Using the wrong cleaner or too much pressure to clean your roof can damage the surface of your shingles. This could void your roof warranty and lead to expensive repairs in the future.
A reputable professional like Roof Cleaning Summerville SC will also know the best way to clean your roof without damaging it.
The shady conditions of roofs provide a perfect environment for the growth of both algae and moss. Both can cause damage to a roof by trapping moisture against the shingles and the roofing paper, causing them to soften and break down faster. This exposes the inside of your home to water damage and allows leaks to occur. Regular cleaning can help keep your roof in good shape and prevent these damaging growths from taking hold.
The best way to avoid a moss infestation is to let sunlight in, trim any branches hanging over the roof, and regularly clean the shingle and tile surfaces of moisture-collectors like leaves, seedpods, and fallen branches. Many moss killer products are available in a dry formula that you can sprinkle or spray onto the surface of your roof, and rain will wash them into lower areas where moss typically forms. Liquid moss cleaners are also available in ready-to-use sprayers that hook up to your hose, and these can be sprayed directly onto a moss-covered section of the roof for quick and easy application.
Both dry and liquid moss cleaners are usually accompanied by instructions for how long to leave them on the moss-covered sections of your roof. If you choose to use a store-bought solution, ensure that it is a plant-friendly variety and follow its mixing and application instructions for best results. You can also make your own cleaner by mixing 1 cup of oxygen bleach with 1 gallon of water or using 8 ounces of Dawn dish liquid or white vinegar with 2 gallons of water. Both solutions can be poured into a pump-style garden sprayer, which will be safer to use when standing and climbing on a ladder.
After rinsing the moss-covered sections of your rooftop, gently lift up any remaining clumps and place them in a garbage bag for disposal. It’s important not to use power washers or brushes on your roof, as these can scratch or loosen the shingles and tiles and may not kill the moss. Some cleaning services offer a gentle wash, which uses low-pressure rinsing to remove dirt and grime without harming shingles or tiles.
Prevents water damage.
A dirty roof is not only a bad look and a turnoff for visitors, but it can also lead to expensive damage to the home. The buildup of moisture-prone organisms like moss and algae can cause shingle breakdown and deterioration of the underlying sheathing. This can eventually cause water leaks throughout the house. Having your roof cleaned regularly will prevent this damage from occurring and save you money in the long run.
The most obvious sign that your roof needs to be cleaned is the presence of black streaks throughout the surface. This is usually caused by the airborne microorganism Gloeocapsa magma and can be particularly noticeable on parts of the roof that receive little or no sunlight. The spores from this organism are toxic when inhaled or ingested and can result in a variety of symptoms, including irritation, itching, rashes, and even asthma attacks.
Another telltale sign of a dirty roof is the presence of dead plants and twigs that are blown around by the wind and can then settle into the shingles, damaging them and causing rips and tears. These can be further exacerbated by the sharp talons of birds that may walk on your roof and collect twigs and branches to make their nests.
Regular roof cleaning can help prevent these invasive organisms from taking over your roof. Professional roof cleaners will use a combination of chemicals and methods to kill off the growth and spores. For example, they will often spray a mixture of chlorine bleach and water to effectively clean and kill off the moss and algae. Chlorine bleach is the same stuff you use to whiten your laundry and scrub your toilets, and it will kill moss and algae quickly and easily.
They can also apply a variety of protective coatings to your roof to prevent the recurrence of these problematic organisms. Zinc oxide is a common choice and is available as zinc strips or dusted on as a powder, costing between $0.05 and $0.15 per square foot. Other roof coatings provide added protection from UV rays, improve energy efficiency, and extend the life of your shingles.
Increases home value
A clean home is always a plus when it comes to curb appeal, but when it comes to the value of your home, roof cleaning has some hidden benefits as well. Prospective buyers will look at many different aspects of a property, but the roof is one area that they pay special attention to. When you have a roof that is free of dark spot stains, mildew, mold, moss, or lichens, it shows that the roof has been maintained properly. This is an excellent way to boost your home’s value and make it easier to sell when you decide to move on.
Another aspect of roof cleaning that will increase your home’s value is having a professional do the work. If you are considering hiring a roof cleaning company, make sure to choose one that is reputable and has good reviews from past clients. They should also be willing to do a full inspection of your property to determine if there are any areas that need to be addressed before starting the cleaning process. This will save you money in the long run because you won’t have to worry about paying for any additional repairs once you’re ready to sell your home.
Lastly, roof cleaning companies can help you save money by offering discounts for multiple services, such as window, gutter, or siding cleaning. This will give you even more bang for your buck and may be more convenient if you are already planning on having other areas of your exterior cleaned in the near future.
Prevents pest infestations.
In addition to the mold and mildew a dirty roof can harbor, a home’s shingles can also attract insects and rodents. Pests can cause even more expensive damage to a structure and create health risks for family members. Infestations can also lower a home’s value and make it harder to sell in the future.
Dirty shingles attract birds, insects, and other pests because of the organic material they contain. These microorganisms produce spores and allergens that can be harmful to family members with respiratory conditions. When left unchecked, these organisms can eat through the shingles and cause further damage to the house.
Mice, ants, cockroaches, and other insects are attracted to the food sources, shelter, and moisture found on a dirty roof. The twigs, leaves, and other debris that collect on a cluttered roof can provide nesting sites for these pests and lead to further damage to the roof and surrounding property.
When the weather turns cold, these pests may seek warmth inside a home. When they find one, they can start chewing through wires and other structural elements. This is when a homeowner will likely need to call a professional pest control company to address the issue before it gets out of hand.
While there are certain things that homeowners can do to prevent pests, such as wiping down counters and floors regularly and keeping trash containers closed, other factors may be more difficult to modify. A dirty roof is an invitation for pests to come into a home, which can be very hard to clean up once they’re in there.
A professional roof cleaning service removes the dirt, algae, and moss that can encourage pest infestations. In addition, roof cleaning removes debris from gutters and downspouts to prevent blockages and ensure proper drainage. This can help protect the home from water-related problems and maintain good curb appeal. In conjunction with a pest control program, these steps can be a great way to protect the home from pests and make it more valuable for families to live in.
