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Why is cleaning your roof important?

And what are the benefits of roof cleaning? Your home is one of the most expensive investments you’ll ever make and protecting it should be a priority. Not just with homeowner’s insurance and security lighting.  It needs to be protected from the climate, the elements, and the effects of each season. 

Without a routine schedule of roof cleaning, a roof will not only begin to show wear and tear, but it can be damaged too.  Some issues that skipping routine roof cleaning can cause: 

• Algae, lichen, and moss growth
• Tree debris 
• Clogged and damaged gutters
• Water pooling
• Shingles cracking and shrinking
• Nails and shingles lifting 
• Roof leaks

Your home is your investment, and the roof is an important component and feature of your home. Not only will routine roof cleaning protect your home from the climate and elements, it protects you and your family too. So, you’re asking, “What happens if I don’t clean my roof?”, with routine roof cleaning, you will have the following benefits: 

• Boost the Curb Appeal: Roof cleaning will remove debris, dirt, leaves, algae, lichen, and moss. This clean look will add to the curb appeal of your home, a bonus if you’ve placed your home on the market. 

• Protect the Interior: Yes, the roof protects your home’s interior, and a professional roof cleaning will help it maintain that protection. The climate and elements can begin to weaken the roof’s defense, allowing the debris, dirt, and more to continue sitting on the roof will start breaking down the roof’s strength, causing the shingles to come loose, and leave your roof vulnerable, which leaves your home vulnerable. 

• Money Saver: A roof cleaning will cost, but when you compare that cost to the possible cost of roof repairs and roof replacement, it is much cheaper! Roof cleaning can also help your homeowner’s insurance rates too. When a roof looks dirty and dingy, it looks old and worn out, this can cause an increase in your homeowner insurance rates.

• Prevent Water Damage: Water damage to a roof can lead to hundreds, even thousands of dollars in repairs not only to the roof but your entire home. A regular roof cleaning will keep the debris, dirt, algae, lichen, and moss from weakening the nails, and the shingles, which allows water to get under the shingles and to the roof decking. 

• Healthier Home: With routine roof cleaning, you’ll be protecting your family’s health too. A roof coated in algae, lichen, and moss is allowing bacteria and germ exposure inside your home from the mold. This affects everyone’s breathing, and for anyone in your home that has compromised health, this can worsen their health issues.

• Pest Prevention: Algae, dirt, lichen, and moss left on the roof will attract critters and insects. They’ll make their home there, gnaw through the shingles and into your attic.  

Can cleaning your roof protect it from damage?

Once algae, lichen, moss, fungus, and other debris begin to form on your roof, they will continue to grow, spread across the roof, dislodging, and weakening your roofing materials as they spread. For a home in a humid environment, which during the summers here in Cincinnati can be very humid, the faster they will grow and increase, damaging your roof more each day. A routine of roof cleaning will keep that stuff at bay and remove debris like twigs and wet leaves that cause and feed algae, mold, and those other contaminants. 

Does washing your roof make it last longer?

Absolutely! When done correctly and a regular routine, roof cleaning will extend the lifespan of your roof by approximately another 5 years. 

How often should I clean my roof?

Depending on the number of trees where you live, you should have a professional roof cleaning done every other year. Typically, the end of summer is recommended so that all the debris is cleared off for the winter so that it isn’t left under the ice and snow of winter. 

How can you keep your roof clean?

Keeping trees trimmed back away from the roof is the number one thing you can do!  Using a leaf blower to keep what debris and leaves that do accumulate on the roof will help in between professional roof cleaning jobs. 

Residential Roof Repair

A residential roof repair or replacement is a bigger decision, and more important. Without the roof, the cabinetry in your kitchen won’t matter, right? So, if you can do a residential roof repair and not have to replace the roof, you’ll save money. But if you put on a few new shingles over a damaged area or where shingles are missing, only to find the problem is much worse, you’ve wasted money and time. 

