Why is it Important to Keep Your Roof Clean?

Your roof controls a large part of your home’s ability to maintain heat in the cold months and cool in the summer. 40% of roof-related problems involve water intrusion.

When maintained regularly, you avoid this and other issues that lead to damage in the rest of the home.

Let’s further discuss the importance of keeping your roof clean.

Common Roof Problems

The top of your home protects the rest of it from the elements and the harsh effects of the seasons. Over time, your roof may begin to show signs of wear. Here are some common issues faced by roofs:

  • Lifted nails or shingles
  • Debris from nearby trees
  • Clogged gutters
  • Leaking
  • Pooling water
  • Shrinking
  • Cracking
  • Poor maintenance
  • Algae, moss, and lichen growth

The Benefits of Keeping Your Roof Clean

Regular roof maintenance helps to avoid things like leaking, debris buildup, and mold and mildew growth. Many of the common ailments can be avoided by starting an upkeep routine.

Save money

One of the largest benefits of getting your roof cleaned regularly is the immense costs you avoid. Infestations, mold, and foundation problems are expensive repairs that require many man-hours to correct. These are also issues that stem from poor maintenance of your roof and gutters.

Maintain curb appeal

Potential buyers make judgments about the home before they ever enter. A cracking roof with signs of mildew and excess debris is a red flag to buyers. Regular cleaning maintains the look and integrity of your roof.

Increase the life of your roof

Roofs typically last for 20 to 30 years. Some roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles or fiber cement, last anywhere from 20 to 25 years. Other materials like slate, tile, or copper can last for nearly 50 years. Regular roof maintenance helps to identify any of the common issues that plague roofs before they become detrimental to the health of your home. Furthermore, you get the maximum lifespan of the roof.

Avoid infestations and foundation problems

When debris builds up on your roof, and in your gutters, water cannot drain properly. This leads to leakage into the home and pooling around the foundation. It also attracts pests that breach the home and make nests leading to infestations of birds, squirrels or termites.

Common Methods for Roof Cleaning

There are two main methods for cleaning a roof: a chemical “soft” wash or a pressure wash. A soft wash uses chemicals as the primary method of cleaning. A pressure wash uses the strength of highly pressurized water to strip away any dirt and grime.

The purpose of these services is to remove debris and any silt, algae, or fungal build up on the roof and to provide a closer inspection at the roof surface. Algae, fungus, or lichen can build up on your shingles and roof tiles and eat away at the material diminishing their ability to protect your home from water intrusion, pests or hot and cold weather.

How Often Should You Get Your Roof Cleaned?

Typically, every 18 to 36 months is a great schedule to shoot for, but how frequently you clean your roof depends on the area you live in. Some climates are more hospitable to algae and moss growth, while others might be more prone to sandy buildup and drying out.

It’s possible to clean your roof yourself but your risk voiding the warranty of the roofing materials if done incorrectly. A professional will have the safety equipment necessary to perform the task with minimal risk. Also, their knowledge and experience will help identify any issues and pinpoint exactly what kind of maintenance or repairs your roof needs.

Signs it’s time to clean your roof:

  • Leaves and other debris
  • Green or black colored areas discoloring your shingles
  • Your roof appears dull or weathered
  • Shingles are lifting
  • It’s been a while since your last cleaning

Dirty Roof? Clean it Up

A healthy roof makes for a happy home. A happy home is one that is free of foundation damage, insulation loss, and water intrusion due to a faulty roof. You vastly improve its lifetime and reduce home repair costs when you regularly keep your roof clean.

Request a quote today from Ethan’s Roof & Exterior Washing.