Keeping your roof clean extends its life, prevents damage, and improves curb appeal. However, it’s not always easy. Black streaks and moss on your roof aren’t just unsightly; they can cause damage to the shingles.
Professional roof cleaning companies use soft washing (water pressure of around 1,000 psi, which is roughly the same as a garden hose) and a variety of cleaning products. For professional help, contact Summerville Roof Cleaning.
Algae and moss grow quickly, covering roofs in green, red, or black patches. They are especially invasive in damp conditions, growing faster than normal shingles and causing them to dislodge from the roof. They can also block gutters, leading to water overflowing and entering the building. Although commonly grouped together, algae and moss are very different organisms that require slightly different procedures to prevent or remove them from your roof.
Algal growth on a roof is caused by spores that are carried through the air and deposited on external surfaces. It tends to be more common in warm, shady areas and can often be found growing on the underside of roofs. Although unsightly, algae growth on a roof is rarely dangerous and can be easily removed with a commercially available bleach solution.
Moss grows much more slowly than algae, but it is far more difficult to get rid of than algae. Heavy moss build-up on roofs can lead to shingle blow-off in high winds and can create dams that lead to shingle damage or leaks. It is important to clean up moss as soon as it appears on the roof.
Fortunately, there are many options for removing moss from roofs. There are a variety of commercial cleaning solutions and even some homemade recipes that can be used to kill the moss and make it easy to scrub away. When using any of these cleaners, it is recommended to spray the solution onto a dry roof surface and let it sit for about 30 minutes. After that, it should be lightly scrubbed with a soft-bristle brush and rinsed.
It is a good idea to work on a calm, windless day and to protect any plants below the roof with tarps before applying any cleaner. Some commercial or homemade spray cleansers can discolor siding, decking, or pathways if they come into contact with them. If you have any doubts about working on your roof or using a cleaner, it is a good idea to hire a professional residential roofing company.
Algae and moss are both unsightly, but they can be very detrimental to your home’s shingles if not taken care of properly. A professional will know the best and safest ways to clean a roof and will install preventative measures to ensure it does not return.
Debris
Debris from storms or high winds can leave piles of leaves, branches, trash, or even old shingles on your roof. It’s important to remove this debris on a regular basis so it doesn’t collect water or cause further damage to your roof. Debris can also attract pests and lead to more serious issues like a leaking roof or rotting shingles.
Some homeowners choose to tackle the job of removing debris from their roof themselves, but it’s usually best left to professionals. Debris removal is difficult, and the wrong tools or techniques can make it dangerous. It’s also important to have the right equipment and safety gear, including protective gloves, goggles, and long sleeves. Using a blower to blow away debris is a great option, and it can help reduce the risk of injury to anyone on the roof or on the ground below. However, it’s not always easy to tell what’s light and what’s heavy, and dragging items across the surface can scrape or otherwise damage shingles and tiles.
For heavier debris, it’s sometimes necessary to use a hose, broom, and brushes to clear the area. A strong stream of water can often be enough to wash off the majority of debris, but it’s important not to use too much pressure. This could damage shingles or tiles and lead to leaks, so a soft wash technique is recommended instead.
A power washer is also an option, but it can be too forceful for a metal roof and may dent the surface. It’s also not a good idea to use chemicals on the metal surface, as they can react with the metal and cause further damage.
A professional can clean up debris from a roof as part of a complete cleaning or maintenance service. They can also inspect the shingles for any signs of damage and repair them. A yearly inspection and a seasonal cleanup can help prevent debris buildup that can lead to problems down the road. Deterring birds by installing anti-roosting strips can also be an effective strategy, along with removing bird nests when they appear.
Mold
Mold, with its slimy, dark greenish hues, can create unsightly streaks on shingles and make roofs appear old and unkempt. It can also damage shingles, causing them to rot and shortening their lifespan. Mold spores can also get into the home, making the occupants sick. In addition, mold colonies on roofs can cause ceiling leaks and water damage.
Depending on the size of the infestation, homeowners can use a basic bleach solution to remove mold from their roofs. A typical mix is 1 part chlorine bleach to 4 parts water. When using this method, be sure to wear protective rubber gloves and a mask. Additionally, it is important to protect nearby bushes and plants from overspray, as the bleach can be toxic to them. Wetting the surrounding plants with plain water first before spraying can minimize their exposure.
Another option is to use a fungicide, which is a product that kills the fungus by changing its chemical structure. It is available in ready-to-use sprays that hook up to your hose. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing and applying the product to your roof. Then, rinse the solution off with water to remove any remaining fungicide.
If a more aggressive approach is needed, professional cleaners are available that can be used in conjunction with low-pressure washing. However, these products should only be used on a clean roof. Using these products on a dirty roof can exacerbate the problem and lift shingles.
In areas where the climate is wet, it can be difficult to keep your roof free of moss, mildew, and algae. If you notice these stains, it is important to take care of them immediately to prevent them from damaging your roof and leaking into the house.
The condition of your roof is a key factor in the overall health and value of your home. Regular maintenance and repair, including cleaning moss, mildew, algae, and oxidation on metal roofs, can help extend the life of your roofing system. If you suspect a leak or other problems, consult a professional roofing contractor to have the situation assessed and repaired.
Curb appeal
“Curb appeal” is a term used to describe how attractive the exterior of a house is from the street. This includes the front yard landscaping, the quality of the paint and siding, and the condition of the roof. Many homeowners focus on improving their curb appeal with landscaping, a new coat of paint, and other cosmetic upgrades to the exterior. However, the condition of the roof is often overlooked.
A dirty-looking, streaked, or discolored roof can ruin the overall appearance of a home. This is why it’s important to get your roof regularly cleaned.
Not only does it make the home look cleaner, but it also helps prevent potential damage to the structure. In addition, a clean roof will help lower energy costs by keeping the inside of the home cooler.
If you are thinking about selling your home, curb appeal is important. Potential buyers want to buy a home that looks well maintained and cared for. Regularly cleaning your roof and removing moss, algae, and other debris will keep the home looking its best and increase its value.
There is a reason that Chip and Joanna Gaines make such a big deal about the curb appeal of houses on HGTV’s Fixer Upper. The outside of a house is the first impression that people have of the personality and style of the owner. If the front of a house doesn’t have a lot of curb appeal, people will likely pass it by. Similarly, the exterior of a commercial building is the face of the business. A dingy or stained roof can make the whole building look unkempt and uncared for, which can cause distrust in customers or clients.