But if you can spend less money and time and do a residential roof repair instead of spending $10,000 or more on a new roof, isn’t it worth it to protect your major investment? Here are some various factors to consider when deciding if residential roof repair is sufficient of if you need a roof replacement: 

• The Roof Age: A roof is built to be durable and protect your home against the elements and weather. Unfortunately, nothing will last forever. The lifespan of any roofing material will determine if a residential roof repair is sufficient or if replacement is the better option. How often do roofs need to be replaced?
• For instance, a 3-tab asphalt shingle roof has a maximum lifespan of 20 years, and an architectural asphalt roof 30 years. Once a roof has reached this lifespan, residential roof repair is not recommended. They have started wearing down and deteriorating, showing their age.
• The Roof Condition: The next factor to consider is the roof’s condition and the extent of the damage. If the roof has a deteriorated appearance or significant physical damage, like a tree limb has fallen through the roof, then a residential roof repair isn’t going to be sufficient. A basic rule of thumb is when the damage affects 30% or more of the roof, replacement is needed. 
• What Area: Not only is how much of the area is affected, but what part of the roof is damaged. If its just one isolated area, residential roof repair will keep your home protected. If the damage is in the middle of the roof, like over the living room or a bedroom, replacement is the better choice. 
• Time Frame:  If you’re considering selling your home soon, replacing the roof is an investment that can increase the value of your home. If you’re needing to relocate quickly for a job or other personal reasons, a residential roof repair can be sufficient. 

How much value will a new roof add to my house?

The overall structure and protection aren’t the only reasons why roof repair is important. The appearance and value of your home are important too. From the foundation to the studs to the roof, if any of it appears old and worn, disintegrating, or neglected, it looks bad and loses value too. 

A little residential roof repair can go a long way in making your home look the value that you may have it listed to sell. Replacing a few shingles and a power wash can do wonders for a roof that is less than 5 years old. 

A new roof can give you an ROI up to 68%, depending on the condition of the old roof and the quality of roofing materials used. Now, you won’t get 100% ROI, but the resale value can be increased by $10,000 or more and is one of the best renovation projects you can do for a healthy ROI. 

How much should roof repair cost?

An average roof repair can cost between $400 and $1700 in the Cincinnati area, based on the type of damage and the type of roofing material needed. The materials typically cost between $200 and $500 with labor by the hour between $50/per hour and $80/per hour when using a professional residential roof repair contractor. 

How long does it take to repair a roof?

Again, depending on the amount and type of damage to the roof and what materials are needed, a residential roof repair can vary. Between a couple of hours up to a full day, with a waiting period for specific roofing materials like slate or other types of tiles. Asphalt shingles are usually ready and waiting at big box home improvement stores and roofing suppliers. 

It is recommended to only use experienced roofing contractors. While searching for a contractor, advise them what type of roofing material you have and if they know “How to fix my roof correctly with that type of roofing material?” 

Why is that important? Because not every roofing contractor has experience in working with metal roofing, ceramic tile, roofing, slate roofing, or other non-asphalt shingle residential roofing repairs. If they don’t have experience and knowledge in the type of roofing materials you have, they could do more damage than help. 

What materials are needed to repair a roof?

To make residential roof repairs done correctly and safely, the following materials and supplies are needed: 

• Ladder, Scaffold, or Lift
• Fall Protection like safety harnesses
• Toe Boards for roof slopes
• Chalk Line
• Crowbar
• Flat Head Shovel
• Hammer or Nail Gun
• Roofing Nails
• Roofing Adhesive
• Roofing Materials like shingles, tiles, metal panels, etc.

