How to wash metal tiles on the roof of a house. How to remove glue from roofing and shingles. Cleaning a flat roof
Moss on shingles
One of the drawbacks is increasingly called moss, which appears after a while on the roofing material, as a rule, on the north side of the roof. In addition to the aesthetic component, vegetation on the roof can reduce the tightness of the roof joints or become a favorable habitat for small insects. It should be added that this problem applies not only to bituminous roofs, but can also appear, for example, on metal materials, slate or ceramic tiles. Here are some recommendations on how to remove moss and other vegetation that has formed on the roof.
The causes of moss
The reason may be leaking joints of sheets, where spores fall on the roof surface with the help of a gusty wind or from neighboring trees. Most often, vegetation on the roof is formed near water bodies and other places with high humidity. In any case, the design shingles assumes the growth of moss much more often and in greater quantities than that of its competitors.
Recently, manufacturers of soft roofs from America and Canada have begun to develop materials using special protective impregnation bitumen, which, they claim, is capable of inhibiting the emergence of vegetation on the surface of the roof. However, in practice, the protective layer becomes unusable after 2-3 years: snow, rain and other atmospheric phenomena completely wash out the impregnation. The only thing left is to try to get rid of the moss or lichen on the shingles on your own.
Moss and lichen removers
What products can be used to remove moss from shingles and other roofing materials? There are several specialized products available for removing moss, lichen, and green algae from roof surfaces.
These include, for example, Gron-Fri (Grön-Free), Mos Out (Mos Out) or Bio-Ren (Bio-Ren).
It is most convenient to apply the product with a spray gun with a direct stream until any type of roof is completely moistened: ceramic tiles, soft roofs, metal tiles, slate, ondulin, etc.). Also, the tool is great for facade materials: brick, plaster, concrete.
Removing moss from the roof surface using a special tool According to the manufacturers, the solution rapidly destroys all vegetation and prevents its further appearance for up to 3-4 years. As a preventive measure, it is recommended to spray the roof with the product at least once a year.
Of the "folk" remedies for combating lichen and moss, the well-known solution of copper sulfate is excellent.
You can also use the following household liquids:
- Distilled white vinegar (such as apple cider vinegar) at a ratio of 10 to 90% water;
- Bleach (bleach) 5 to 95% water.
Prevention during the construction phase
By the way, about copper. In order to prevent the appearance of vegetation and to avoid further cleaning of the roofing material, a small copper mesh, which can also serve as protection against insects.
Using copper mesh as a preventive measure against moss When it rains, water falling on the mesh reacts with copper ions, thereby naturally creating an antiseptic solution. The liquid flows down along the entire plane of the slope, preventing the formation of moss on the surface of the soft roof and other materials. In order to save money, some builders use ordinary copper wire, wrapping it around the invisible part of the ventilated ridge.
By the same principle, at the construction stage, it is advisable to install copper components to the roof: wind and cornice strips, abutments, snow holders, etc. In the case of metal and ceramic roofs, the copper valleys should be used. For obvious reasons, the most invulnerable material to the emergence of vegetation is the copper roof.
- use a high pressure spray gun;
- remove vegetation mechanically
Otherwise, you may damage roof covering and worsen the tightness of the material.
porous and slightly porous surfaces may appear:- roof tiles from artificial stone(ceramic, clinker tiles)
- artificial slate
- porcelain stoneware tiles
- natural slate
- natural slate tiles
Service Cleaning of ceramics and tiles
may include:- complex complete cleaning of the surface from different types pollution
- comprehensive protection of cleaned surfaces from pollution and destruction (hydrophobization, roof waterproofing)
To solve the problem of cleaning the roof, we use the most advanced technologies that are harmless to materials, including iron. Cleaners remove rust, dirt / grime and grease. Only material cleaned from contamination can release excess moisture. The Guard Industrue range of cleaners allows you to select the most suitable product for each surface.
Since after cleaning the pores of the tile material are open, we strongly recommend that you immediately carry out a protective treatment with impregnations for the roof (for slightly porous tiles Protect Guard FT for porous Imper Guard XP).
Guard Industrie products allow you to effectively protect the roof and it will last for many years, being largely self-cleaning by a downpour.
