Why Should I Think About Hiring Roof Cleaning Services?

​ROOF CLEANING IS ESSENTIAL

​ROOF CLEANING EXPERTS

​Roof cleaning is an often-overlooked home maintenance task. When the siding of your home is dirty or the paint is peeling, it is a fairly obvious indication that it is time for maintenance; however, the roof of your home is a little more out of sight- out of sight, out of mind. What many homeowners overlook is that a roof that is not properly cleaned and maintained can cause damage, reducing the lifespan of your home's most important protective feature.

ROOF SOILING

Your roof is constantly exposed to the elements. It will become clogged with dirt and debris. Most dirt is typically washed away by natural rainfall. However, the dark stains and green areas that appear on your roof are caused by other natural elements:

ALGAE

​Maybe you've noticed some dark stains on your roof. These stains are caused by algae, a type of plant growth. In moist, cool, and shaded areas of the roof, algae feeds off both asphalt and limestone roofing. GM takes on a blue-green hue when there is little light. These algae, which can harbor various types of molds, are more likely to grow in the roof's shaded areas. This explains why some roofs are only stained on one side. These algae spores are carried by wind or animals and can quickly spread from rooftop to rooftop in single-family home, townhome, and apartment complex neighborhoods.

LICHENS

​Lichens are essentially a fungus and algae hybrid. Lichens are a type of fungus that grows alongside algae. These plant-like organisms form a branching growth of root-like tentacles that feed deep into the shingle's base. Lichens are difficult to remove from the roof and can reappear as a result of humidity and rain.

MOSS

​Moss, unlike algae and lichens, is a plant. Moss has a shallow root system and requires a lot of moisture to survive. Areas with less sunlight remain damper for a longer period of time. Overhanging tree branches not only provide additional shade, but they also drop debris that serves as a food source for moss. Moss spores, like algae spores, are frequently spread by wind or animals and can quickly spread throughout neighborhoods.

HOW CAN THIS HARM MY ROOF?

​The stains and growth patches caused by algae, fungi, and moss can cause shingle deterioration and wood rot on your roof. Both result in costly repairs and can shorten the life of your roof. Roof cleaning can help to mitigate or reverse this damage.

SHINGLE DEFECTS

​As previously stated, algae is a bacterium that feeds on both asphalt and limestone. This means that these organisms are literally eating away at your shingles. Furthermore, roofs with algae stains absorb heat. This generates extremely high heat in the attic, which can shorten the lifespan of the shingles by effectively baking them from the inside out. Lichen colonies can be extremely damaging to shingles. The penetrating tentacles leave pock marks where they grow, eventually destroying the shingles. Moss is even more damaging to roof shingles. Moss can cause the edges of the shingles to lift or curl, which is frequently the first sign that a roof replacement is required. Because moss retains moisture, it can freeze in the winter, causing even more shingle damage.

ROT IN THE WOOD

​Moss can trap moisture and divert water, making your roof deck vulnerable to wood rot and leaks. It prefers to grow in the gaps between shingles, which are the last places on a roof where water evaporates. Moss growth on your roof is easily visible. However, the symptoms of wood rot are not always visible to the average homeowner. Wood rot not only shortens the life of your roof, but it can also lead to mold growth, which is dangerous to homeowners and their pets.

CLEANING PROFESSIONAL

Roof cleaning not only keeps the roof looking nice, but it also protects your investment by extending the roof's life. While it may be tempting to do your own roof cleaning, it is best to hire a professional roof cleaning service. Unlike standard high-pressure washers, these professionals use specialized equipment that is gentle on the shingles. A biodegradable cleaning solution will be used by reputable roof cleaning companies as well. Typically, a solution of water and bleach is used in a DIY roof cleaning project. While this may aid in the removal of algae from the roof, it is harmful to plants and the environment. Call us at: (509) 822-3707