Cleaning Your Roof- Best Tips

J&B Construction

June Blog Post

6-10-20

 

Roof Cleaning Tips

When regular roof cleaning and maintenance are neglected, algae, moss, and lichens may form on the roof. This spells disaster for the roof as these living organisms will actually consume your shingles. More specifically, they’re interested in the limestone filler, which most shingles are comprised of. If not taken care of promptly, these living organisms can eat through the shingles and the roof deck, allowing moisture to seep in, and ultimately result in mold and wood rot.

Moreover, algae, moss, and lichens hinder a roof’s ability to properly reflect sunlight. Therefore, your roof will retain more heat than it should, trapping a copious amount inside your attic space. Consequently, the air conditioning system will have to work harder to compensate for the temperature increase, which will raise your energy bills.

      What’s more, these organisms are invisible to the naked eye in their early stages. So, just because you can’t see them, doesn’t mean that they’re not residing on your roof, growing and waiting to cause damage down the road.

Additionally, maintaining a clean roof will help extend its lifespan as well as increase your home’s curb appeal.

What does cleaning a roof entail?

There are two primary methods for cleaning a roof, including pressure washing and chemical cleaning. Pressure washing is best used on concrete or metal roofs as the highly pressurized water can actually loosen shingles and cause other damage.

Alternatively, chemical cleaning is often advised for shingle roofs. The chemical is often a biodegradable solution that is gently sprayed onto the roof. Thanks to its chemical makeup, it will effectively cling to the roof, minimizing runoff.

In addition, it is possible to install zinc strips on the roof to assist in keeping it clean. The zinc strips are typically installed below the roof ridge vent, roof cap, or first row of shingles and under the chimney, dormers, skylights, and other barriers that impede the regular movement of water off the roof. When it rains, zinc-ions are discharged to remove the algae, moss, and lichens from the roof deck.

J&B Construction fabricates in its shop its own strips made of copper that provides the same benefits of a zinc strip, but the copper strips turn a dark bronze, which is more aesthetically appealing on the roof line. Plus, the copper strips can be installed on specific areas of the roof that may be more inclined to have issues with stains and fungus.

Who should clean a roof?

Although homeowners, if capable and equipped for the task, can clean their own roofs, it’s strongly recommended to hire a professional as algae and moisture can create a slick and dangerous surface that is exceptionally difficult to navigate safely.

How often your roof should be cleaned?

Knowing when to clean the roof will depend on the type of materials your roof is comprised of as well as its age and condition. A general rule of thumb is to clean the roof approximately once every three to five years. When it comes to roof cleaning, it’s most beneficial to be proactive.

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