For most people, their roof is the last thing on their minds when doing home maintenance. Cleaning the gutters, repainting, hanging shutters, etc. all make the list, but very few people consider cleaning the roof.
While roof cleaning isn’t something you need to do that often, it’s still a very necessary part of keeping up your home and ensuring the roof is long lasting. Fortunately, you don’t need to climb up there yourself. A roof cleaning company can handle the entire process safely, as the roof can be dangerous to walk around on.
What’s Ruining Your Roof?
There are a few things that can damage your roof and require cleaning on a regular basis:
Moss: It may look pretty, but moss can burrow into your shingles and cause damage that will later require replacing the shingles. To avoid this, it’s best to eliminate the moss.
Mildew: As with any space attacked by mildew, the roof can be damaged by this unpleasant fungus. It will also cause dark stains that will look unsightly.
Algae: That icky green stuff that spreads over the roof isn’t just ugly, it’s damaging. It can actually destroy your UV protection and send your cooling and heating bills higher.
Leaves: If leaves are falling on your roof, they will need to be removed semi-regularly. The leaves trap moisture and heat against the shingles, encouraging bacterial and fungal growth.
Each of these issues may seem harmless, but they are the main reason it’s recommended that you clean your roof every two to three years.
What Else to Watch For
While the cleaner is on your roof, they can also do a quick inspection to check for other issues. For example, it’s recommended that you take a look at any roof vents at least once a year. These may become blocked by debris, leaves, and moss. If that happens, the necessary airflow under the roof doesn’t happen and mold can build up and ruin the roof from the underside.
It’s also a good idea to look for broken or damaged flashing. Flashings are the metal strips that run around the various vents and items on the roof, as well as along the peak, preventing water from coming through.
Chances are, you don’t get up on your roof too often, so take advantage of having someone up there to take a closer look at the shingles and overall condition of the roof. This is a good time to figure out if you need to replace parts of it or if you just need a cleaning.
A roof cleaning service is your best option. No one wants to spend days on their roof, slipping around and trying to scrape all that moss off. Cleaning companies will also be able to use chemicals that discourage algae and mold growth for a longer period of time.
Ready to get your roof cleaned up? Book your cleaning with A.J. Donald today.