Gutter cleaning services your home by removing debris, leaves, and sticks so the rain, melted ice, and snow can flow freely off the roof on out past your home. This is a crucial step in protecting the foundation and the roof. Here are five reasons why gutter cleaning is so important: 

1. Water Damage Prevention. Keeping gutters and downspouts clean will from debris and leaves allows the gutters to drain as designed and intended. When they are clogged, the water overflows the gutters,  runs down the siding, and causes water damage to the exterior and interior.  
2. Roof Protection. With clogged gutters, the rainwater has nowhere to flow, so it backs up under the shingles, rotting the shingles and the under decking, creating leaks. 
3. Pest Control. Clogged gutters create a desirable home for birds, insects, and rodents. Once they get in the gutters, they find a way into your attic and home. 
4. Foundation Protection. When the gutters are clogged, what water doesn’t back up under the shingles will spill over the sides and pool around the foundation of your home. As the water gets under the foundation, it freezes and thaws through the winter, and will cause the foundation to crack. Then when the weather warms up the ground, your home will begin to sink in places. 
5. Money Saver. Yes, if you don’t clean your own gutters and have a gutter cleaning service do the work, it will cost upfront. Down the road though, it will prevent having expensive and unexpected projects, like foundation leveling and repair or replacing the roof. 

How often should gutters be cleaned?

Now that you know the importance of why gutter cleaning services are valuable, the next question is when to do gutter cleaning? It depends on the foliage around your home. For most homes, gutter cleaning twice a year is recommended. If there is heavy foliage around your home, like pine trees, three times a year may be needed.

Other factors to consider in determining the frequency and when is the amount of rainfall and snow your home gets during the year. Having a gutter cleaning service at the end of fall and before winter will remove leaves and twigs, other debris that has collected over the fall. Schedule gutter cleaning service after the spring rains is recommended. This gets the bird and critters that have nested out of the gutter runs. 

What does gutter cleaning include? 

You may be wondering, does gutter cleaning include downspouts? Just what is included in a professional gutter cleaning? A professional gutter cleaning service is usually going to be more thorough because they have the experience (they do this every day, not just once a year). They have the proper equipment and tools to do a more effective cleaning too. 

Most professional gutter cleaning services will use either a truck-mounted vacuum or an industrial-strength shop vacuum that has attachments specific for gutters. This will blast out any debris, leaves, and twigs from the gutter runs and out of the downspouts. 

One they have blasted out what they can using the vacuum, they will use a pressure washer to finish cleaning and make sure there aren’t any more clogs. A professional gutter cleaning service will repair any broken gutters or hangers and fix any seams that have separated. 

What is the best gutter cleaning solution?

If you want to save money and do the gutter cleaning service yourself, use a water hose with a nozzle that has a strong forced stream with a mixture of water and white vinegar. This makes one of the best gutter cleaning options to clean the gutters and downspouts without corroding the aluminum gutter runs. If the exterior of the gutters needs polishing, use water and cream of tartar to create a paste and gently buff the gutter and downspout exteriors. 

Do gutter guards work?        

There are two sides to every story, even with a gutter guard installation story. Some experts will tell you that gutters guards are the newest “must-have” on the market today. Then there are that will tell you a gutter guard installation won’t give your home foolproof protection from all the debris that can clog your gutters. 

The truth is somewhere in between those two sides. There are pros and cons of gutter guards:

The Pros of Having Gutter Guard Installation:

• They can be installed on your existing gutters.
• They prevents debris like leaves, limbs, sticks from clogging the gutters and the downspouts.
• The prevent birds, rodents, and other critters  from building nests in the gutters.
• They prevent insects from breeding in the debris and water build-up common for gutters.
• They will help prevent water leaking in your home by eliminating those build-ups in the gutters. 
• They minimize how often you need to do gutter cleaning.
• They extend the gutter service by prevent debris and water collecting and causing the gutters to rot and rust.

The Cons of Having Gutter Guard Installation:

• They do not keep all small debris out like pine needles and seeds.
• Can enhance issues of ice dam on the roof (there are heated gutter guards now that will prevent these issues.
• Gutters will still need some cleaning even with gutter guard installation. 
• Gutter guards can dent, minimizing their effectiveness.
• Adds weight to the gutters so when gutters are not cleaned when needed, there is additional weight on the gutters and fascia.

What should I look for in a gutter guard?

