Roofs are something we don’t think about often, but if we don’t pay much attention to them, roofs wear out way sooner than they should.
Roof cleaning is a smart way to maintain your roof. It goes hand in hand with a roof inspection. You get the much-needed peace of mind, saving a lot of money in the long run— suitable for your overall budget.
Now, you may have questions like ‘Can I clean it myself; what’s different when roofers do it; why do I need to clean it when there’s no problem.’
You can read everything about roof inspections in our previous blog, and in this blog, we’ll solve all your doubts about roof cleaning. You’ll get to know about:
1. The Best Time To Clean Your Roof.
2. Two Methods Roofing Professionals Use While Cleaning.
3. How Roof Cleaning Is Helpful For Your Property And Budget.
Since you are on with the research, we will start by telling you the best time to clean the roof— the right time can be a few days from now or as early as tomorrow.
When Should You Clean Your Roof?
There is a very straightforward answer to this question. You should get it cleaned at least twice or thrice a year:
After A Storm
Right after stormy weather conditions, debris and other elements can damage your roof; block the gutters and downspouts. Professional roof cleaning will remove all of it, leaving no room for more significant issues later.
Before Winters
Clean the roof just before winter sets in; that’d be the month of October in Georgia. Cleaning the roof will help identify and eliminate rotten wood, rust, mold, and leaks.
You need to get the roof cleaned properly. You wouldn’t know what’s happening up there unless you notice some issues downstairs or until a professional points it out.
The Right Way To Roof Cleaning
A lot of people think— this is something they can do by themselves; ask their regular staff to do, or wait for a problem to arise. However, none of these alternatives will do good to your roof or budget.
It requires special tools, methods, products and safety equipment and, above all— legal permission to do it.
Here is an insight into how professional roof cleaning is done.
Pressure Washing– Suggested For Metal Roofs And Flat Roofs.
Using high-pressure water, we spray a mixture of soap and detergent onto the entire surface of your roof; scrub it off using soft brushes to remove any dirt that may have been left behind. After that, we rinse all excess soap with fresh water before drying out the area using giant fans or air movers.
You can also opt for a chemical wash if you want to get rid of stubborn stains and grime on the outer surface that’s not removed via pressure washing.
Chemical Cleaning– Suitable For Shingle Roofs.
We fill a container with warm water and add a chemical agent like bleach to it. Bleach is good for removing stubborn dark stains. After that, we spray the solution directly onto the shingles, siding, and gutters.
This is a type of soft cleaning method which we recommend for shingle roofs. You can’t apply too much water pressure to shingles as it can damage them through granular loss and gaps. If you aren’t careful, this can also void the manufacturer’s warranty.
Why Should You Clean Your Roof Regularly?
Professional roof cleaning is a part of roof maintenance, and there are great reasons to keep your roof clean. We believe that you would want to know each and every reason if you want to get the best out of your roof with little to no expenses.
Remove Mold and Algae
Mold and algae growth are common on the exterior of buildings and the surface of your roofing materials. They basically are a result of moisture damage which is mainly caused due to improper maintenance in a humid climate.
Apart from being an eye-sore, mold and algae can be the end of your roof. Algae is a plant that thrives in sunlight and lives by eating limestone from your shingles, lichen from the siding, and other organic matter that’d be on a flat roof.
Mold is a hard-to-manage organism that multiplies rapidly. The more it grows, the harder it is to uproot from your roof— the biggest reason for wood rot and health issues. According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, mold is a health hazard. It travels through vents and air cooling systems, throwing you at the risk of allergies and asthma.
If you don’t clean them off thoroughly, mold and algae will start damaging the wooden foundation of your roofing system within a short period. Soon, you’ll face roof leaks, leading to untimely repairs and replacements.
We use professional roof cleaning tools and products designed to remove mold and algae from the tiniest corners of your roof. We also get rid of all the stubborn organic matter and stagnant water that could be the food or shelter for mold and algae.
Know Your Roof’s Condition
Regular roof cleaning will keep you informed about the health of your roof, giving you peace of mind. You will have a better idea of whether there are any problems with your roof that you need to address well-within time— no shocks, no expensive repairs.
For example, if you live in an area where it rains often, the rainwater washes dirt and debris off the roof, withering away shingles, affecting the paint of the siding, and causing moisture issues in every roofing material that’s made of wood— soffit, fascia, rafters and siding.
Water can even lurk behind waterproof vinyl through tiny gaps in the boards, making way for mold and mildew. During heavy rainfall, it can also penetrate the sealed areas of your roof as well. For example, flashing around vents, HVAC ducts, skylights and chimneys.
Professional roof cleaning will let you see if there’s any damage to the membrane, shingles, vents, flashing and chimneys. You’ll also know if there is an issue with gutters and downspouts— leaks, blocks, or sagging.
Improve The Look And Worth Of Your Property
When you keep your home or building clean, it automatically makes your family and employees feel good about the place— enhancing their mood, holding you in good light, and trusting the quality of life and work that you can offer them.
People prefer being around a clean, crisp property rather than an old, dull, dirty look. They feel welcomed, which has a positive impact on their minds. Such a curb appeal instantly catches the eye and becomes ten times more pleasant for passers-by, renters, and potential buyers. There are also tax and insurance benefits that come with a properly maintained roof.
Roof Cleaning Is A Smart Investment
Professional roof cleaning is available for all kinds of roofs and is priced reasonably. The reason why many people hesitate to get their roofs cleaned is that they are afraid of the costs that may be involved. However, this should not be an issue because professional cleaning is actually pretty affordable and worth every penny spent on them— especially since it prevents heavy damages that could cost you a fortune. To help our clients, we always provide them with free estimates before they decide to go with us.
A Clean Roof Is More Energy Efficient
Even if you clean mold, mildew, algae, and moss on your own, they will leave dark spots on your roof. Dark spots attract more heat, and your roof acts like a sponge, absorbing it inside. That’s why we use chemicals that can deal with every unwanted stain and material.
With constant heat absorption, the interiors remain warm, and your HVAC units get worked up. They wear out faster than usual and pull up energy bills. Also, if you don’t clean it, these stains won’t be just stains. You’ll soon see that green and black life clinging to your roof— more stubborn and dangerous than before.
In a research by Berkeley Lab, they’ve proven that clean and light-colored roofs reflect 80% of sunlight and stay about 31°C (55°F) cooler than dark roofs.
We Can Help You With Roof Cleaning
If you want professional roof cleaning services or a quick consultation, we would be happy to take you through the whole process.
At RST Roofing and Renovations, we take pride in being the most reliable roofers around Decatur, GA, and surrounding areas. Our experts have taken care of residential and commercial roofs for years with complete transparency and top-tier materials.
We are a locally-owned business and proud to be a part of this community. At RST Roofing and Renovations, we are dedicated to providing exceptional service and quality workmanship at an affordable price.
If you need a no-obligation estimate, contact us at (404) 548-8901. We have built our reputation on honesty, integrity, and hard work—and we would love to earn your trust as well!
