Homeowners who live in South Jersey are well aware of the effects weathering has on their roofs. Debris and dirt get stuck into the grooves while rain, snow, and other weather conditions make their roofs look old and dirty in no time. Roof cleaning is an important part of roof upkeep. At Champion Exteriors, we recommend home and business owners to hire a professional to clean your roof. This allows for the early detection of any problems that may arise. If your roof is in good shape or was recently installed, a roof cleaning may only be required every two years or so.
When you need to clean your roof, you have a lot of choices. Not only is it important to choose the right cleaning method, but it’s also imperative that you find a qualified contractor to perform the work. The following are answers to some of the most common questions homeowners have regarding roof cleaning.
What Is Roof Cleaning?
It is a process that helps eliminate algae and other forms of growth, which may reduce the life expectancy of your roof. In addition, it can help curb the effects of soot, dirt, or biomass that may be absorbed by the roof and heat your building.
Is Roof Cleaning Necessary?
While it’s true that a roof cleaning isn’t necessary, it can be very useful for getting your house looking its best. If you don’t like the look of moss on your shingles, gutters, or patio, and if you’re tired of cleaning moss from these places yourself, then a professional roof cleaning is definitely worth considering. However, it’s important to work with an experienced company to get good results.
Does Cleaning Your Roof Damage It?
If a simple power washer is used to clean your roof, the water pressure can permanently warp or crack roof tiles and shingles. A simple power washer also doesn’t offer the versatility necessary to clean every surface of your roof effectively. This is why it’s important to hire a professional who knows how to clean your roof.
Can You Clean Your Roof Yourself?
While it might sound like a good idea to save money by cleaning your roof, there are compelling reasons to leave roof cleaning to the professionals. From personal injury to property damage, there are plenty of reasons for hiring a pro (and leaving the ladder in the garage).
What Is Soft Roof Cleaning?
Soft washing is a low-pressure, environmentally friendly and safe cleaning technique that uses specialized solutions to remove mildew, algae, and other organic stains from homes and commercial properties. Soft washing is a green and safe alternative to power washing.
Why Should You Never Pressure Wash Your Roof?
Pressure washing can strip away the shingles on your roof, causing them to become thin and brittle! Not only does this void your roofing warranty, but it also puts you at risk for major roof repair expenses down the line. Also, pressure washing can push loose shingles off the roof or even blow them off.
Roof Cleaning For Moss
Moss and algae growth can threaten urban dwellings. Roof cleaning with bleach is one of the most popular ways to maintain a roof against these harmful developments. DIY cleaning of roofs with a bleach solution effectively kills off moss and algae spores.
Moreover, the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association recommends spraying a 50:50 mix of laundry strength liquid chlorine bleach and water on your roof to kill the algae or moss growing on it. Leave it for 15-20 minutes, then rinse the roof with low/soft pressure water.
If your roof has algae and moss on it, you might think the shingles are in worse condition than they really are. Our professional roofers can inspect your roof condition and recommend if it needs to be cleaned. If you’re also interested in staying on top of your roof maintenance, you can sign up for our Preventative Maintenance Program. It consists of regular maintenance visits scheduled at least twice a year. Contact Champion Exteriors today (609) 845-3576.