One thing that all experts will agree on is that if you have the wrong types of gutter guard systems installed, it could make matter worse than if you didn’t have any at all. They don’t have to be installed by a roofing contractor, you can purchase them at a big box home improvement store or local hardware store. The things to look for with your gutter guard installation are:

• Choose an all-aluminum gutter guard, installation of these will last as long as your gutters. 
• Choose one with perforated holes for water to get in but tree stuff is kept out. 
• Choose gutter guard installation that will fit flat in your gutters and can’t be seen from street. 
• Choose a gutter guard installation where you can visually inspect the gutter runs inside easily. 
• If you’re a DIY homeowner, choose a gutter guard installation, maintenance, repairs, and replacements will be easy. 

What is the best gutter guard for leaves?

Perforated gutter guard installation is the best for keeping leaves out of the gutters. These gutter guards have larger holes, allowing a better flow of water but keeping small debris out. Typically an aluminum or metal material that will give you years of enjoyment with minimal maintenance. For areas where snow is almost guaranteed every winter, this is the best type of gutter guard. 

Will a gutter guard stop birds?

Yes, a gutter guard installation will keep the birds out, so they aren’t building nests in your gutters. They also keep other debris out like leaves and limbs. In turn, this can do a lot to keep both your gutters and your home safe and to reduce how often gutter cleaning is necessary.

What are the best gutter guards?

Below are the gutter guards available online that are considered to be the best in certain categories as stated.  A note to keep in mind is that some roof warranties will be voided where there is a gutter guard installation. Check with your roofing contractor before making this investment. 

• Best Overall: Gutterglove – The Raptor Micro-Mesh Gutter Guard 
• Best Heavy Duty: A-M  – Aluminum Gutter Guard 
• Best Value: FlexxPoint – Gutter Cover System
• Best Brush: GutterBrush – Simple Gutter Guard
• Best Budget: Frost King  – Plastic Gutter Guard 
• Easy Gutter Guard Installation: Amerimax Home Products – Lock-In Gutter Guard

1. Versatility

Asphalt roof shingles are available in a multitude of angles, forms, and shapes, working perfect with almost any roof type. No matter the size or complexity of your roof, there are asphalt shingles that will provide a seamless coverage.

2. Design Choices

Asphalt shingles come in different architectural styles. From the traditional  3-tab asphalt shingles that work with any home design to the dimensional and premium asphalt shingles in multiple styles. Some even mimic the look of cedar shakes, slate tiles, and other roofing materials, giving you a design advantage without the drawbacks of those other roofing materials.

3. Color Choices 

Asphalt shingles come in a multitude of colors. Choose a color that will improve the curb appeal or provide a totally different look. Other roofing materials won’t offer you as many colors to choose from.

4. Quality with Cost-Effectiveness

One of the top benefits of asphalt shingles is the high performance you get for a lower cost. One of the most cost-effective materials you’ll find that has a long lasting reputation, giving you a high ROI for your dollar.  

5. Energy-Efficient

Today, homeowners are all about energy efficiency and asphalt roof shingles is there for you! With a professional installation that includes underlayment, asphalt shingles will make any home more energy efficient.

6. Impact-Resistant Rated  

A big concern for most homeowners, besides the cost, they want to know, “Are asphalt shingles impact resistant?”. No matter where you live in Texas,  the roof needs to  endure different types of severe weather, with hailstorms at the top of the list.  Asphalt shingles come specially modified to be impact resistant. 

7. High Wind Resistant 

The high winds that blow across Texas can be a problem. Asphalt shingles that are installed correctly are wind resistant because they won’t lift up, making the underneath vulnerable to roof leaks. Asphalt shingles are manufactured today that meet and exceed the required Class F wind rating. 

8. Class A Fire Rated

Not only are asphalt shingles wind rated, but many of them come with Class A fire rating, the highest rating possible, providing homes with superior protection of external fires spreading. 

