Benefits of Roof Cleaning – Family Roofing

CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – 202-276-5004  FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM

 

At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

 

Benefits of Roof Cleaning

In addition to diminishing the beauty of your home, algae can shorten your roof’s life span by causing shingles to lose their protective granules.  When using a non-pressure, soft wash chemical application, the roof will be cleaned without damage.  Unfortunately, some power washing systems can cause damage.  These high pressure methods are never recommended.

In addition to affecting the appearance of your roof, roof stains can cause your utility bills to increase.  Studies have shown that the darkening effect caused by roof stains trap excessive heat under the roof.  In some cases, this can be by as much as 25 degrees.  This heat shortens shingle life and increases air conditioning cost.

Benefit #1: Keep It Looking and Functioning Its Best

At least twice a year, it is a good idea to give the roof a serious look.  If you notice dark spots, streaking, or staining, substances like algae, lichen, or moss might be the cause.  While rain typically drains away from the roof, trees surrounding the house may cause certain areas to retain dampness, creating a perfect environment for these elements to grow. Mold spores co-exist along with the lichen and algae.

If increasing curb appeal is one of your top priorities, then removing dark stains should be enough of a reason to clean your roof.  Black streaks are usually caused by algae growing on your roof surface.  Algae can grow even in dry conditions, so constant exposure to sunlight does not prevent black algae from ruining the appearance of your home.

Benefit #2: Extend the Lifespan

Another one of the benefits of roof cleaning is that your roof will last longer.  Regular cleaning extends the life of your roof. Algae, moss, and lichen destroy the protective qualities of roofing material.  In damp areas, especially those shaded by trees, these organisms thrive on the limestone and asphalt content of roofing material.  As the shingles deteriorate, the edges curl or become loose.  Water can pool or seep under the damaged shingles resulting in leaks overtime.  Animals or wind transmit the spores of these organisms from roof to roof. At first, they are virtually unnoticeable.  When they finally become visible on the roof, in the form of blue-green or dark patches, they are already well-established.  A thorough professional cleaning can remove the mold and help deter its re-growth.

Moss loves to grow on roofs.  Unfortunately, surface cleaning won’t cut it.   Moss easily grows underneath shingles and creates pits in the roof’s surface.   If left untreated, moss can do extensive damage across the entire roof, leading to internal water damage.   Algae can also feed off limestone in asphalt shingles, resulting in weak roofing and further damage. Internal molding and water damage are inconvenient, costly to repair, and even unhealthy.

Benefit #3: A Good Investment

When you consider that the average cost of replacing a roof is $10,000, regular cleaning is a smart investment.  Depending on the age, condition, and weather situation, you should plan on cleaning your roof every 2-5 years.  Still a small cost compared to a replacement!

Benefit #4: Keep the warranty on your shingles.

The roof is one of the most expensive parts of the home to repair or to replace.  Having a warranty on your shingles helps a lot when it comes to expenses.  However, most warranties are only honored if you maintain your roofing.  If you don’t put any effort in roof maintenance, then you might have a problem negotiating with your manufacturer.

Benefit #5: Keep your gutters clean and clog-free.

Leaves, debris, and other types of dirt clogging your gutters is a recipe for disaster.  When the performance of gutters is compromised, you can expect water stains on your side walls. It can even damage your home’s foundation.  A clean up can prevent those catastrophes from happening.