Dirty roofs are a major safety hazard. They also deteriorate quickly. Regular maintenance and cleaning prevent moss, mildew, and lichen growth that can damage shingles. Your climate and environment significantly affect how often you should schedule a roof cleaning. Here are a few signs that it’s time:
Visible Debris Buildup
If you’re looking at your roof and you see a lot of dirt, debris, or growth, it’s time to schedule a roof cleaning. These buildups can damage your shingles and lead to expensive issues with other areas of your home, so keeping your roof clean is important.
One of the most common signs that it’s time for a roof cleaning is the appearance of moss or lichen. These aren’t just unsightly — they can also damage your shingles and lead to water leaks.
Luckily, these growths aren’t too difficult to eliminate with a simple cleaning. A roof cleaning crew will use a chlorine bleach solution that kills off the moss and algae. They’ll spray the solution onto your roof, then rinse it with clean water. Before they start cleaning, they’ll cover up any plants close to the roof so that the chemicals don’t destroy them or contaminate the soil.
Black Streaks
Black streaks on your roof aren’t just unsightly; they can also speed up the deterioration of your shingles. These streaks are typically caused by cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae. As it spreads, it darkens the shingles and prevents them from reflecting sunlight, which drives up cooling costs. Left untreated, the algae can cause moss and mildew to grow, which further damages the shingles. You can help prevent this algae growth by trimming the tree branches near your roof, ensuring gutters are free of debris and trash, and cleaning regularly. Residential and commercial roof washing can also increase the longevity of shingles.
The best way to elongate your roof’s lifespan and protect your home or business is to have it cleaned by professional roofers. Using too much pressure or the wrong cleaners can damage your shingles and strip the granules that keep them in place, causing leaks and other problems.
Age of Your Roof
The age of your roof is one of the biggest factors in determining how quickly it is time to schedule a roof cleaning. If moss and lichen are growing, or black steaks are overpowering the roof’s appearance, it is time for a cleaning. These are both deep-rooted types of growth that can cause serious damage to the shingles. It is also important to look at the general condition of your roof. Are the shingles beginning to crack and loosen? Is there a lot of missing shingle material in the areas that receive the most sunlight? Suppose you are still determining the age of your roof. In that case, several methods exist to resolve it, including looking at documentation, inspecting signs of wear and tear, and talking to previous homeowners (through a real estate agent as a neutral party). Regularly cleaning a roof will prolong its lifespan and save you money on repair bills.
Clogged Gutters
Water cannot drain off the roof due to clogged gutters. It can damage the fascia boards, soffits and the roof itself. Leaks can also form and enter the house, causing rot, mold, and mildew. Standing water in a dirty and clogged gutter attracts pests, including mosquitos, ants and roaches. They’ll use the water to hydrate and nest. Dirt, debris and shingle granules that collect in your gutter can begin to create a dam over time. The resulting clog allows water to flow in places it shouldn’t and pushes it into the wood fascia board. It can cause severe damage, including wood rot and deterioration.
Gutters are designed to divert and disperse rainwater away from your home. Clogged drains don’t allow this, and water will begin to pool in certain areas around the house, like on a porch or near the foundation. It can lead to erosion, eroding the soil and weakening foundations over time.
