Can I wash my own roof?

• <div><p>It is possible to wash your own roof, but we don’t recommend it. First, getting up on any roof is dangerous without proper safety equipment, especially if wetting a metal roof and making the surface slick. Additionally, it’s easy to damage your roof or force water between roof seams if you <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/can-roof-cleaning-extend-life-my-shingles.htm">use a power washer</a>, which can lead to property damage. Hiring a professional roof cleaner will save you time, keep you safe, and ensure that your roof looks new again without damaging it in the process. Plus, roof cleaning is a relatively affordable home improvement project.</p></div>

Get matched with top chimney sweeps in Waterloo, IA

Q: What is the easiest way to remove snow from a roof?

• <div><p>The easiest way to remove snow from a roof involves using a roof rake that allows you to clear snow from the ground. Roof rakes are lightweight and feature adjustable handles, making them user-friendly for most people. This method also helps prevent ice dams and excess snow buildup, reducing the risk of roof damage during winter months.</p><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/should-i-remove-snow-my-roof.htm">When should you remove snow from your roof</a>? A good rule of thumb is once six inches of snow accumulates. </p></div>

Q: Can I wash my own roof?

• <div><p>It is possible to wash your own roof, but we don&rsquo;t recommend it. First, getting up on any roof is dangerous without proper safety equipment, especially if wetting a metal roof and making the surface slick. Additionally, it&rsquo;s easy to damage your roof or force water between roof seams if you <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/can-roof-cleaning-extend-life-my-shingles.htm">use a power washer</a>, which can lead to property damage. Hiring a professional roof cleaner will save you time, keep you safe, and ensure that your roof looks new again without damaging it in the process. Plus, roof cleaning is a relatively affordable home improvement project.</p></div>

Q: How much maintenance do tile roofs need?

• <div><p>Clay tile roofs require minimal maintenance, as they stand up very well to the elements and often won&rsquo;t fade in direct sunlight. They also don&rsquo;t need sealing. Concrete tiles are also relatively low maintenance, but you will need more maintenance than with clay. You&rsquo;ll need to seal concrete every few years to improve water resistance, and the color will fade a bit more quickly than with clay.</p></div>

Q: Do gable vents let water in?

• <div><p>Yes, gable vents can let water in. That being said, this usually only occurs during extreme conditions like heavy rainfall. You can prevent water from entering through gable vents by adding a screen that traps the water before it can enter.</p></div>

Q: What kills green algae?

• <div><p>Vinegar, bleach, chlorine, barley straw, and a bevy of dedicated algaecides can kill algae, which is the easy part. Preventing algae from returning can be a struggle for some homeowners, but keeping the patio well-maintained and clean is a good first step. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Chimney Sweeping pros in Waterloo, IA

*The Angi rating for Chimney Sweeping companies in Waterloo, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Chimney Sweeping needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Chimney Sweeping companies in Waterloo, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Chimney Sweeping needs.

Last update on January 05, 2026

Reviewed in June 2021
Very friendly and pleasant to talk to
Midland Construction Waste, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2021
Great job, easy to work with
4 Seasons Tree Service
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Reviewed in February 2016
He said the roof needed to be placed and I agreed to a new Decra steel roof.. He said they could start the work in 2 weeks and he ended up starting almost 2 months later. He had bad communication throughout the project, he parked his trailer in front of my neighbor?s house for almost 3 weeks,...
Professional Roofing & Siding
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Reviewed in February 2016
The initial contact was good and the price was fair. So they started the work and replaced the flat roof which went well. Then when they started on the chimney they found they would need to remove some of the roof to access everything which would be some additional cost. I agreed to this and...
EJS Roofing LLC
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Reviewed in January 2016
I started by submitting a RFP to five respected suppliers. Evaluated them all on as level a plane as possible and selected the best with weighting heavy on price (but not entirely). It was a long wait due to prior commitments on their part. In reflection, It all went well. I had carefully laid...
Green's Appliance Heating & Cooling
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Reviewed in February 2015
The job took about five months and the rood did not pass inspection. City Builders took down all the information and then passed it on to another contractor. It was leaking around the chimney badly but they did not pass on any information to the people that did it so they didn’t know about the...
City Builders
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Reviewed in October 2014
They found some issues with the chimney and gave us an estimate for the repairs.
Mad Hatter Air Duct & Chimney Sweep Service of MO
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Reviewed in January 2012
We had a complete renewal of our heating and air conditioning system. They were punctual, informative, professional and cleaned up behind themselves and were very pleasant people. There wasn't a long wait for them to come out. They also have a guarantee that if they are not here on time their...
Gubbels One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning
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Reviewed in May 2011
Employee & owner did not show upon time or on days they were supposed to. Did not complete job within time frame. Did not do right work, chimney is worse now ! Took to small claims court and he filled bankruptcy. Never use again !
McDuffee Chimney Systems
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Find Chimney sweeps in Waterloo

