While you may do a lot to keep your home looking beautiful, including mowing the lawn and power washing the deck, the roof is often neglected. Cleaning your home’s roof is one of the best things you can do to prevent serious problems. Black streaks on your roof are more than just an eyesore; they can shorten the lifespan of your roofing materials. Read on to learn why regular cleaning is necessary.
Prevents Mold Growth
Mold is a major roof problem that should be avoided at all costs. It can cause rotting and even leaks in the attic or living areas. A good way to get rid of mold growing on the roof is to use a cleaning solution made specifically for it. Chlorine bleach mixed with trisodium phosphate will kill the mold and remove stains. This solution should be applied on a cool or cloudy day to ensure it doesn’t wash away before it is effective. Seeing mold anywhere in the house is usually a sign of ventilation or moisture problems. Hiring roof cleaning services can help prevent this and extend the lifespan of the roofing materials. It will also make it easier to spot potential roof repairs needed.
Prevents Moisture Damage
Your roof is your home’s first defense against harsh weather conditions. It must be carefully maintained. One of the main problems with a dirty roof is that it can cause water damage inside the house, affecting the widows. Mold may result from it. Therefore, hiring window cleaning services to identify leaks early and promptly address the problem is also crucial. If not, the issue will only become worse with time. It is because moss, mildew and mold can work their way under shingles and cause them to loosen or even fall off. Water may leak into the building when this happens, causing serious and expensive damage. Regular roof cleaning will prevent this and keep your home safe for you and your family. A clean roof also looks good and enhances your home’s curb appeal. Whether you are trying to sell your home or impress your neighbors is important.
Prevents Algae Growth
A dirty roof is a breeding ground for mold, mildew, moss and other types of algae. Typically these microorganisms have a blackish-green hue and are particularly pronounced on the side of the roof that rarely gets sunlight. Leaving these organisms on your top could lead to water damage in the rest of your home and cause costly problems. The best way to prevent this is by hiring a company that uses an eco-friendly soft-washing process to remove these organisms. Also, ensure the cleaning company you hire covers and waters any plants near the roof to protect them from chemical runoff and other environmental hazards. It will prevent the plants from being damaged by a harsh bleach solution or other environmentally unfriendly products.
Prevents Pest Infestation
When a roof isn’t cleaned, it can become a breeding ground for pests. Organic materials like leaves, twigs and bird poop can collect on the roof’s surface, giving insects hiding places and food and shelter. Additionally, the moisture retention caused by dirt and organic debris can attract mosquitoes to the building, posing health risks. Another way to prevent pest infestation is to empty trash receptacles around the building daily and major trash bins multiple times weekly. In addition, it is a good idea to trim down grass and woodpiles around the home regularly. Additionally, keeping the house’s interior free of clutter and storing food in tightly sealed containers helps keep pests away.
Prevents Stains
Roof stains are not only unsightly, they can lower your home’s curb appeal and reduce its resale value. They also indicate algae growth, fungus, or moss which weaken and erode the roofing material beneath them. The best way to prevent a buildup of spores is to use a mild bleach solution or high-strength chlorine bleach. The bleach mixture kills off mildew and fungus and eliminates most stains. Power washers are not advised, as they can damage and strip the granules from the shingles. Instead, a soft washing system uses low pressure to remove black stains and other dirt buildup without damaging your roof. A chemical stain block can protect your roof from future stains for 2-3 years.
