A conservatory is a beautiful addition to any home. It offers a peaceful retreat from the chaotic outside world. However, a conservatory is beautiful as long as its roof is clean. A dirty roof not just looks repulsive but also leads to structural damage and reduces the amount of natural light that enters your room.

Cleaning a conservatory roof may seem complex and tiresome. It indeed requires some elbow grease and a bit of preparation. But in fact, it’s a pretty straightforward process that can be accomplished in a few simple steps. Which ones? Read on to find out all about them.

Preparing for Cleaning

Any cleaning starts with preparing all the stuff that might come in handy. In the case of a conservatory roof, check the weather forecast first. Since you will work outside, you want to have a dry, overcast day. Overcast weather not only saves you from the scorching sun rays but doesn’t let a cleaning solution dry up too quickly. Quick drying can leave unsightly streaks on the roof glass.

The next step is preparing your equipment. The most important thing here is a cleaning solution. It should be effective and time-tested, like Virosol. Use 1 part Virosol for every 10 parts water. The rest is pretty basic – a ladder to access the roof, a bucket to hold the cleaning solution, a sponge/brush to apply the solution, and a hose/pressure washer to rinse your roof.

It’s worth noting that any debris from the roof & gutters should be removed beforehand. We’re talking about leaves, twigs, and any other loose debris that may have accumulated over time. Ignoring this step, you risk clogging up the gutters & downpipes, which can lead to water damage.

Cleaning the Roof

Now, if you’re standing on the free-of-debris roof, and the sun isn’t shining brightly – you’re ready for the job. Below is an in-depth guide on how to clean your conservatory roof:

  • Apply Virosol solution (or any other suitable cleaning solution) to your roof using a sponge or brush. Start by mixing the cleaning solution as it says in the instructions. Then, apply the solution evenly over the roof with a soft-bristled brush or a sponge. Make sure you cover the entire roof, as even small sections matter a lot.
  • Start at the top and slowly work your way down. You should work in small sections to avoid missing any spots. Imagine that after all the preparation and work, you’ll chill in your favorite chair and enjoy your work. And then you suddenly see some random dirt spots. It’s a nightmare for any perfectionist. So start at the highest roof’s point, and work in small sections all the way down.
  • Rinse each roof’s section with water before moving on to the next. You’ve already prepared a garden hose or pressure washer for this task. Be sure to remove any trace of the cleaning solution before going on to the next section. Any trace you leave will look like a dirty spot devaluing your efforts.
  • Usually, conservatory roofs are made of different materials like glass and polycarbonate. The materials are held together by seals. We bet you don’t want to damage your roof panels or seals. So be as careful as possible, and avoid using abrasive materials or cleaning solutions that can scratch or damage your roof. That’s why a cleaning solution is the most important piece of equipment. You should check beforehand that it’s safe and effective.
  • Pay special attention to any stubborn stains or dirt buildup. Some roof areas may require extra attention to remove the mentioned contretemps. You can use a sponge or a soft-bristled brush to apply a cleaning solution like Virosol directly to these areas. You may need to apply the solution several times to fully get rid of stubborn stains and dirt buildup.
  • If your conservatory roof is particularly dirty, use a pressure washer. This tool is powerful enough to remove stubborn dirt and debris from your roof. Nevertheless, be careful with the pressure levels. Too much pressure can damage the roof. Start with a low-pressure setting and slowly increase it until you find the golden mean.

Finishing Up

After cleaning the entire conservatory roof, don’t forget to finish up by thoroughly rinsing your roof with water to remove any remaining cleaning solution. Check for any missed spots or stubborn stains and reapply the cleaning solution if necessary. Once you’re satisfied with the job done, use a squeegee or a soft cloth to dry the roof. As a side option, check the gutters and downpipes to ensure water can flow freely through the system. Otherwise, roof cleaning can become your daily routine. With all these steps properly done, your conservatory roof will look as good as new!