Roof Cleaning: A Guide for Homeowners
Cleaning and inspecting your roof is critical to its maintenance. Roof cleaning will not only enhance your house’s curb appeal but also remove moss and algae that build up on the roof and compromise its integrity.
Every homeowner should understand why their roof needs cleaning and how often it should be done.
Roof Cleaning: Why It’s Important
There’s no denying that a dirty roof is an eyesore, but many homeowners don’t realize that dirt and grime can cause damage to your home. Your roof may warp and crack due to moss, algae, and lichen stripping away the protective oils, eventually allowing water to leak through the holes and damage your house. Moreover, dirty roofs can lead to clogged rain gutters and downspouts, causing water to back up, creating standing pools of mold and mildew, and increasing the risk of flooding.
Here are some reasons why you should clean your roof:
- Prevent Moss, Lichen, and Algae growth
- Clean up bird droppings
- Keep Your Roof Intact
- Maintain Shingles to Prevent Erosion & Warping
- Protect the roof support system from destruction
- Protect wood from rot
- Make your roof last longer
What Is The Best Time To Clean The Roof?
Various factors contribute to moss, lichen, algae, and debris growing on your roof, including the amount of rain you receive, the number of trees in your yard, the type of roof on your house, and the shade the house receives. When a home is surrounded by trees (and thus well-shaded) and experiences heavy rainfall, leaves, twigs, and branches are likely to accumulate on its surface. The presence of organic matter encourages the growth and spread of moss and mildew. The roof does not receive much sunlight, so water does not evaporate quickly. Standing water and moisture contribute most to the growth of moss and bacteria on your roof, eroding its structure and durability. Please pay attention to your roof to determine how often it needs to be cleaned. Call a professional softwash roof cleaning service provider if it seems to need cleaning. You may not always see moss and algae buildup under the shingles since it grows beneath them.
Roof Cleaning: What Are Its Methods
Keeping the debris off your roof isn’t the only aspect of roof cleaning. Some homeowners are unaware that they need to wash their roofs. Sadly, the roofs of these homeowners don’t last as long as they should.
- Soft washing is the best way to clean your roof. Soft-wash roof cleaning involves spraying a gentle, biodegradable cleaning solution over the roof surface, allowing it to sit for a few minutes, and then rinsing it off. Using this roof cleaning method, you can safely and effectively remove bacterial growth from your roof.
- It is not recommended to pressure wash a roof. Low-pressure water and a gentle detergent should be used to clean the roof. The pressure washing process can remove asphalt granules and limestone filler. The shingles will eventually weaken and begin to leak as a result.
Is Hiring A Roof Cleaning Service A Good Idea?
An experienced roof cleaning service can provide the equipment, experience, know-how, and cleaning supplies necessary to complete the job effectively.
Here are reasons why you should hire them:
- Professional roof cleaning services know how to assess your roof’s needs. Depending on your roof, they will know which methods will work best and which ones will damage it.
- Additionally, a professional roof cleaning company will know where to look for damage already present, warped shingles, and holes in the roof. Their expertise will ensure your roof’s health by patching these problems.
- Their industrial pressure washers can completely remove moss, algae, and lichen from your roof.
- They use environmentally friendly cleaning supplies to remove moss and algae from your roof and surrounding green space without destroying either.
To find roof cleaning pros, you can use local business review services like Nicelocal, or Yelp. There you can find large databases with customers reviews. Or you can find them with the help of Google. Just type the next search term – roof cleaning near me.
How To Prevent Future Buildup
Most homeowners will find that maintaining their roofs twice a year can prolong the interval between roof cleanings. It’s just as important to remove the debris from your roof on a regular basis as you do with your gutters and downspouts.
Here is how to prevent future buildup of debris:
- Get rid of leaves and other organic matter
- Clear away twigs and branches
- Trim tree branches away from roofs
- Prevent debris from being driven under shingles by ensuring proper airflow over your roof
Final Words
Whether you clean your roof or hire a professional, regular roof cleaning can prevent early roof damage, saving you thousands of dollars over time. In most cases, homeowners prefer to clean their roofs themselves with roof supplies they can find locally. To find them, just search for roof supplies near me. But with a professional roof cleaning service, you can restore the aesthetic appeal of your house and ensure its longevity.
The safety tips included here are especially important to keep in mind and a great resource for anyone looking to maintain their roof effectively. Thanks for sharing!
This roof cleaning guide is packed with practical advice for homeowners. I appreciate how it covers various types of roofs and the specific cleaning methods for each.