It’s easy to take your roof for granted. As long as it keeps the rain out, most think their roofs are just fine as they are.
But cleaning your roof is just as important as maintaining other parts of your home. Keeping that roof clean is a routine process that homeowners should get in the habit of doing every few years.
- So how should you clean your roof?
- What are the best methods, and should you call a pro to do it?
In this article, we’ll be exploring why you should clean your roof, the best cleaning methods, and other roof cleaning tips to keep your home in top shape.
Why Should I Clean My Roof?
You might be wondering why you need to clean your roof in the first place.
Some might think it’s just an aesthetic thing. Sure, making sure your house looks good is definitely a plus. But a clean roof has other implications for your home’s overall well-being.
In fact, things like algae, lichens, and moss can cause wood rot and shingle damage.
Factors That Affect Your Roof
Algae is one of the most common bacteria that shows up on rooftops. They feed off asphalt and limestone roofing and can cause mold to form.
When algae and fungus combine, you get lichens. These organisms grow root-like tentacles that penetrate your shingles for nourishment. They tend to stick to your roof even after washing off streaks or mold.
Moss, unlike the other two factors, are actual plants that require a lot of moisture. They typically show up on roofs under overhanging branches.
What Happens to Roofs Over Time?
Your roofs are exposed to nature’s elements all day for years and years. Dirt and debris will inevitably collect, but factors like algae and moss can cause even more damage.
- Shingle Damage: Organisms like algae and lichens eat away at your roof shingles. Roofs with algae are also known to absorb more heat. This means your attics will be hotter in the summer, causing your whole house to heat up.
- Wood Rot: Moss can retain moisture, making your roof deck vulnerable to wood rot. This takes years off of your roof’s lifespan while making your home susceptible to mold.
When Should I Clean My Roof?
Now that you know why you need to clean your roof, the question now is “when?”
This is going to be different for everyone, but knowing when to call a professional roof cleaner is a skill every homeowner should have. This means you should regularly inspect your roof.
If you see the growth of any moss, algae, lichens, or other worrying spots, it might be time to get your roof cleaned.
Depending on how old your roof is, it’s good to get it cleaned by a professional at least once every three years. If you got a new roof installed, you can get away with a cleaning job once every two years.
The Top Roof Cleaning Options
You’ve learned why you need roof cleaning, what causes your roof to deteriorate, and how often you should get your roof cleaned. The only thing left now is to look at how you can clean your roof.
One of the best ways to wash your roof is through soft wash roof cleaning. It’s safer and requires less chemicals, and is much less damaging to your roof than other methods.
Let’s take a look at soft wash roof cleaning and evaluate its pros and cons here:
Soft Wash Roof Cleaning
Many homeowners and professionals opt for soft-washing rooftops.
Pros
- Soft washing cleans off any immediate moss or stains on your roof. This means your roof will look much cleaner in a shorter amount of time.
- It’s much more effective than pressure washing, which can lead to water damage from all the grit that’s blasted away from the shingles. Soft washing eliminates chances of that ever happening.
- By soft washing your roof, you can immediately clean off black streaks, debris, and mold. Those peskier moss or lichens will eventually die and be washed away by rain. It’s easy to do, and most of all, safe for your family and for your roof!
Cons
- Beginners might also miss key spots, causing organisms to grow back over time.
- Damage the roof structure and shingles by applying too much pressure.
- Slipping and falling off of the roof trying to clean it.
Should You Get a Professional Roof Cleaner?
Homeowners sometimes choose to clean their roofs themselves to save money.
While there’s nothing wrong with a little DIY, we think hiring roof cleaners might be more worth your while.
Roof cleaning can be a big undertaking, so calling a pro will save you time. Roof cleaners can also recommend the right solution specific to your home.
They know how to be careful with your roof and how to do the job right. Being up on your roof is also a bit dangerous, so it’s always good to get a professional who can handle themselves up there.
All in all, it’s best to call a professional roof cleaner to make sure everything is in tip-top shape. It ensures quality work as well as your own safety.
Find a Professional Roof Cleaning Service Today!
Cleaning your roof is more than just an aesthetic choice. It helps your roof hold up over time and improves the quality of your home.
Use this article to choose the best roof cleaning method for your home!
Looking for reliable soft washing and other roof cleaning services? Contact us today, and we can get you started ASAP!