The necessary conditions to provide the service:
- access to the object,
- if necessary, the organization of restrictions on pedestrian traffic in the work area
Cost / rates for Cleaning of ceramics and tiles:
Determined taking into account the complexity of the work. It is imperative to determine the cleaning technology, the means and equipment used.When making an application, indicate:
- the address of the object and its purpose (residential building, shop, public reception of the administration),
- surface material,
- approximate area of work,
- additional wishes,
- attach photographs of the object.
Many people refuse shingles because they fear that such a coating will quickly lose its attractiveness. However, algae, mosses and pollution are not evil. They can be easily avoided, and when they appear, they can be effectively removed.
How to get rid of moss on ceramic tiles
Like others Construction Materials is getting old. Pollution appears on it, mosses and algae grow. The “harmful” factors are to blame for this. environment(sun, rain, snow, frost, and to some extent also the location of the building).
The most difficult to maintain is ceramic roof tiles... Its porous surface easily absorbs dirt and is a good base for mosses, lichens and algae. Fewer problems brings cement-sand tile... It is significantly more resistant to algae and dirt, but the paint should be renewed from time to time.
Perfect in this sense engobed and glazed ceramic tiles... Their surface is smooth and shiny. This makes it much more resistant to "overgrowth" and easier to clean.
How to remove mosses and lichens from shingles
Mosses and lichens most often attack shingles located on shaded slopes of a house or in an area protected by tree branches.
To protect against algae and mold, you must paint the new coating with impregnation... It will protect not only from mosses, but also from algae and mold, which also like to colonize roof slopes. However, the roof must be thoroughly cleaned first. Then she is covered silicone impregnation designed for concrete surfaces. It not only protects the shingles from overgrowing, but also prevents UV rays from burning out the engobed shingles. The impregnation also protects against the ingress of water and carbon dioxide.
If the roof is already covered with unsightly greenery, you need to get rid of it. The easiest way is to order a team that, using professional washing equipment, will remove unwanted "patina". Water with detergent, under high pressure, removes plaque and any other dirt.
Untreated cement-sand shingles can be cleaned with water and detergent by scraping the surface with a wire brush. Engobered and glazed tiles cannot be treated so cruelly, because their coating is afraid of scratches.
In untreated shingles, fungi, algae, mosses and lichens penetrate very deeply. Washing will only remove the outside. At first glance, the roof will look good, but the mycelium or roots inside the shingles will sooner or later make themselves felt. Therefore, you need a roof cover with biocidal primer using a brush, roller or sponge.
Although general principle cleaning the roof from snow is the same (moving the snow and ice mass from top to bottom), ways its implementation exists so many.
In this article we will tell you about most of these methods, because each of them depends on:
- various tools;
- personal qualities.
For one way required:
- scrapers that you can buy at any hardware store;
- excellent physical shape.
For another required:
- technical savvy;
- electric motor.
For the third way you will need:
- special ladder;
- wooden shovel.
In addition, we will tell you how you can clean the roof of ice build-up and icicles.
How to remove snow, ice or ice from the roof, including icicles, without damaging the roof covering?
Consider list of main impacts on snow and ice:
- physical movement;
- mechanical destruction;
- vibration;
- heat.
Physical movement- this is the simplest impact.
Its essence is that they rest against snow or ice with some object and, using physical force, push the mass from top to bottom.
Such an impact does not require some complex technique and great skills, but it directly depends on the physical form, namely:
- coordination of movements;
- balance;
- accuracy;
- with an eye.
This way of influence effective only in a relationship:
- snow;
- melting ice.
Therefore, using this action, snow can be removed at any time, and the ice can be cleaned only during a thaw. Attempting to peel off the ice during freezing will only damage the roof or tools.
Mechanical destruction Is sawing. This effect is used if the thickness of the ice layer exceeds 20 centimeters. For sawing, conventional electric and gasoline saws are used.
This way of influence very difficult to execute, therefore, it is used only when no other methods have yielded results, and the ice needs to be removed urgently.
Vibration- one of very effective methods that work on snow in any weather, and on ice only in positive weather.
A huge plus This method is that everything can be done in the attic without getting out on the slippery roof.
Minus are very high requirements for the rafter system - the effect will be effective if all boards rafter system without rot and damage.
Heat roofing is effective as a preventive measure, because it prevents snow from caking and sticking to the roof, turning into ice.
However, heating the roof is ineffective against a thick layer of packed snow and ice.