9. Sound Deadening 

One feature of asphalt shingles that is often underestimated is the sound insulation they provide with their composition.  When it comes to external noises, asphalt shingles are significantly quieter than other roofing materials like metal. With some asphalt shingles, depending on the design, they are a lot quieter in hailstorms and heavy downpours.

10. Algae-Resistant

A tough problem for the roofing industry is algae growth, especially wood based roofs. That ugly black stain can distract from a home’s beauty and is a concern for homeowners as to the damage that this blue-green growth can do to their homes. Asphalt shingles come with an algae-resistant coating to protect your home. 

11. Easy Installation

Asphalt shingles are a favorite for roofing contractors because of the ease of installation. The easier a roofing material is to install, the faster the job goes and that keeps the overhead down.  

12. The Weight

Asphalt shingles are the ideal weight for the structure of most homes, unlike other roofing materials on the market. No special additions or changes are needed to the structure for weight support with asphalt shingle roofing. 

13. Easy Repairs

Having an asphalt shingle roof repaired isn’t as challenging as other roofing materials like ceramic tile. The matching of replacement shingles is easy and the process of repairing the roof is easy too. Stay with the same contractor that installed the roof will make it an easy process. 

14. Integrating with Roof Features

Asphalt shingles are a flexible material that can integrate with chimneys, dormers, gables, and skylights. 

15. Recyclable Material

The asphalt shingles in the years past would be taken directly to a landfill after tear-off. Today, asphalt shingles can be recycled when they have reached their end-of-life on roofs. Old shingles are being used for improved roads and generate power.

What is the difference between architectural shingles and asphalt shingles?

The architectural asphalt shingles have an additional layer of asphalt shingles that are laminated along the lower portions without any cutouts. The basic tree-tab shingles have distinguished cutouts that give them the “tabs” along the lower edge.

How thick are asphalt shingles?

What may not seem thick enough, the 3/16” thickness of the average asphalt shingle becomes thicker as they are installed overlapping each other. By the end of the installation, they have doubled in thickness. 

How long does an asphalt shingle roof last?

Each asphalt shingle manufacturer will have their own stated lifetime. When installed on a roof that been properly vented, the average home will get as much as 80% to 85% of the state lifespan from the asphalt roof. For the basic 3-tab asphalt shingle, that equates up to 22 years and for the dimensional asphalt shingle, that equates up to 28 years.

Is there a 50 year shingle?

Yes, and they are ideal for Texas homes!  The 50-year asphalt shingles are more expensive, but with a lifespan of half a century, if they can withstand the climate, weather, and the test of time, you may never have to re-roof your home again. Call 513-563-9988 today for your shingle roofing system in Cincinnati, OH.

• Water Damage

Where there are dark, dingy stains on the ceilings and walls, these are the most obvious you have a roof leak. You may see mold and moisture on the rafters in your attic, another indication you may have storm damage 

• The Shingles

Where there are missing shingles, stones, or other roofing materials, could be from heat and high winds loosened them and they were blown off or fell off. Animals will pull singles up when there is a corner or edge lifted. All of this leaves your roof vulnerable to other wildlife and storm damage. 

• The Fascia and Soffits

When the fascia and soffits start to crack, decay, or have missing wood around them, this is often from storm damage that allowed water damage to create and spread. This can also happen from clogged gutters and downspouts. 

• The Gutters

Asphalt granules will rinse off into the gutter runs and on to the downspouts as they age. The granules also come loose because of other various elements like hailstones, heat, and heavy rains, as well as  basic aging. The bare shingles leave a roof exposed and vulnerable to other damage, including storm damage.

• The Vents

When you have curled shingles and ice dams, you probably have poor attic vent for your roof. These curled edges are waiting heavy rains and high winds leave storm damage behind. Make sure your new roof has proper ventilation to keep this from happening again, aging your roof quicker than it should. 

How much does it cost to repair the roof?

The answer to this can be varied based on several factors. Like the size of the house and the type of roofing material.  On an average, for a house between 1700 and 2100 square feet, to tear off the existing asphalt and install new asphalt shingles, the cost can be from $1,700 and upward of $8,500. 

