A dirty roof attracts pests that can damage the home. It also promotes mold growth, which can affect a family’s health.
Keeping your home free of moss, mildew, and algae protects the life span of your shingles and improves the curb appeal. It also saves you money on your energy bill and increases resale value. Click the Sarasota Roof Cleaning to learn more.
Debris removal is a crucial step to keeping your roof in good condition. A few twigs, branches, or leaves may seem small, but they can lead to major issues if left unattended. Debris can block gutter systems and cause water infiltration, leading to rot and structural weakening. It can also encourage mold growth and deteriorate roofing materials.
A clean roof prevents damage, saves money on costly repairs, and enhances your home’s curb appeal. It also helps protect against water damage, averts pest infestations, and keeps moss and algae at bay.
Regular debris removal is best done during the spring and fall when plants are shedding. It’s also important to do it when it isn’t windy. Debris can blow around, creating a dangerous work environment. Workers can be knocked over, hurt, or killed by flying debris. It’s also difficult to complete this task safely when it’s raining.
During a debris removal service, a qualified technician will assess your roof’s condition and determine the best way to remove the buildup of leaves and other organic or inorganic material. They’ll also inspect the gutter system to ensure it’s clear of obstructions. They’ll use a ladder to access the roof and may need to remove plants and debris from surrounding areas to ensure a safe work area.
When removing debris, it’s essential to use gloves and a soft-bristle broom to avoid damaging the shingles or tiles. Start at the top of the roof and sweep downward, taking care to reach all areas. Once all the debris is removed, it’s a good idea to use a garden hose to wash away any remaining dirt and grime.
If your roof has a lot of moss or algae, it’s important to scrub or rinse it off to prevent damage and deterioration of the shingles. A solution of water and bleach or a specially formulated roof cleaner can be used to scrub these stains. You can also cover the affected areas with a protective shingle treatment to prevent regrowth.
Algae Removal
Algae grows on roofs, and the result is unsightly black streaks that detract from the curb appeal of your home. Although it’s not harmful to shingles, the discoloration can be a deterrent for potential buyers. It can also cause the granules that protect the shingles to deteriorate, which amplifies heat absorption and contributes to energy inefficiency. In some cases, algae growth can damage the underlying structure of a roof and lead to leaks or collapse.
Algal spores can be spread by the wind or by animals, and if one roof gets it bad, it won’t take long for it to migrate to neighboring homes. Fortunately, there are effective ways to remove the stains without damaging the shingles. A bleach solution kills the spores and dissolves the stains. Some cleaners combine chlorine bleach with other ingredients, such as trisodium phosphate or detergents, for a less toxic option. Before applying the solution, cover any plants that you want to keep alive and hose down the ground around the house to dilute the bleach and prevent it from washing into soil.
Alternatively, you can try using oxygen bleach, which contains hydrogen peroxide instead of sodium hypochlorite and is available in liquid or powdered form for a more eco-friendly choice. It eliminates the stains and doesn’t affect the surrounding vegetation, but it does take longer to work than bleach.
Another way to help prevent re-growth is to insert 6-inch strips of zinc or copper under the row of shingling closest to the chimney. As it rains, the metal washes down the roof and kills any spores that would otherwise regain a foothold. This method also works well for preventing the return of moss.
To prevent recurrence of moss and algae, regularly trim overhanging tree branches and hose off the surface of the roof with water. If the problem is severe, consider soft washing, which uses a lower pressure to kill and remove the growth without damaging the shingles. This service is offered by many roofing companies and typically lasts 4-6 times longer than traditional power washer cleanings.
Energy Savings
Your roof is a crucial component of your home, protecting it from the elements and keeping you and your family safe inside. A clean roof can extend its lifespan and keep you from having to pay for a new roof much sooner than you might need to. Regular cleaning of moss, algae, mildew, lichen and other organic growth can also help you to avoid costly repairs by stopping the damage before it has a chance to worsen.
Keeping your roof clean can also save you money on energy costs. Dirty, black shingles absorb more heat from the sun than a clean roof. That can cause your air conditioner to work overtime, which can increase your energy bills. A professional cleaning removes the gunk that interferes with the roof’s ability to reflect sunlight, which allows it to keep your house cooler and more energy efficient.
It can also prolong the life of your shingles. Moss, algae, lichen, and other organic growth can eat through shingles, leading to damage that requires repair or replacement. Cleaning removes these organisms, as well as any dirt and debris that may have accumulated on the surface of your roofing materials, preventing further damage.
Getting rid of these contaminants can also prevent moisture damage to other components of your house. For example, if your gutters and drains are blocked with leaves or other debris, they can become clogged, which can lead to moisture buildup in your attic. This can result in sagging and even leaks.
When you have a clean roof, water can run freely through the gutters and down your drains, without being obstructed by any debris that might otherwise clog them. This prevents the buildup of moisture that can damage your roof, shingles, and other building materials.
Roof cleaning is a worthwhile investment that can enhance your home’s curb appeal and extend its life. It can also reduce your energy bills and protect you and your loved ones from health-related issues like allergies. In addition, it can contribute to a healthier living environment by eliminating the mold, mildew, and other allergens that can contaminate indoor air.
Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is the first impression that a person has of your home or business. The right landscaping, lawn furniture and decorations create a look that makes your house stand out from the rest of the neighborhood. Adding curb appeal to your property can increase its appraised value and help it sell more quickly. There are many ways to improve your curb appeal, and some of them can be done on a budget.
A dirty roof can have a negative impact on the overall appearance of your home. Streaks and stains caused by algae, falling debris and even water can detract from the beauty of your home. Roof cleaning removes these stains and makes your roof look new again. This can also help prevent damage to your gutters and reduce energy bills.
If you plan on selling your home in the future, a clean roof will have a positive impact on its value. Potential buyers will see that your home has been well-maintained and cared for, and may be willing to pay a higher price for it.
Keeping up your roof will help preserve its warranty, and it will also prevent the development of plant growth, which can destroy your shingles. It is common for insurance companies to refuse to cover the cost of a roof replacement if there has been significant plant growth on the surface of the shingles. Roof cleaning can remove these spores and prevent them from spreading.
When a buyer walks up to your home, the first thing they will notice is the condition of your yard and your roof. If these areas are dirty or damaged, it will give the impression that the inside of your home is also unclean and neglected. Investing in roof cleaning and other aspects of curb appeal will make your home or business more attractive to potential buyers, and will likely lead to a quicker sale. For budget-friendly curb appeal ideas, try painting your front door, updating your mailbox or adding a flower bed.
