Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Powerwash Your Commercial Flat Roof

by | Jan 22, 2025 | Featured, Flat Roof Maintenance and Repairs

Regular maintenance is essential for extending the life of your flat roof, and power washing plays a crucial role in this upkeep. Here are the top five reasons why power washing a flat roof is a smart move for commercial building owners and property managers.

1. Extend Your Roof’s Life

Power washing a flat roof on a regular basis can significantly extend its life.

Flat roofs are more susceptible to the accumulation of debris, moss, and algae. These organic materials can trap moisture and cause the roof to degrade faster. By power washing, you are effectively removing these harmful elements, thereby extending the life of the roof.

2. Uncover Hidden Issues

Another big advantage of power washing is that it can help uncover hidden issues with your roof membrane.
Split Flat Roof Membrane Discovered During Powerwashing | Flat Roof Solutions
When a roof is really dirty, it’s challenging to see what is going on underneath the surface. Dirt and debris can hide problems such as accelerated weathering, cracks, tears, or other damage. 

Regular power washing ensures that your roofing contractor can properly inspect the roof and identify any areas that may require attention. If there are signs of accelerated weathering, he or she can recommend a roof restoration to prevent further damage. This proactive approach can save thousands of dollars over the life of your building.

3. Financial Benefits

Power washing has other financial benefits as well. While investing in regular power washing might seem like an added expense, it’s a cost-effective measure in the long run.
Commercial Flat Roof Inspectors on Roof | getflatroofing.com
Preventative maintenance helps avoid the substantial costs associated with major roof repairs or even full replacements. Regular inspections and cleaning ensure that minor issues are addressed early, before they become significant problems. This protects your investment and saves you the added cost and inconvenience of addressing long-festering issues that have grown significantly more serious and expensive to fix due to neglect and buildup over time.

4, Aesthetic and Property Value

A clean roof enhances the overall appearance and value of your property.
Drone Shot of Commercial Flat Roof
First impressions matter, especially for commercial buildings, and a well-maintained roof contributes to a professional and cared-for look. This can also positively impact the perceived value of the property.

5. Health and Environmental Benefits

Removing moss, algae, and other organic materials through power washing also has health and environmental benefits.
Children Entering Flat Roofed School
Organisms present in moss, algae, and other organic materials can contribute to mold growth, pest infestations, pollen accumulation, and deterioration of building materials. All these things contribute to more frequent discomfort and illness and can lead to higher energy resource consumption and premature roof replacement.

By maintaining your roof, you better safeguard the health of building visitors, guests, customers, and employees. You reduce waste and the need for new materials and thereby indirectly contribute to environmental sustainability.

Recommended Powerwashing Frequency

We recommend power washing your flat roof every 7-10 years. This interval allows for the removal of accumulated debris and organic growth, ensuring your roof remains in optimal condition.

The exact frequency for power washing your roof may depend on the local climate and environmental conditions, so we recommend consulting with a flat roofing specialist who can provide tailored advice, specific to your situation.

Special Considerations for Southeastern Pennsylvania

In southeastern Pennsylvania, the climate can be particularly challenging for flat roofs. The region experiences significant rainfall and humidity, which can accelerate the growth of moss and algae. Additionally, the presence of trees and other vegetation can lead to more debris accumulation.
Moss and Debri Accumulation on Rooftop
It is important to choose a flat roofing contractor who is experienced in dealing with these specific conditions. He or she can recommend the appropriate cleaning solutions and techniques to ensure the roof is properly maintained without causing additional damage to your roof or the environment.

As always, we’re here to help. If you would like Flat Roof Solutions to inspect or powerwash your roof, let us know.

Expert Advice

Whether you’re a beginner, need advanced information about flat roofing topics, or a refresher,  this is where you can learn everything you need to know about commercial and industrial flat roofing.

Contact us for more information or pricing.

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Author

Jared Van Vranken

Jared is Vice President and lead estimator at Flat Roof Solutions in Malvern, PA. He has directed the installation, repair, recovery, and replacement of commercial flat roofs for more than a decade at Flat Roof Solutions and guides clients in selecting the best roofing materials for their needs and budget.

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