Should I replace or repair my roof?

It isn’t any secret that a home should have regular maintenance and upkeep. This keeps your home looking good and will make it easier on the bank account to catch small issues before they become big problems. 

When it comes to major home improvements though, the decision isn’t always a cut and dry matter, like the roof. Sometimes, a small repair from storm damage will suffice and other times, storm damage can be so extensive, a roof replacement is the best solution. 

The best way to start this decision process of storm damage repair or replacement is to have get 2 to 3 professional roofing contractors to inspect your roof. Ask them for written estimates and their recommendations. While it may just look like a shingle or two missing, there could be more severe storm damage to the decking or underlayment. 

As you do your storm damage clean up, take pictures of everything before you move anything. Ask the roofing contractors to take pictures on top of the roof and send you copies. Make notes of everything that has storm damages. 

Does a new roof help sell a house?

Absolutely!  Any potential homeowner will be ecstatic about one off the biggest expenses being replaced already. You will get most of your investment back on this upgrade too!  Need storm damage repair in Cincinnati, OH? Call 513-563-9988 today.

• Moisture Damage or Water Damage – If you don’t know just how power water is, look at the Grand Canyon. The persistence of nature and flowing water carved that beauty. When it comes to roofs and the structure of you home, the end results are not so beautiful. When water seeps beneath roofing shingles, it will quickly find way inside your home. Then that is were really serious damage can occur to the structure of your home and your family’s health. Any indication that there is moisture inside the home, like brown spots or water stains on the ceiling, peeling paint, and worse of it all is mold, a roof repair job isn’t going to be sufficient. These are indications that you need a new roof installed, and the sooner the better.  

• Disaster – If there has been a recent weather event like a high winds, a hurricane, or tornado, the is a chance your roof has suffered some extensive damage that isn’t visible to the untrained eye. This past winter was harsh for most of this country, and here in Ohio, the winters are fairly harsh every year. Have a professional roofing contractor inspect your roof is a good idea. If a roof repair job will get you by, then great. If your roof has some questionable areas, it is better to know now and create a plan of action. 

• Roof’s Age – A 5 year old roof  that is leaking is probably the results of poor workmanship or defective roofing materials. A 20 year old roof that is leak needs to be replaced. 

• Roofing Materials – The type of roofing materials your home has can make a big decision on when it should be replaced.  A slate tile roof will last up to 80 years or longer. An asphalt shingled roof however, you’ll be lucky to make that 20 year mark, unless it is a high quality premium asphalt shingle, then with routine maintenance, you could get a 50 year lifespan. 

Homeowner’s Insurance

Yes, you make monthly premium payments, and you want to get as much from your insurance company as possible, totally understandable However, will homeowners insurance cover roof repair? This is something that can vary from home to home, policy to policy and even company to company.  In general, most homeowner’s insurance policies have roof repair coverage insurance for damaged that was unpreventable. This type of  roof repair insurance is for damage caused by burglary, fire, hailstorm, high winds, tree limbs or trees falling, vandalism or other type of unpreventable accident. Call 513-563-9988 today for your roof repair in Cincinnati, OH.

The Shingles 

As homeowner, you should do a frequent walk-a-round your home checking the roof. Pay attention for any dark streaks, loosened, missing shingles, or any appearance of curled shingles. Once a month or so, if you can and are comfortable with climbing a ladder and take a look from different angles around your home. 

The Chimneys, Skylights, and Vents 

While on the ladder, check around the chimneys, skylights, and vent openings. When the rubber boots or metal flashing become bent, loose, or are rusted, water can intrude into the roof, damaging the decking and more. 

The Attic

Check inside the attic a regular basis as part of your roof maintenance. Look for any signs of water stains on the underside of the ceiling, wet insulation, or any type of water damage. 