Exception constitutes a simultaneous effect:
- heating;
- vibration.
In this case, even a thick layer of ice is cleared without any problems. Minus this way is huge electricity consumption if you heat the roof. If you warm up snow and ice from above, you will need a powerful gas burner.
How to clean the roof
All methods of cleaning the roof from snow, which we will discuss below, can be conditionally divide by location of the one who will do this work:
- standing on the ground;
- from the stairs;
- from a self-propelled lift;
- from the attic;
- from the roof.
We will also tell you about the cleaning method. flat roofs (soft roofs) and such an exotic method of dealing with snow, like sawing.
This method is effective when no possibility remove snow in time.
That's why accumulates a huge volume of ice mass that can damage:
- roof;
- rafter system.
Standing on the ground
This cleaning method is used only for one-story not too tall private houses, in which the distance to the lower edge of the roof does not exceed 3 meters.
To work for you will be required:
- a wooden or plastic (you can use a homemade) scraper;
- handle 4–5 meters long;
- handle 6-8 meters long (it can be made of plastic water pipe suitable diameter);
- assistant.
For work, you can use both one scraper with replaceable handles, and several scrapers with different lengths of handles.
Problem only that it is very difficult to store a scraper with a handle over 6 meters long, therefore the best choice there will be a scraper with a collapsible handle. We talked about the manufacture of such a scraper and a handle for it in the article (equipment). In this case, you can gradually increase the length as the roof is cleaned.
Start cleaning with the icicles, which must be carefully knocked down with a scraper.
How to knock icicles off the roof without damaging it?
To do this, the scraper is taken away from the house (swing) and hit on the icicles 10-15 centimeters below the edge of the roof.
Do not hit the icicles near the roof, a strong blow can damage the roof.
If the outside temperature is above zero, then beat the icicles not hard, but several times to tear off the ice from the bulk.
In just shorten the frost time them all. Then carefully place the scraper on the roof (distance to the bottom edge of the roof 30-50 centimeters) and gently pull it towards you. If the snow is packed, you can reduce this distance to 10–20 centimeters.
Do not try to pull the scraper too much, if it meets an obstacle, lift it up to get around an obstacle.
Perhaps there:
- snow holder;
- ice build-up.
In both cases, an attempt to break the obstacle by force will not lead to anything good.
After cleaning the bottom of the roof around the perimeter, proceed to cleaning the next area, located slightly higher. When cleaning the perimeter roof, go up to the top ridge.
If on the roof a snow guard is installed, then lift the scraper so that it passes over it. Do not press the scraper against the roof; its weight is sufficient to safely remove the snow.
How to remove ice or ice from the roof of a private house in the safest way to cover the roof? Most sparing option: heating combined with vibration or light mechanical action in a thaw. Most wrong- strong mechanical impact in frost.
From the stairs
This method is suitable for one-story houses, in which the lower edge of the roof is located at a height of 3-4 meters.
To work for you you will need:
- light scraper 40-60 centimeters wide with a 2-3 meter long handle;
- wooden block(you can use a leg from a chair or stool) or a small rubber mallet;
- ladder or ladder at least 4 meters long with roll-over protection (wide bottom step);
- safety belt;
- two assistants.
Place the ladder so that the slope angle relative to the ground is no more than 60 degrees.
Climb up the ladder and buckle with your belt.
Both partners at the same time must insure the stairs(one at the side, the other at the back) so that she does not fall, even if you fall off.
First, knock down icicles with a wooden block from a distance 5-10 centimeters from the roof.
It is undesirable to beat higher, because the roof can be damaged.
During frost and thaw proceed as described in the previous section.
If it is necessary to completely remove the icicles during frost, then hit them with a bar from the wall of the house, so the probability of damage to the roof is minimal... Hit lightly with a light wooden block or rubber mallet.
When you are finished with knocking down icicles, throw the block down or tuck it into your belt, and then ask the assistant to submit a scraper.
Take the scraper while standing straight, because tilting can cause the stairs to move... Place the scraper on the roof to your side (make sure the assistant is on the opposite side), and the distance from the scraper to the edge of the roof should not be more than 15 centimeters.
Brush off snow in strips length 1.5-2 meters and 10-15 centimeters wide moving the scraper from top to bottom without applying great force.
