As you glance up at your home's roof, you see some kind of dark substance growing on several of the shingles. What exactly is it? Mold, mildew, or soil that made its way up there mysteriously? Is it necessary to clean the roof?
The sludge that cannot be identified is almost certainly algae. Algae can reportedly grow on roofs in regions where water or moisture collects, as stated by the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturing Association (ARMA). Birds and the wind are responsible for spreading the spores to the roof of the building.
If, on the opposite hand, you see patches of your roof that are fuzzy green in appearance, this is an indication that moss is growing there. The presence of shade and moisture makes for a perfect environment for moss growth.
What steps should you take if you discover moss or algae growing on your roof? Is it necessary to clean the top, or is it best to just leave it alone? What are the pros and cons of roof cleaning? What is the roof cleaning cost? What is the roof cleaning before and after steps? Is roof cleaning a good idea in the first place? How often should you clean your roof? Let us find out the answer to all these questions below.
Pros and cons of roof cleaning
According to ARMA's research, algae and moss do not threaten asphalt shingles. When moss grows on roof shingles, it can cause the shingles' edges to curl upward, which makes it more likely that the shingles will be blown off the roof when there is wind.
Is roof cleaning a good idea? The appearance of the home as a whole is enhanced when the top is kept clean. You should still take steps to safeguard your investment even if you have no plans to move or sell your house soon.
Improving the appearance of the exterior of a building may be accomplished in several ways, one of which is by maintaining a clean and clutter-free roof. Roof cleaning offers several benefits, including an increase in the property's curb appeal.
It is recommended that a thorough roof inspection be performed at least twice every year. If there are dark spots, streaks, or stains on the surface, substances such as lichen, algae, or moss may be the source. Even though rainwater is expected to run off of the roof, there is a possibility that the trees that surround the house will allow some spots to retain moisture.
This will provide the ideal conditions for the growth of these organisms. Mold spores can be seen living alongside lichen and algae in the same environment.
The proliferation of these creatures on the roof has a negative impact, as well, on the ability of the shingles to reflect light. Consequently, the top will take in more heat from the sun, which will drive up the cost of your air conditioning.
How often you should clean your roof depends on the benefits of a clean top. Cleaning your roof has several advantages, one of which is that it extends the lifespan of your roof. Your roof will last longer if you wash it regularly.
The protective characteristics of roofing material are compromised when moss, algae, and lichen grow on it. These organisms flourish in wet environments, particularly those shadowed by trees, and feed off of the limestone and asphalt component of roofing material.
The edges of the shingles will curl or get loose as they begin to disintegrate. Water can collect or seep beneath the damaged shingles, resulting in leaks.
The spores of these microbes are carried from one roof to another by animals and the wind. At first glance, you might not even notice that they are there.
When they finally become apparent on the roof, they do so in the shape of blue-green or dark spots, indicating that they have already established themselves. Mold can be removed, and a complete professional cleaning reduces the likelihood of its return.
Even though algae will not cause damage to your shingles, it can severely impair how well they do their job. This is especially true if your roof reflects or has a cooling effect. The formation of black algae will prevent the top from fully utilizing its mirroring capabilities.
Cleaning a roof can be a bothersome task, which is one of the activity's potential downsides and can cause reasonable roof cleaning costs. You are probably not exactly pleased with the prospect of climbing up on the roof and hosing it down with a garden hose or utilizing a chemical cleanser to get rid of the moss or algae that has grown on it.
The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends avoiding DIY maintenance on your roof, including cleaning it, which is fortunate for you. Cleaning a roof is a job that should be delegated to trained professionals.
Another potential problem with having your roof cleaned is that the cleaning agent that is used (typically bleach) may cause damage to any garden plantings and vegetation growing in the vicinity of your home. Before cleaning your roof, the roofing contractor you choose should water any adjacent plants and cover them to prevent them from any chemicals that might fall from the top.
WHAT'S INVOLVED IN ROOF CLEANING?
When cleaning a roof, the primary objectives are to destroy and remove any moss or algae development that may be present. It is sufficient to kill off moss and algae spores. Use chlorine bleach, which is the same kind of bleach you use to whiten clothes or scrub your toilet.
When cleaning a roof, the ARMA suggests using bleach mixed with water in a ratio of 1 to 1. They also recommend that you avoid using pressure washers on asphalt shingles since the force of water can cause the shingles to become damaged.
After allowing the bleach solution to remain on the roof's surface for a maximum of twenty minutes, it should be removed with clean water after being allowed to sit there for that time. It is anticipated that a couple of bouts of rain will be sufficient to remove any leftover algae from the roof. The individual cleaning your roof could use a leaf blower to eliminate any bits of moss that were missed throughout the cleaning process.
SHOULD YOU CLEAN OR REPLACE YOUR ROOF?
If you look at the roofing and notice that it appears to have seen better days, it may require thorough washing. When there is a buildup of algae and moss on a roof, it can give the impression that the shingles are in a worse condition than they actually are.
This can be a costly mistake. An experienced roofing contractor can inspect your roof and can then discuss the state of your roof with you. If they believe that washing it is the best solution, they can either perform the work themselves or recommend a reliable business that specializes in roof cleaning.
If it turns out that the roof needs to be replaced, your contractor may suggest shingles that include copper or another substance that helps prevent algae growth. A roofing expert may also advise you on how to maintain the cleanliness of your roof and how often you should get it cleaned.
4 Reasons Why It Is a good idea to clean your roof
We will go over four reasons why you must have the roof cleaned in greater depth than most people realize necessary.
Aesthetic Reasons
After all, who would want an unclean and unsightly roof? Suppose you are considering selling the property you live in. In that case, a dirty roof will lower its value, diminish its "curb appeal," and make your home less desirable to potential buyers.
The moss and algae buildup on the tiles of your roof will be the initial thing that anyone notices, and given our penchant for focusing on the bad, this will immediately make your home stand attention for all the wrong reasons.
Protect from damage
Because moss and algae use the tiles on the roof as a food supply, the longer they are allowed to remain, the more harm they will do and the more they will breed.
If you let the moss and algae sit for too long, they will eat through your tiles and cause damage to your roof's interior. Furthermore, the smell of rotting wood attracts animals, some of which may find their way into your loft or attic.
Internal damage
When roof tiles are not maintained, they get broken or cracked and cannot keep the rain and snow out of the house. A home's occupants and their dogs are put at risk by the spread of toxic mold after leaks develop due to tiles that have developed cracks.
Cheaper than a replacement roof
Despite the widespread belief that doing so will break the bank, there are several affordable options for cleaning your roof. Roof cleaning is more cost-effective than a complete or even partial roof replacement. The longer moss and algae are allowed to grow on a top, the more harm will occur. When moss growth is spotted, it is best to get the roof cleaned immediately.