TPO Roof Cleaning & EPDM Roof Washing

How to Clean TPO, PVC, and EPDM Roofs washing, in an Effective, Non-damaging Way

There are numerous types of roofs. Some of these roofs are made from material that is much more durable than others. It all depends on what type of material you want as a consumer. Depending on the needs of the home or business owner, will determine the roof selection.

TPO, PVC, and EPDM are all popular types of roofing materials. TPO is made from Thermoplastic polyolefin. Which is a type of roofing membrane. Thermoplastic polyolefin is a type of rubber and is also very economical.

TPO material is white, which means that heat is not able to build up so easily inside the facility. When installing TPO, buyers have the option of having the material secured onto the roof. When it comes to the chimney area, TPO can be tightly welded circling the chimney area. When is excellent, when it comes to protecting the roof from leakage etc? When it comes to TPO roofing, homeowners do not have to be concerned when it comes to mildew or algae. TPO roofing does not attract these types of elements.

How to Clean – TPO Roof Cleaning

When it comes to TPO roof cleaning, pressure washing is not necessary. Regular roof cleaning is recommended for TPO. Keeping the material white will maintain its ability to hinder heat from building up within the facility. Once the material begins to go dark, the heat will resume as normal. With TPO only professionals should be allowed on the roof, to avoid damaging the material. During TPO roof cleaning, the professional would be smart to take his/her time. TPO is known for being exceedingly slippery, so rushing may not be the best idea.

Contractors are conscious of the hazardous nature of this type of material and know to be extra alert. During rubber roof cleaning certain safety requirements are needed. When cleaning agents are sprayed on the material, roofing contractors are fully aware that stepping on the areas that are saturated with the solution should be limited. First, rinse the agent away, then proceed forward. Gathering the proper information about the cleaning solution and whether it will damage the building facade is important.

When the roof is sprayed down with water the cleaning solution will run down the side of the building, so the solution must be mild enough not to cause damage. The contractor should be attentive also to the fact that plants and shrubbery below could perish if they are not covered. Prior to working the roofing contractor may decide to wrap the plants with some sort of sheet.

Most professional contractors would arrive on the scene with a broom. If not a broom, then a brush with a long handle. The longer the handle the better they will be able to maneuver. When cleaning white membrane the detergent used most often will be one that is non-abrasive or mild, but effective. Cleaning solutions that are harsh are never a good idea for roofs that are made entirely or partially of rubber.

For a professional to use abrasive agents that can damage the material may cause the contractor to get an earful from the homeowner. Agents that contain citric acid are rarely ever recommended, in fact using such detergents can assist in having the homeowner’s warranty voided. A water hose may need to be drawn up to the roof, obviously to rinse away the debris and cleaning agents. After cleaning the white membrane the contractor will carefully examine the membrane to make certain that the roof hasn’t suffered any damage.

PVC stands for Polyvinyl Chloride. PVC is a well-known type of roofing material that is popular for its extraordinary durability. Polyester is one of the layers that are included between the polyvinyl. Polyester is added to fortify the entire roofing material.

Enhancers have been incorporated inside this covering. Some of these additives are UV ray protectors, substances to ensure the flexibility of the layers etc. These enhancers have made this covering supple, dust-repellent, and much more.

Tips for Cleaning PVC Roofs

When it comes to cleaning PVC roofs it is strongly recommended that it is handled by professionals. The material is very slippery when wet and can cause falls. Similar to the TPO roofing materials, PVC roofing material needs to be cleaned with cleaning solutions that will not scratch the material. While a contractor is PVC roof cleaning, if they decide to use a pressure washer, a low-pressure setting is preferred. PVC roof cleaning does not need to be pressure washed, however, it could make the task a little easier.

Rubber roofing material is used often on the roofs of buildings. EPDM roofing material is synthetic. Its best quality is its durability. This type of material is used primarily in low-scope facilities. This material is available in black and white, so the buyer will have some decisions to make. Depending on whether or not the buyer wants heat to be drawn to the building or away from it, may help with the decision-making. Rubber roof cleaning can result in quite a bit of slip and falls, which is why a professional is suggested.

Cleaning EPDM Roofs

A good roof cleaning is preferred at least 4 times a year. When EPDM roof cleaning, bring a water bottle for smaller areas. Sometimes there are smudges that need to be scrubbed, wiped, and then sprayed. A spray bottle, mild cleaner, and bristle brush should do the trick. When EPDM roof cleaning using mineral spirit is a good idea for stains that are not that large. It is not suggested, however for larger areas.

Sometimes when cleaning, areas that are covered with a sealant would have collected dust and dirt. These areas should be scrubbed with soapy water. Afterward, pour mineral spirits onto a sponge and scrub. Sufficient scrubbing should remove all debris that has collected onto the sealant-covered area. After a good cleaning, in some cases, more UV protection could be added. Keeping the roof protected from the bare heat of the sun is always beneficial.