Debris

The next DIY roof maintenance task is cleaning off any debris that has collected on your roof. This includes leaves and twigs. Use a broom or leaf blower to clear these things off, never use a power washer though. A power washer, when used incorrectly, can cause more damage than it helps. Leave power washing off to a professional service when your roof maintenance budget allows it.

The Gutters 

While cleaning the debris off the roof, check the gutters and downspouts for debris and roofing granules. These can be cleaned out with a water hose or use a professional gutter cleaning service. When gutters are full of debris like leaves and twigs, they get clogged, and rainwater can’t flow through them and to the downspouts.  This puts weight on the fascia and soffit, which can lead to damaging the roof and foundation.

If you notice a lot of roofing granules in the gutters, you should get a professional roofing contractor do a thorough roof inspection. It may be time for a new roof. The roof takes a lot of abuse from the UV rays and weather events. A good quality asphalt roof will give you 20 years of protection, but at 15 years, it is recommended to have a professional roof inspection once a year and keep low hanging tree limbs cut back from your roof too. 

The Ventilation 

The attic ventilation is key in a healthy roof. Inadequate or inappropriate attic ventilation leads to heat and moisture damage. During your routine roof maintenance check in the attic finds any moisture, that is an indication that the ventilation in your attic isn’t sufficient or working properly.  Left along, the winter will see ice dams forming and that leads to roof leaks, in addition to the summer heat making more moisture that weakens the shingles. 

These routine roof maintenance tips we’ve provided will go a long way to keeping your roof healthy and minimize roof repairs or new roof installation. If you’re not comfortable with doing your own roof maintenance or inspections, hiring a professional roofing service can save you from needing a new roof. Call 513-563-9988 today for roofing maintenance in Cincinnati, OH.

One single spoor of algae or fungus can be blown onto your roof from who knows where. They could come from a neighbor’s roof, a tree branch hanging over your roof, or your own gutters if they aren’t cleaned regularly. If the conditions of your roof are an open buffet of limestone and other asphalt shingle making materials, then it stays, dines, and spreads. We are going to talk about the steps you can take that will clear your roof of the issues that cause this and make your roof an algae-free roofing zone. 

There are pros and cons to the growth of moss on roof tops. For many, depending on the architecture of the house, moss on the roof is “charming” or “quaint”, but for others, there is a fear of what impact moss has when left to itself. Will moss damage your roof? Should you be focused on having a moss and algae-free roof more than worrying about the appearance being charming and quaint? 

If your home is surrounded by trees and in a damp climate, it is susceptible to being inhabited by algae, lichens, and moss. As we noted above, what may be just one spore of moss can feast on your asphalt shingles and spread its ‘love’ all over roof and blow on to neighboring roofs. Moss is to roof that COVID-19 is to humans.  

• Mold: This abundantly growing matter will retain moisture and water, becoming heavy. That moisture and water leads to bacteria, rot, and more mold growth. While this isn’t harmful to human life, it is to asphalt roofs and will significantly shorten the lifespan. Mold attracts critters, insects, and rodents which will make their way into your home after feeding off the mold growth. 

• Holes: As moss is allowed to sit on your roof, it creeps up under the shingles, slates, or tiles, causing them to lift and loosen. Holes form under the roofing materials and leaks can begin while the structure of the roof is degenerated. Once this has started, any cleaning of the moss will raise the loose shingles, slate, or tiles and allow the moss to get even further under the roofing material and spready more. 

So, yes, moss is 100% bad for your roof, it can create damage that is irreparable, causing you need to need a new roof.  More bad news: Your homeowner’s insurance isn’t going to pay for that new roof. They see moss removal as homeowner’s upkeep not an Act of God or peril accident.

Okay, so is algae on roof bad for it? Algae stains start off as small spots, and with time, those spots will become streaks. Algae is frequently confused as mildew or moss, and while it doesn’t have a curb appeal to your home’s appearance, it isn’t harmful. 

Can I brush moss off my roof?

