Is Roof Cleaning Necessary?

Close Up of Roof Cleaning With High Pressure Water Cleaner

Learn About Roof Cleaning Methods

Your roof is an intricate system that will naturally accumulate dirt, debris and other things onto its membrane over time. Certain things can be as small as clearing your roof of leaves to water infiltration and compromised roofing materials. It’s therefore essential that you partake in roof cleaning as well as other maintenance duties at the very least annually in order to maintain the integrity of your roofing system. By keeping up to the speed of your roof’s condition you can greatly save on time and money from ignored conditions. If you’re wondering, is roof cleaning worth it? Consider the following information. Be sure to get in touch with a professional residential roofer for advice if you have any questions.

Why is my roof turning black?

The accumulation of moisture can cause damages to a roof in many ways, be it through leaks or the formation of moss, mold, and mildew. Moisture damages can be made from water accumulation from rainfall or even if you live in a particularly humid region. With asphalt shingles, you may see black streaks running down your roofing material. These streaks are actually hardened algae called Gloeocapsa Magma. These blue-green algae can spread by airborne spores and the algae itself can develope from accumulations of dirt, mildew, mold or from defective shingles. The black color comes about when the algae accumulate and hardened. Essentially, these algae are sustained by feeding on the limestone in shingles.

Does cleaning your roof damage it?

Certain products can be harmful to your roofing materials so it’s important to consider the composition of certain roof cleaning products and methods before committing to them. There are solutions out there that are EPA approved and can prevent future damages.

Can you clean your roof?

Whether you have algae or debris on your roof there are several avenues to take with your roof cleaning. Consider the options to take when you do have algae. Some options include pressure washing or soft washing with detergents or bleach yet it’s important to know that these solutions, as well as other types of roof cleaning chemicals, can cause more harm than good down the line depending on your roofing materials. Take for instance that the harsh detergents in a soft wash can actually discolor such materials as tile and wood shakes, break down the granules on asphalt shingles as well as corrode metal roofing systems. Not only that, but the runoff can damage plants and accelerate the corrosion of gutter and downspout metal materials. With pressure washing, you may even loosen granules on asphalt shingles. Even after all of this, these solutions won’t prevent algae from returning and recycling this roof cleaning method can cause roof wear over time. Roof cleaning without pressure washing can be a solution with such alternatives as using fungicide or algaecide. Such products as Roof-A-Cide can be lightly sprayed and can prevent the return of algae for two years. This product is rare in that it is approved by the EPA in roof cleaning, stain prevention as well as preventing algae regrowth. There are such solutions that are caustic and chlorine-free which can effectively and safely clean a roof without risking damages.

Professional Roofer Washing Roof With High Pressure Hose

Roof Cleaning Benefits

  • Maintains Reflective Abilities
  • Prevents Nesting
  • Prevents Algae/Moss Growth
  • Prevents Moisture
  • Protects From Leaks
  • Maintained Value
  • Roof Lasts Longer
  • Save on Roof Repair/Replacements

Why is roof cleaning important?

When you ignore the duties of keeping up with your roof be it with roof cleaning, repairs or inspections you are essentially allowing your roof to become compromised with damages over time. You can prevent damage and extend your roof’s life span by maintaining the pristine roofing materials you first installed. Not only will maintaining your roof lessens the risk of damages, but you’ll also save on repair costs down the line and even heighten the curb appeal of your home upon resell. 

How do I keep my roof clean?

There are many preventive measures to take before roof cleaning is necessary like removing overhanging tree debris and any build-up of plants which can cause moisture problems. You can gently remove moss, algae, mold, and mildew with gentle roof cleaning products as well. After a particularly bad storm make sure to have your roof inspected by a professional to see if any protective measures need to be done. If a storm has spread to other areas and you need gas line repair contact your local services. You can prevent the formation of roofing damages by relying on roof cleaning contractors that provide residential roofing services. Don’t let the formation of algae or other issues with your roof accumulate. Be proactive and attentive with your roof and you’ll find roof cleaning to encompass less of your time in the present then if ignored for the future.

If you’re interested in roof cleaning in Cincinnati, OH call 513-563-9988 with Cincinnati Gutter & Roof Protection!