After cleaning the strip, lift the scraper up, gradually moving from the bottom of the roof to the top ridge.
Having cleared one area from bottom to top, proceed to another.
For this:
- unfasten from the stairs;
- get down to the ground.
Then move the ladder, climb up and buckle up again.
From the cradle of a self-propelled lift
Self-propelled lifts on the basis of trucks, many enterprises have. These devices lift a load weighing 200-300 kilograms by 20-30 meters.
To clear snow and ice from a self-propelled lift, you will be required:
- safety belt;
- folding scraper;
- wood bar or rubber mallet.
Climbing into the lift cradle, fasten a safety belt to its grille. Having risen to the roof, knock down the icicles with a bar at a distance of 5-10 centimeters from the roof.
If you need to completely remove the icicles, then lightly hit the icicles with a mallet from the side or from the side of the wall. Then clean the roof as described in the previous sections.
Snow must not fall into the cradle so clean the roof just to the side of it. Do not try to pluck ice build-ups. This will either damage the roof or rock the cradle violently.
Removing ice build-ups or a thick layer of ice can only be done while standing on the attic or roof, combining:
- thermal impact;
- vibrational impact.
During frost and thaw, proceed as described in the previous sections.
Standing on the roof
To remove snow and ice, you need shovel with wooden or plastic bucket... You can also use a plastic squeegee with a handle 1.5–2 meters long. The wooden scraper is too heavy.
Also, you will need wooden or plastic ladders, after all, walking on ice and snow cover is possible only on roofs without a slope. Going down the ladder to the very bottom of the roof, shoot down the icicles with a shovel.
For this:
- lower the shovel bucket to the level of the middle of the icicles;
- holding the handle of the shovel by the edge with your left hand, move the shovel to the right with your right hand for swing;
- smoothly, with not too much effort, slide the shovel to the left, making a swing;
- during the thaw, try to remove all icicles from the roof by hitting them several times.
After that:
- turn over a shovel so that its bucket is directed towards the roof;
- omit her on the snow (distance from the edge of the roof 20-40 centimeters);
- bump snow mass down.
Do not try to clean off all the snow to the very roof, this will only damage roofing material. Allowable balance between the shovel and the roof 5-10 centimeters.
Observe this rule even during a thaw, so you will protect the roof from damage.
Clean the entire piece of roof up to the ridge in the same way, then move the ladder and start cleaning the next section.
If you are cleaning the roof during the thaw, then after removing the top layer of snow all over the roof, try gently push flaking pieces of ice.
Do not try to break through or knock down the ice, as you will only damage the roof.
You can very lightly, moving the shovel only with your fingers and hands (without the participation of your forearms), apply light blows with the bucket on the ice from top to bottom to move it.
If the ice does not go down after a few hits, stop hitting and go to another area.
If you use a plastic scraper instead of a shovel, then the procedure is the same with it.
From the attic
it most:
- safe;
- effective
a method of removing snow and ice, however, it can only be used where all the boards of the rafter system are not damaged by rot or cracks.
For such cleaning you need 2-3 electric motors with a capacity of 50-100 watts with a shaft rotation speed of up to 2 thousand revolutions per minute, as well as a hockey puck.
Instead of a washer, you can use wood or metal block... A vibrator must be made from a motor and a washer. To do this, a washer or block is pushed onto the shaft and fixed, but not in the center, but by sliding it to any edge. A metal bar can be welded to the shaft, and for a washer or wooden block make an adapter.
One vibrator is enough for 100-150 square meters roofs. Attach the vibrator to any rafter so that the rotating eccentric does not damage anything, and lower the wire from it into the house.
The effect of the vibrator will manifest itself through 20-60 minutes after turning it on, so warn your family members not to go outside or walk under the edge of the roof while it is operating. After all, when exactly the snow and ice will melt, as well as what the mass of the descended area will be, no one knows. Snow usually melts within 2–4 hours and ice within 5–8 hours.
Most effective vibrator during thaw and on roofs where the roof is heated from the inside.
Also increase efficiency The vibrator can be operated by heating the roof from the outside using a gas burner. To do this, you will need the same ladders as in the previous section.
In this case, the impact high temperature it is very ineffective without the participation of a vibrator.
Cleaning a flat roof
To clean a flat roof, you need a wooden or plastic snow blower or a snow blower with a metal auger. A plastic or wooden scraper can also be useful.
