4 Reasons You Should Clean Your Roof Regularly!

We all want our home to look sparkling clean. We do so much to make it so. Repainting the walls, mowing the lawn, and shoveling the walkway are all part of our routines. One thing we often forget is a look at the roof. Maybe because we see it less often or because it means less to us.

Reasons You Should Clean Your Roof Regularly

Cleaning your roof should be part of the home upkeep schedule, as any other part of your home. Below are some of the reasons why roof cleaning is crucial. Check them to avoid untimely repair or replacement of your roof.

Before getting started, make sure to wear proper hand protection, such as a pair of tear-resistant cleaning gloves. The roof, especially the gutters, could hide all sorts of dirt and debris, which may have disease-causing germs or sharp objects that can cause injury.

#1 Prevent Algae and Moss Growth

According to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, the part of your roof that gets less sun is likely to have algae and moss build up.

Since your roof is exposed to water, moisture, and other environmental elements, the unidentifiable dark streak you see is algae. The unsightly green fuzzy sludge up there is moss, most likely.

Algae and moss growing in the roof can cause severe roof damage. Besides that, they give a disgusting look to our home. They are instrumental in reducing your roof’s lifespan.

#2 Avoid Shingle Damage

While algae won’t harm your shingles according to ARMA, it can adversely affect its performance. Asphalt shingle is the most used roofing material in the United States. A lot of homeowners complain about the reduction in the reflective property. What they do know is that algae build-up reduces the reflective property of the roof.

Moss, on the other hand, will damage the shingles. It causes the edge of the shingle to curl, ready to be blown off by the wind. During winter, the damage becomes even more devastating. If it takes too long before you employ roof cleaning, water seeps into the roof and the wall of your house. When that water freezes, the structural integrity of your building will be affected. You will notice that by cracks in your wall and roof.

#3 Avoid Ice Dam Formation

Cleaning your roof can help prevent ice dams. Ice dams are ridges of ice formed on roof edges after a snowfall or a storm. Whenever snow runs off your roof, it will form large walls of ice at the edges. This prevents water from flowing off the roof. If left unattended, it can damage your roof and cause leakages.

#4 Prevent Wood Rot

The cumulative effect of all above can be too much for your roof to bear. As water seeps through your roof, the possibility of Wood rot increases. Water and moisture accumulated by the wood of your roof will cause it to rot and it might be too late when you notice. To avoid roof replacement, you need to be proactive in your roof cleaning approach.

Conclusion

Cleaning your roof occasionally can prevent any of the damages above. Check for ice dams, moss, or algae on your roof and call on a professional if you can’t clean it up yourself. That way, you can avoid expensive repair of the roof and other costly damages.