When Should I Get My Roof Cleaned?
If you're familiar at all with roof cleaning, you likely already know why it's so important- without it, your roof is vulnerable to a whole host of invasive organisms like algae, lichen, moss, and mold, all of which are very destructive to roofing materials. The question is not *if* you need roof cleaning, it's when and how often.
Generally, the rule of thumb is to have most of your home's exteriors washed every 6-12 months, and the same is true of your roof. If you're 6 months out from your last roof cleaning and you don't see any stains or other red flags, you're probably good. However, if it's been over a year since your last roof cleaning, it may be a good idea to schedule your next roof cleaning soon, just to be safe.
Of course, there are also early tells and signs of trouble that you can keep an eye out for. If you notice any of the following appearing on your roof, it may be a sign that you need to book your next roof cleaning sooner rather than later.
Large, Dark Streaky Areas On Shingles
Large black, runny stains can be found on many roofs, and many people think they're dirt deposits kicked up there by the wind. In actuality, those big stains are made up of huge colonies of black algae.
Why algae may often appear greenish or brown on other areas, it dries up quickly on your roof and takes on a deep black color. This algae eats through the UV-reflecting components of asphalt shingles, drying them out and ruining them. If those big dark stains are appearing on your roof, it's time to clean it up before they can do serious damage.
Trapped Debris Like Leaves, Twigs, Etc.
While most debris slides down to your gutters, some of it can get trapped on the eaves or other angles of your roof. The more debris piles up, the more excess weight it puts on your roof. It also gets moist and decays, exposing your roof to potential moisture damage and giving mold a safe haven in which to grow.
Lichen Or Moss
Most people won't see lichen or moss on their roofs unless they've already got a bad algae problem, as algae is needed to form lichen. However, if you see any lichen or moss growing anywhere on your roof, it is important to get it taken care of right away. These growths are notoriously difficult to remove if left to grow too long. They can break apart shingles, holds tons of excess moisture, and provide cover for mold growth. Act quickly if you see any of these growing on your roof at all.
Going about roof cleaning the right way is important. Standard pressure washing isn't safe to use on most roofs, as the high pressure can break shingles or roofing tiles and force water where it doesn't belong. A professional pressure washing expert will forgo the standard pressure washing method and opt for a low-pressure soft washing with an antimicrobial detergent instead, which will gently loosen debris, rinse away stains, and kill harmful microorganisms without putting the integrity of the roof at risk.
Hier Quality Roof Cleaning and Pressure Washing provides an outstanding roof cleaning service to homeowners throughout the greater Melbourne area. If you're concerned about the state of your roof and wish to schedule a roof cleaning, contact us at 321-358-6222. We would be glad to be of service to you.
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