A significant portion of your home’s capacity to preserve heat in the winter and coolness in the summer is under the management of your roof. Water penetration contributes to 40% of roof-related issues. This and other problems that result in harm to the rest of the house may be avoided with routine maintenance. Let’s expand on the significance of maintaining a clean roof.
Pro and Cons keep your roof clean
Increasing the lifespan of your shingles or other roofing materials is one reason to clean your roof. ARMA claims that while algae is not damaging to asphalt shingles, moss is. Moss can cause the shingles’ edges to curl upward, increasing the likelihood that they will fly off the roof in windy conditions.
Your shingles won’t be harmed by algae, but it may have a negative impact on how well they operate. That is especially true if your roof is chilly or reflecting. Black algae development will obstruct the roof’s ability to reflect light.
Roof cleaning may be a headache, which is one of its disadvantages. The thought of going up on your roof to hose it off or using a chemical cleaner to get rid of the moss or algae certainly doesn’t exactly excite you. The National Roofing Contractors Association fortunately warns against performing any type of DIY maintenance on your roof, even cleaning it. Leave roof cleaning to the professionals.
Another possible problem with cleaning your roof is that the cleaning solution—typically bleach—could harm any nearby plants in your garden or vegetation. Before cleaning your roof, your roofing contractor should water any adjacent plants and cover them to protect them from chemicals.
Common Roof Problems
Your home’s roof shields the interior from the weather and the damaging impacts of the seasons. Your roof could start to seem worn out over time. Here are some typical problems that roofs encounter:
- Cracking
- Leaking
- Shrinking
- Debris from nearby trees
- Algae, moss, and lichen growth
- Clogged gutters
- Pooling water
- Lifted nails or shingles
- Poor maintenance
Should You Clean or Replace Your Roof?
It may only require a thorough cleaning if you notice that your roof is looking a little worn out. On occasion, moss and algae growth on a roof can make the condition of the shingles appear worse than it actually is. A qualified roofing contractor can examine your roof and consult with you regarding its condition. They can either perform the work themselves or refer you to a reliable roof cleaning business if they believe that cleaning it is the best option.
If it does turn out that you need to replace your roof, your contractor can suggest using shingles made of copper or another substance that inhibits the formation of algae. A professional roofer can also offer advice on how to maintain your roof clean and how often to schedule cleanings.