Midtown Chimney Sweeps of Cedar Falls

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Midtown Chimney Sweeps of Cedar Falls

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Free onsite estimate

Midtown Chimney Sweeps is ready to assist you in the maintenance and repair of your fireplace or chimney. Our certified chimney technicians will review any type of light chimney repair or maintenance that is recommended for your home. Chimneys are often one of the most neglected, undetected, or misdiagnosed systems in the modern American household. This is unfortunate, since the safe operation of our fireplaces and wood stoves requires a properly working chimney. During your annual chimney inspection, our certified chimney sweeps will be able to determine the condition of your chimney and offer solutions for chimney repair and maintenance should it be required.

Chimney Sweep questions, answered by experts

The easiest way to remove snow from a roof involves using a roof rake that allows you to clear snow from the ground. Roof rakes are lightweight and feature adjustable handles, making them user-friendly for most people. This method also helps prevent ice dams and excess snow buildup, reducing the risk of roof damage during winter months.

When should you remove snow from your roof? A good rule of thumb is once six inches of snow accumulates.

It is possible to wash your own roof, but we don’t recommend it. First, getting up on any roof is dangerous without proper safety equipment, especially if wetting a metal roof and making the surface slick. Additionally, it’s easy to damage your roof or force water between roof seams if you use a power washer, which can lead to property damage. Hiring a professional roof cleaner will save you time, keep you safe, and ensure that your roof looks new again without damaging it in the process. Plus, roof cleaning is a relatively affordable home improvement project.

Clay tile roofs require minimal maintenance, as they stand up very well to the elements and often won’t fade in direct sunlight. They also don’t need sealing. Concrete tiles are also relatively low maintenance, but you will need more maintenance than with clay. You’ll need to seal concrete every few years to improve water resistance, and the color will fade a bit more quickly than with clay.

Yes, gable vents can let water in. That being said, this usually only occurs during extreme conditions like heavy rainfall. You can prevent water from entering through gable vents by adding a screen that traps the water before it can enter.

Vinegar, bleach, chlorine, barley straw, and a bevy of dedicated algaecides can kill algae, which is the easy part. Preventing algae from returning can be a struggle for some homeowners, but keeping the patio well-maintained and clean is a good first step.

The Waterloo, IA homeowners’ guide to chimney sweeping services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Angi
•
Dec 12, 2025Dec 12, 2025
How Much Does a Chimney Sweep Cost? [2025 Data]
Chimney sweep costs can be dramatically affected by the type of chimney, its location, and how dirty it is.
Kyle Schurman
•
May 20, 2025May 20, 2025
How Much Does a Chimney Inspection Cost? [2025 Data]
Your chimney inspection cost will vary based on the type of inspection, how accessible the chimney is, the chimney size, and the number of flues.
Deane Biermeier
•
Nov 20, 2025Nov 20, 2025
How Much Does Chimney Repair Cost? [2026 Data]
Chimney repair costs can vary by the type of chimney you have and the required repairs. Use this guide to help you estimate project costs.
Chelsea Van Bloom
•
Nov 6, 2025Nov 6, 2025
How to Tackle the 7 Most Common Chimney Problems
Chimney problems can put a damper on your warm and cozy nights. We’ll explain common chimney issues you might uncover and how to resolve them here.
Catherine Hiles
•
Sep 5, 2024Sep 5, 2024
9 Chimney Maintenance Tips to Ensure Every Winter’s a Cozy One
Want to relax by a roaring fire this winter? Check out these chimney maintenance tips to ensure your chimney and fireplace are ready to go.
Kristi Pahr
•
Jan 30, 2022Jan 30, 2022
How to Hire a Reputable Chimney Sweep That’ll “Soot” Your Needs
Knowing what to look for in a professional chimney sweeping service will ensure you hire a legitimate contractor. Learn how to avoid chimney scams and hire someone reputable.