Summer is a great time to work on outdoor home maintenance projects. Overlooking roof maintenance can eventually lead to major damage to your home. Cleaning your dirty roof is one of the most effortless roof maintenance projects you can do. When done at regular intervals, it keeps your roof looking new and the cost of repairs low. A clean roof is also great for curb appeal. Despite the simplicity of cleaning roofs, many homeowners neglect this project for years at a time causing algae and dirt to accumulate. Not only is keeping your roof clean important for maintenance, but it is a great opportunity to spot any potential problems that can be quickly fixed before they cause major damage to your home. The following information provides help to ensure you are properly removing any ugly streaks or harmful elements from your roof.
Remember Roof Safety
While cleaning a roof is generally fairly easy, it is important to do properly so as not to damage or dislodge any of the shingles. The most important thing to remember is safety. Be sure ladders are properly used and supported by someone holding the ladder while you are using it. Also, if you need to get on the roof, use slip-proof shoes with a good grip to prevent slipping.
Clear Debris
First, clear off any debris. Debris usually accumulates from small animals, trees, and our family and neighbors. Any large pieces of debris would be best picked up and tossed into the yard. To clear the roof safely, use either a leaf blower or an air compressor. Just be careful not to apply air directly to the shingles. Too much pressure on the shingles can cause the roof granules to dislodge, reducing the effectiveness of the shingles. If you do not have access to a blower, you can also use a soft broom or brush. Use very little pressure and stroke down the shingles so as not to damage them. As you clean your roof, step lightly and try not to twist your feet as such movements can loosen granules and shingles.
Inspect your Roof Shingles
Once your roof is clear of debris, it is time to do an inspection. Look at your shingles and see if there is any moss, mold, or discoloration on them or if any of the shingles are loose or seem to be missing granules. These granules are essential to keeping your house protected in any kind of weather; shingles should be replaced if they are missing granules or are loose.
Clean Off Mold, Moss, and Algae
When you do your inspection, you may find moss, mildew, black mold or other stains and blemishes on areas of your roofing. This is usually from algae which can cause damage to your shingles over some time if it is allowed to remain. It is very important that you remove this properly and washing must be done with the correct chemicals. DO NOT USE A PRESSURE OR POWER WASHER! This process will damage your roof, push water into the house and under the shingles, and void any warranty your shingles may have had.
We suggest that you hire professionals to properly wash the algae off your roof. If you choose to clean your shingles yourself, it will not be less expensive than if you call a professional if you do it wrong. There are many effective chemical options available and even more home remedies including a bleach solution. Be sure to apply it with a sprayer, not a brush. Whatever option you choose, check your warranty to be sure your cleaner will not void your warranty.
Start by trying your chosen cleaning method on the surface of a spare shingle to make sure the solution is safe. Once you have cleaned the area, check to be sure no stain was done to the shingle. No one wants to spray a chemical mixture on their whole roof to discover that they have destroyed all of their shingles. You can find commercial algaecide or other mix options designed for cleaning the algae off your roof at any hardware store. Be sure to apply it as directed in their guide. If your roof is prone to algae, you may consider applying a chemical algaecide at least twice a year. Another option to prevent algae is to install copper or other metal strips along the edges of your roof. The ion from these metals provides continual protection killing algae on contact.
Conclusion
If you have questions or concerns today about the current condition of your shingles, contact Specialty Home Products and we will gladly have a professional representative from our company come by and inspect your roof. We provide many roofing services to our customers including the removal of moss, algae and other harmful elements on your asphalt roof.