A roof cleaning is a gentle process that uses low to moderate water pressure with detergents and bleach. It’s safe for most roofing materials and will remove moss, mildew, algae, and lichen growth.
The best roof cleaners for shingles include both budget-friendly options and heavy-duty formulas. They’re available at most hardware stores and often come in various concentrations. Visit Pressure Washing Summerville for more information.
Moss, mildew, and algae can grow on your roof and deteriorate its surface over time. These growths can also dislodge shingles and cause interior water leaks if left unchecked. While they do not pose any immediate health or structural risks, these unsightly growths lower your home’s curb appeal and reduce its resale value. Fortunately, you can combat these growths with regular roof cleaning.
First, wear rubber gloves and a mask when using any bleach-based solution. Then, spray your roof with a 50% mixture of water and chlorine. This is the best way to kill the algae and remove its stains. Avoid using pressure washers, which can damage your shingles. Finally, rinse your roof with clean water when finished. Wet down any foundation plantings to protect them from bleach, and wash away any bleach that gets into your gutters.
If you notice dark streaks on your roof, it’s likely caused by an overgrowth of algae. Unlike moss, which grows upright on surfaces, algae stay low and flush to the shingles. A thorough roof cleaning with a chlorine-based bleach solution will eliminate the spores and make your shingles look new again.
To prevent algae stains in the future, consider installing 6-inch-wide strips of zinc or copper under a row of shingles close to the roof peak. When it rains, the metal molecules run down the roof and kill any algae attempting to colonize your shingles. You can also use a shingle coating that contains copper granules.
Moss is a more serious problem for your roof, but it’s also harder to eliminate than algae. Getting rid of moss is a labor-intensive process that involves peeling it off, removing any dirt or debris that may be clinging to it, and replacing any rotten shingles. A more cost-effective option is to use bleach and sodium percarbonate to scrub the roof’s surface and then rinse it with clean water.
The easiest way to maintain your roof is to keep it free of debris, such as leaves and twigs. Regularly trimming back tree branches will also help to discourage moss and algae from growing on your roof.
Moisture is one of the most damaging factors for roof shingles, as well as the wood framing of any home structure. It can eat away at these materials, weakening them and making them susceptible to mold growth. This can lead to expensive repairs and even the need for a full replacement of the roof and home structure.
A roof damaged by water can also allow pests to enter the home. Bird droppings, for example, contain acid that can damage shingles and even cause them to break apart. In addition, the shingles can become soft and rot due to algae, moss, or lichens. These fungus-like organisms are difficult to remove from the shingles and will reappear as soon as moisture returns.
When the shingles are weakened, they can be torn off by wind and become airborne. This debris can then fall and damage the wood framing of a building, as well as other components like siding and windows. Additionally, the shingle debris can clog gutters and prevent them from performing properly.
Clogged gutters can cause the water to back onto a roof and even leak into the home. It can also lead to mold formation, rotting wood, and other problems. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the roof can prevent this from happening and help protect the structure of the building as well as its interior.
A professional cleaning service can use a low-pressure washer to clean the roof without causing damage. This method is also safer for the environment, as it reduces the amount of runoff that can be contaminated with chemicals or other pollutants.
A professional can also remove any debris that is clogging the gutters. They can also trim any overhanging trees that could fall onto the roof during a storm or a heavy snowfall. By keeping the gutters free of debris and ensuring they are working properly, a roof can protect the entire house. It can also prevent the formation of fungus, algae, and other organisms that clog the gutters and affect roof performance.
Roof cleaning preserves a roof warranty and helps homeowners avoid paying for expensive roof repairs. This is because moss and lichen retention causes moisture, which can damage a roof. If left unchecked, this can void some roof warranties and even homeowner’s insurance coverage. Regularly scheduled roof cleanings help prevent these issues, thus protecting a home’s value and curb appeal.
Additionally, power washing is not recommended for a roof as it can remove a significant amount of the ceramic-coated granules from a shingle and cause serious damage to the siding of a house. Our soft wash roof cleaning process cleans the roof without high pressure, preserves the roofing materials, and helps maintain a roof warranty.
A clean-looking roof can detract from a home’s resale value and may not meet the standards of a neighborhood’s homeowner’s Association (HOA). Keeping a roof regularly cleaned prevents the need to spend money on a new roof sooner than necessary and can help satisfy HOA requirements.
Whether you’re looking to sell your home or want to improve your curb appeal, it’s important to clean the exterior of your property regularly. Regular siding, sidewalk, and window cleanings will show guests and passersby that you care about your space and are a responsible homeowner. However, one area that is often overlooked when it comes to improving curb appeal is the roof. A dirty, stained, or streaked roof can leave a bad impression on visitors and detract from the overall appearance of your home or commercial building.
The good news is that you can easily elevate your curb appeal by having your roof cleaned. A professional cleaning will remove dirt, moss, algae, and other debris that can cause your roof to look dull and unattractive. The result will be a beautiful, shiny roof that will elevate your home’s curb appeal and give it an instant facelift.
Additionally, a regularly cleaned roof will help to preserve the resale value of your home or business. Many prospective buyers will be turned off by a dirty or damaged roof, which can lead to expensive repairs and replacements down the road. By keeping your roof in pristine condition, you can avoid these costly expenses and still get the most out of your investment.
In addition to increasing your curb appeal, a clean roof can also improve your energy efficiency. Dirty roofs can trap heat and increase your cooling costs, while a clean roof reflects the sun’s rays instead of absorbing them. If you’re interested in improving your curb appeal and preserving the value of your home or business, contact Kingwood Pressure Washing today to learn more about our roof cleaning services.
We use a safe and effective low-pressure washing method that eliminates stains, streaks, moss, algae, and other debris without damaging the shingles. We offer residential and commercial roof cleaning, and we can even clean your gutters while we’re on site. Our process is fast, affordable, and guaranteed to leave your roof clean and beautiful.
Many roof warranties require proper maintenance, including regular cleaning. Refrain from cleaning your roof to avoid these warranties, which can lead to costly repairs and replacements. A thorough, non-pressure cleaning by a qualified professional can protect the warranty on your roofing materials and help you avoid expensive repair bills.
Mildew, mold, and mildew that accumulate on a roof can release spores into the air, posing health risks for your family. Cleaning your roof regularly can keep these spores from entering the home, which can improve indoor air quality and reduce respiratory issues.