Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. Depending on the type of roof you have installed, it could last you anywhere from 20 to 100 years.
Replacing a roof can be expensive, which is why it’s so important to keep your roof in good condition. Cleaning your roof regularly is an important part of keeping it in good condition so it can last for many years to come.
But, how often should you clean your roof? Read on to find out!
Related: Shine House Washing
How Often Should You Clean Your Roof?
Unfortunately, the question, “How often should you clean your roof?” doesn’t have a straightforward answer. The frequency of cleaning will depend on the age of your roof, the roof’s material, and the climate where you live, and the location of your home.
For example, if your roof is covered by trees and constantly in the shade, you may need to clean it more regularly. While shade is great for energy costs, it can trap moisture and prevent it from evaporating. This can cause water build-up that can lead to mold.
Generally speaking, though, you need to clean your roof at least once a year. However, you may need to clean your roof more often, depending on the above factors.
Signs You Need to Clean Your Roof
So, how can you tell if your roof is in need of cleaning? Here are some of the top signs you need to clean your roof:
Black Streaks
Black streaks on the roof may be an indication of more than just dirt and grime. If you notice dark, vertical streaks on your roof, it may be an indication that there’s mold, algae, or bacteria present.
Blue-green algae are common on roofs, and it’s actually not a type of algae at all. Blue-green algae are bacteria typically found in bodies of water. If your roof sees a lot of moisture, it’s more likely to suffer from blue-green algae. The algae will feed off the moisture in the shingles, leading to wood damage.
If you notice black streaks, you should clean your roof promptly before the problem worsens.
Dirt Build Up
While dirt on your roof may not cause a significant amount of damage, it’s still unsightly. Cleaning off the dirt is particularly important if you’re looking to sell your home soon and want to boost its curb appeal.
Leaf or Debris Build Up
While leaves may seem as harmless as dirt, this is not the case. Leaves building up on your roof can lead to serious damage. If leaves, twigs, branches, and other debris have a chance to build up on your roof, they can wind up in your gutters and cause your gutters to accumulate rainwater.
By quickly cleaning off the leaves, you can prevent this damage from occurring.
Moss
Moss infestation is another issue that many homeowners face with their roofs. Moss can accumulate quickly on roofs, especially in wet and cold climates.
If you don’t take care of the problem quickly, the moss can become deeply entrenched in your shingles, which can lead to wear and tear on your roof. Like blue-green algae, moss also retains water.
This can lead to the weakening of your shingles, causing them to become dislodged.
Are you wondering where you can hire Shine roof cleaners? Click here to view our locations.
Tips for Cleaning Your Roof
If you’ve determined that it’s time to clean your roof, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Don’t Pressure Wash Without the Help of a Professional
Many homeowners mistakenly think they can save some money by taking the pressure washing into their own hands. However, pressure washing is incredibly complicated, especially if you have solar panels installed on your roof.
To save yourself from danger and prevent irreparable damage to your roof, you should always hire a professional to pressure wash it.
Related: Shine Pressure Washing
Use Detergent to Clean Your Roof
There are many safe, biodegradable products out there that make great substitutes for pressure washers when cleaning your roof. House and siding cleaners are made with professional-grade compounds suited for breaking down algae, moss, bacteria, and other debris.
Detergents are easy to apply and remove, and they won’t cause any damage to your roofing materials.
Hire a Professional Roof Cleaner
If you want to save time and ensure your roof gets cleaned correctly, consider hiring a professional roof cleaning service.
Tips for Choosing a Professional Roof Cleaning Service
If you decide to forgo cleaning your roof on your own and hire a professional service instead, here are some tips to keep in mind to help you choose the right roof cleaning service:
Look for Experience
It’s important to hire a roof cleaning service with years of experience in the industry. How long a company has been in business is a testament to the quality of its work. It also shows that the company is trusted by customers.
Research Their Reputation
A roof cleaning company’s customer service is just as important as their cleaning abilities. We recommend you check out Yelp and Google My Business for customer reviews. You can also ask the service directly for references.
Ask About Pricing
It’s also important to enquire about pricing before you hire a roof cleaning service. Keep in mind – you get what you pay for. Going for the cheapest roof cleaning service will likely lead to less quality work overall.
We recommend requesting quotes from several contractors before you decide who to hire.
Related: FAQs About Shine Window Cleaning
Are You Ready to Clean Your Roof?
Now that you have more information about cleaning your roof, it’s time to look into hiring a professional roof cleaning service.
If you’re looking to hire roof cleaners in the Dallas or Austin, Texas area, click here to get your free quote today!
