Should I power wash my roof?
No! Power washing a roof is one of the most common ways homeowners accidentally damage an otherwise good roof.
While power washing can make hard surfaces like driveways and paths look clean, roofs are a completely different story. Modern roofing systems rely on protective coatings and careful installation, both of which can be compromised by high pressure and untrained foot traffic.
The result might look satisfying, but pressure washing your roof is just about the worst thing you can do to your roof – aside from landing a helicopter on it.
Why power washing is bad for your roof
High-pressure water can strip or weaken the protective coating on your roof. On steel roofs, including Colorsteel and Colorcote, this coating is essential for preventing corrosion and maintaining the roof’s lifespan. Once it is damaged, the roof becomes far more vulnerable to moisture and premature ageing.
Power washing can also force water into places it should never go. Flashings, fixings, overlaps, and laps are all designed to shed water flowing down the roof, not water being blasted upwards or sideways at high pressure. This can lead to hidden moisture issues that may not show up until much later.
For textured roofing systems like steel tiles, power washing can be even more damaging. The pressure can dislodge surface coatings and drive water underneath the tiles, creating problems that are difficult and expensive to fix.
The risk of getting on the roof
Another issue many homeowners underestimate is the damage caused simply by walking on the roof. Without proper training, it is easy to step in the wrong place, dent steel roofing, crack tiles, or damage fixings. Roofs are not designed to be walked on casually, and even a new roof can be marked or weakened by incorrect foot traffic.
There is also a significant safety risk. Roofs are slippery, often steeper than they look from the ground, and exposed to wind. Falls from roofs are one of the most common causes of serious injury in home maintenance.
Why DIY roof cleaning often causes long-term problems
Power washing often provides an immediate visual result, which makes it tempting. Unfortunately, the damage it causes is not always visible straight away. Stripped coatings, loosened fixings, and forced moisture can all shorten the life of a roof, even if it looks clean at first.
Many roof warranties also specify acceptable cleaning methods. Using a high-pressure washer or incorrect techniques can void warranties, particularly on newer Colorsteel or Colorcote roofs.
The safer alternative
Professional roof cleaning is about treatment and protection, not blasting dirt away. Our methods are designed to work with roofing materials rather than against them. We use industry-leading, chlorine bleach free products that gently treat moss, mould, and lichen at the root. There is no high-pressure washing involved, and no unnecessary foot traffic on the roof.
Wondering whether it’s just better to have your roof cleaned professionally? It is. Get in touch for a commitment-free quote today.
