Roof Cleaning: Should You Do It?

Thinking about cleaning the roof? There are pros and cons to the process. Here are a few The Roof Moss Cleaners, Guildford. things to know before you start:

Pros to Cleaning the Roof

Clearly, cleaning a dirty roof is going to make it clean again, and that’s not a bad thing. However, there are several more specific advantages to cleaning the roof that go beyond cosmetics:

No more algae: If aroof is stained with dark patches of algae, a proper roof cleaning will remove the algae and make theroof’s color look uniform once again. To permanently remove algae, consider using copper bands or new resistant shingles.

No more moss: Moss is very dangerous for a roof. However, it’s difficult to fully eradicate without a thorough cleaning. Removing moss involves peeling away the moss itself, getting rid of dirt or moisture left behind by the moss that was there and replacing damaged shingles.

No more mess after a storm or winter season: Not only is collection of needles, leaves, branches and debris an ugly sight— it is bad for your roof. A simple cleaning can lower the risk of damage or moisture accumulation.
More knowledge: Cleaning the roof via a professional is a great way to learn about the roof’s state. This knowledge will help ward off future issues.

Problems When Cleaning the Roof

While it may seem like a roof is one of the more durable parts of a home, rooftops can be surprisingly delicate in some ways. This makes a roof cleaning risky, especially if the roof cleaner is an amateur completing a DIY project. Here are several potential problems that could arise:

Lost shingle granules: If you treat theroof too roughly, shingle granules – or the small particles coating asphalt shingles that protect them from the sunlight and other elements – could be dislodged. Unfortunately, scrubbing the roof with a brush or other cleaning tools will break apart granules. Never casually clean a roof with tools around the house.

Pressure washing is dangerous: Roof materials aren’t designed to be pressure washed with an average pressure washer. Roof cleaning takes tools designed for the job. Don’t try to pressure wash a roof like you would a fence or a sidewalk as doing so could cause damage to surface tiles or shingles— while also creating moisture damage.

Roof warranties are tricky: Washing the roof, especially with something like a pressure washer, can often void roof warranties and make future damage much more expensive. However, warranties may also require occasional professional cleanings. Finally, homeowners insurance is also a risk, as insurers may use a DIY cleaning as an excuse to not fulfill a claim.