That green moss layer on a roof can look charming, cozy, quaint, even rustic, but not everyone wants their house to look like it came from a fairy tale book. Follow these three steps for a straightforward way to remove that moss: 

Step One: Hose the roof off using your garden hose to brush any loose moss loose off the shingles. Do not use a pressure washer, a garden hose is sufficient. Do this on cloudy days so the sun’s UV rays don’t evaporate your cleaning solutions too fast.

Step Two: Once you have your roof wet, apply a DIY cleaning mixture of to remove the moss, letting it sit for more than 20 minutes but no longer than 45 minutes. Then scrub with a soft bristle brush. After the scrubbing, rinse with clear water from the garden hose. Some different DIY mixtures include: 

1. Eight ounces dish soap to two gallons of water.
2. One pound powdered oxygen bleach to two gallons of water.
3. One and half to three and half cups chlorine bleach to two gallons of water.
4. One and half to three and half cups white distilled vinegar to two gallons of water.

How do I get rid of algae on my roof?

You now know that algae on your roof isn’t good for it, but how to get algae off roof to have that algae-free roof without paying a contractor is a common question among homeowners.  One of the most effective ways for algae roof cleaning, is a mixture one part laundry liquid chlorine bleach with equal part of water applied with a sprayer. Spray the roof and then let the solution sit for at least 15 minutes but no longer than 20 minutes. Then thorough rinse with a low pressure. 

All of this information is helpful, but it didn’t tell you, “How do I stop algae growing on my roof?” The following are tips to give you that algae-free roof every homeowner desires: 

• Keeps the trees trimmed back off the roof.
• Keep standing water eliminated around the house and in the gutters.
• Have the roof professionally washed twice a year.

The big thing you can do is have a new roof installed that is an algae-free roof. Is there such a thing? Yes, you can have a copper roof installed that has been infused with chemicals that stop algae growth. Or ask your roofing contractor about shingles that are algae-free roof treated. Need help with an algae free roofing system in Cincinnati, OH? Call 513-563-9988 today.

What happens if you never clean your gutters?

The gutters are your home are important to the overall roofing system. If they are maintained though with regular gutter cleaning and repairs, your home won’t benefit from them. In fact, you home will become susceptible to damage that can become severe quick. Here are ten possible problems that can be created when you ignore gutter cleaning:

Can I clean my gutters myself? and What is the fastest way to clean gutters?

Absolutely, but you’ll need to purchase some gutter cleaning tools or design a way to use what you have for a thorough gutter cleaning process. Professional gutter cleaning services are equipped with the gutter cleaning rods and other equipment needed, but many homeowners do their own gutter cleaning and repairs with successful results. 

As for the fastest way for gutter cleaning, we first want to advise you to extreme caution as you climb the ladder and work from high areas of the rooftop.  Three of the easiest and fastest ways to clean your gutter system:

• A Leaf Blower: With a leaf blower, you can avoid using your hands for gutter cleaning. This is a straightforward method when you climb onto the roof, and walk along the roof edge, and blow the leaves out of the gutters. With an extension kit, this method becomes safer as you use the curved extension and clear the gutter run from the ground with your leaf blower.
• A Power Washer: If a storm blows through before you do your gutter cleaning, you can clear the sticky and wet leaves with power washer. The high-pressure force and a telescoping wand will allow you to complete a gutter cleaning from the ground. Afterward, clean the areas around your home with gloved hands and a rake.
• A Wet/Dry Vacuum: Avoid making the mess on the ground with your easy and fast gutter cleaning method by using a wet/dry vac. You can purchase an extension kit that will allow you to do this from the ground instead of climbing a ladder while bringing a wet/dry vac up with you.

How do I know if my downspout is clogged?

A clogged gutter downspout will trap the water in the gutter system, causing it to overflow over the sides, this is an obvious indication of a blocked downspout. You can also have someone assist you as you climb a ladder with a water hose that has a power nozzle. Have the turn the water on and place the hose in the gutter system. If little to no water is coming out, you have a clogged downspout.