How to clean a conservatory roof
A conservatory roof ladder is a specially designed two part or multi hinged system ladder that allows you to safely access normally inaccessible parts of a conservatory.
A conservatory roof should be cleaned regularly to ensure that it stays looking fresh and clear as possible for the homeowner. Regular maintenance can also help prolong the life of your roof.
Roof cleaning is relatively simple; you just need safe access, some water, soap/detergent and a longer reach brush or scrubber.
For more stubborn green algae, you’ll want to source a more specialised cleaner. If you want to do this yourself, you’ll also need a good quality conservatory ladder.
A properly maintained conservatory roof will last much longer than a neglected one. The benefits of cleaning your conservatory roof include reduced energy bills, increased comfort levels and an improved air quality.
That certain smell from green moss and algae can migrate into a conservatory through airflow gaps. It is important to note that the cleanliness of your home’s exterior also helps in maintaining these qualities inside the house too!
Regularly washing windows can help reduce heat loss by up to 25%. Sunlight enters a conservatory or similarly a greenhouse and changes wavelength. This means it can’t get back out causing a rise in temperature.
Reducing the amount of light entering reduces the heating benefits. Clean conservatory roofs means less need for heating bills and more money saved on utility costs.
A dirty dirt-covered facade can also affect indoor air quality – this will cause moulds or fungi to grow which not only look unattractive but are unhealthy for humans as well.
Conservatory roofs are often overlooked by homeowners because they’re not visible from inside the home like regular windows would be.
This means that when neglected or ignored they can get very dirty over time – which will lead to less light coming through them during sunny days and more heat being absorbed into your home on a hot summer.
How to clean moss off roof
Conservatories can be expensive and they require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best.
To clean a conservatory roof, it is helpful to first remove any large debris such as leaves or twigs which may have blown up there during the last storm.
If you are unable to reach your gutter but want some peace of mind that nothing has fallen into this critical part of the system, look to source a purpose made conservatory roof ladder.
A conservatory ladder and a long reach brush with hot soapy detergent and water should do it. For more stubborn green algae, a propriety algae cleaner can be sourced like the one below.
This will be a more specialised cleaner and better suited than than regular detergent.
Conservatory roof algae cleaner
Wet & Forget – Moss Mould Lichen & Algae Remover
Wet & Forget is suitable for cleaning patios, paths, tarmac, block paving and roofs, in fact any outside surface exposed to rainfall.
It kills and removes mould, lichen and algae and there’s no need for special equipment – just a good garden sprayer!
This is perfect for returning your conservatory roof back to normal.
Conservatory white uPVC cleaner
Rhino Goo! Concentrated Caravan Cleaner – Motorhome & Camper Cleaner – Black Streak and Algae Remover
Features at a glance:
- ALGAE AND MOULD REMOVER: Designed to solve this known problem and helps kill future algae growth saving you time. Equally effective as a conservatory cleaner.
- BLACK STREAK REMOVER: Cleans stubborn black streaks and window seals.
- CONCENTRATED PRODUCT: Makes up to 50L and saves you money as it is extremely cost effective.
- WATER REPELLENT: Hydrophobic wax finish repels water, helps prevent pooling and formulated to be safe on aluminium, glass fibre, acrylic and rubber.
- Environmentally friendly, biodegradable formula.
Using Rhino Goo uPVC cleaner will allow you to quickly cope with most types of dirt, algae or black streak found on plastic surfaces. It can be used to clean caravan, garden furniture or restore old plastic window frames.
It comes in 5 litre concentrate bottle which can be diluted to 50 litres of effective cleaner if necessary. Don’t forget shake well before using.
Conservatory roof ladder
Professional conservatory ladders
The benefits of using a purpose made conservatory roof ladder are that it will stop you from having to climb onto conservatory roofs, (possibly in the wind and rain if you have a leak) and reduce the chance of you falling through inside.
Conservatory roof ladders provide a purpose made solution to get you to gutter height, then give you further ladder sections that spread your weight over the load bearing rafters.
They are also made from aluminium which is weatherproof, corrosion proof and light weight so will easily last as long as your conservatory. A conservatory roof ladder can be used on most standard conservatories.
Conservatory roof ladders are ideal for everyday tasks such as washing conservatory windows and roofs as well as replacing broken conservatory roof lights, flashings and parts.
The general maintenance of conservatories is vital such as removing leaves from conservatory roofs and gutters during the autumn months. Cleaning out frost build ups in winter is also important.
Newly purchased conservatory roof ladders also come with a warranty, are made with weatherproof aluminium sheeting and are usually heavy duty.
The aluminium rungs on the conservatory roof ladder offer extra grip and stability which reduces any chance of slipping.
They can be cleaned with warm soapy water if needed to maintain their lifespan. Using a conservatory roof ladder will seriously reduce the risk of you falling off or through your conservatory and sustaining an injury.
The most important thing to consider is how you are going to access the higher, normally inaccessible parts. Once you have a ladder system correctly installed, scrubbing or maintenance can start.
Conservatory roof cleaning ladders
Heavy Duty Conservatory Cleaning Ladder Platform To Clean Conservatory Windows
This is the perfect aluminium conservatory cleaning ladder to compliment your conservatory. It will provide a stable, secure platform for cleaning your conservatory single handed as it’s been designed to be used by one person.
The design includes a wide step and stabilisers to spread your weight over the structure for extra stability and security, so it’s perfect for just about anyone to do a thorough clean without any risk of instability.
It will suit all conservatory roof angles and has load bearers at all of the critical points.
What’s really good is the additional glass suction pad and strap which attaches to the ladder for additional stability when being used alone. With a maximum load capacity of 175 Kg, it will cope with most people.
The adjustable main ladder is suitable for most eaves heights from 2.2 metres to 3.1 metres.
The top outrigger easily adjusts to suit your roof angle and the 1 metre long bearer bars are fitted with white PVC sleeves so they won’t mark or damage your conservatory.
Ladders can be cumbersome but this one folds neatly down into three sections giving you a space saving when storing it away after every use.
A purpose made system like this is not cheap and should be viewed as a long term investment.
It will last, keep you safe and save you money in the long term as you will be able to clean and repair your conservatory yourself.
Aluminium Telescopic Extension 3.8M 12 Tread ‘A’ Frame Multi Purpose Ladder
The proprietary system above is the bees knees but we have also sourced a more reasonably priced alternative.
It’s not perfect but it’s a multi purpose alternative that could be used for other tasks around the home, where the system above will primarily be used for a conservatory.
This alternative is a telescopic ‘A’ frame so it benefits from being able to be stored and transported in a small space.
It’s hinged ‘A’ frame design would allow you to angle the upper part onto your conservatory roof.
The only drawback is that it does not have any specially designed spreader bearers so you would have to fashion some yourself, maybe from timber battens and secure them to the telescopic ladder.
This option is cheaper but not perfect!
Final thoughts
The benefits of using a purpose made conservatory ladder system are many. They will maximise your safety by securely spreading your weight evenly across your conservatory.
This will avoid you fumbling around with standard ladders and crashing through your conservatory roof.
They are a more expensive option but if you’re a conservatory owner, you’ll realise the need to keep it cleaned and maintained properly.
By cleaning and maintaining your conservatory yourself, you’ll be saving money by not paying someone else to do it so after 2 or 3 uses, it will have paid for itself.
This is why they should be viewed as a long term investment.
Stay safe!
Also: Worried about not being prepared in a fire? Take a look at our article on Fire Escape Rope ladders here!
