural issues.
Turn the pressure right down if you must rely on a pressure washer, however it’s better to clean with a soft brush to lessen the chance of harmful damage.
Can I use washing up liquid to clean a conservatory roof?
It is an option separate from the cleaning solutions we have advocated in this article and won’t cause any harm to the roof.
Mix with warm water and apply using a soft brush or sponge. Once finished, rinse thoroughly with some clean water.
How to remove green algae from a conservatory roof?
There are two methods you can try, the first being a combination of water and mild detergent or water and a specialist algae cleaner.
Apply with a soft brush or sponge and gently scrub the algae. For repeated algae, some diluted bleach or white vinegar should do the trick, well rinsed down afterwards. Algae regrowth is minimised if you commit to regular roof cleaning.
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