Start cleaning from any edge of the roof and move around the perimeter throwing snow out.
After clearing the strip around the entire perimeter of the roof edge, move a little closer to the center and clear the second strip.
After cleaning 2-3 strips, the next strips first slide to the edge of the roof, and then throw it down.
Never shovel piles of snow or try to chop off or chop off ice.
When moving snow from the center of the roof to the edges, make sure that it thickness did not differ from the thickness of the remaining or already thrown off snow.
If you make the layer thicker, then can damage:
- roof;
- rafter system.
During a thaw, do not try to rip the ice off the roof. If the roof has a parapet, then clean the drain holes so that the melting water can flow freely.
On flat roofs, especially with soft roofs, all ice should melt on one's own, and the snow is cleared only to reduce the load on the rafter system.
Sawing ice
This operation is carried out only if the total weight of the ice poses a threat to the rafter system... You will need a gasoline or electric saw to work.
It is possible to cut the ice only if its thickness exceeds 35 centimeters. Saw ice from the upper ridge. First, a cut is made parallel to the roof slope, at a distance of 5-10 centimeters from the roof.
If you are not sure that you can make a cut parallel to the ramp, then increase the distance to the roof... This cut is made along the entire ridge, first on one side, then on the other. Ladders are used to move on the roof.
Divide the ice over the cut into pieces of a convenient size(30–70 centimeters), for which they saw through, keeping the saw blade parallel to the roof. Then a longitudinal cut is made, which will completely separate the ice from the main ice mass.
Ice bricks are being thrown down, then the whole cycle of work is repeated on the next section of the roof. It should be taken into account that if the guide bar is parallel to the roof, then the distance from it to the ice will be 2–5 centimeters, depending on the saw model. Therefore, tilt the saw so that the front of the blade is at the level of the already cleaned cut.
The most common mistakes and their consequences
The most common mistake, which people without much experience admit is an attempt to chop ice off a roof.
It doesn't matter what the ice is chopped with, with a shovel or a crowbar, the consequences are always the same - damage to the roof. The only difference is that the scrap penetrates the material through and through, and from shovels:
- slate and roof tiles are covered cracks;
- from corrugated board peel off the protective layer ;
- soft roof delaminates.
In the spring, all materials, except for corrugated board, start to leak and the corrugated board, having lost a thin zinc layer, starts to rust and after 2–4 years a hole appears in it.
Another mistake- an attempt to cut down icicles on the roof under the very roof at sub-zero temperature by directing the blow towards the wall of the house or by hitting from above.
Frequent and very dangerous mistake- go out onto a roof covered with snow and ice without ladders.
Indeed, in this case, the only way to ensure stability is to use spiked shoes.
But the thorns damage any roofing material, so it is very likely that a roof cleaned without ladders in spring it will flow.
Exception is the cleaning of snow from the roof by climbers, because they use shoes without spikes, and their stability is provided by:
- tensioned safety cable;
- Huge experience.
conclusions
After reading this article, you learned:
- how to clean roofs from snow and ice with your own hands or with the involvement of climbers in various ways;
- how to remove ice from the roof of a private house or high-rise building;
- how to bring down icicles in different conditions.
There is one thing in common between all the methods of cleaning roofs from snow described in the article - they allow you to remove snow and ice, without damaging:
- rafter system;
- roof covering.
Choice the way the roof is cleared of snow depends on:
- accessibility one or another equipment;
- your physical data;
- technical ingenuity;
- fortunes roofs;
- thickness snow and ice layer.
In contact with
Over time, dirt, soot and debris build up on the roof, causing the color of the tiles to fade and become unattractive. Although ceramic tiles tend to discolour slightly, they will look almost as good as new after cleaning.
There are many specialty detergents, but be careful when buying: the detergent must be suitable for ceramics. Also, we must not forget that ceramic tiles fragile, and during the cleaning process it is highly undesirable to walk on the roof.
To clean effectively and without harm, we advise you to adhere to the following instructions:
- Check if you have everything you need for cleaning, namely:
- ladder (long enough for you to reach roof level or slightly above);
- a set of detergents designed for ceramic tiles (be careful with chemicals, they can destroy the plants around the house. Buy environmentally friendly products);
- garden hose;
- high pressure washer.
