FALL ROOF CLEANING – FAMILY ROOFING

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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.

 

FALL ROOF CLEANING

 

Fall’s rain and cooler temperatures make it the best time of year to clean your roof and home exterior.  Ready your home for winter’s chill with a thorough fall roof cleaning.

Why is fall the best time to clean my roof?

When leaves start to fall and land on your roof, they become wet from the rain, trapping in moisture.  This also makes it easy for moss, lichen and other fungi to take hold and grow.  If you notice a regular accumulation of leaves and twigs on your roof from an adjacent tree, a fall roof cleaning may be in order.  Cool breezy conditions and gentle rains make autumn the ideal time to clean your roof and home exterior.

I have ugly, black streaks running down my roof. What is it?

Unsightly black streaks are caused by an alga named, “gloeocapsa magma”.  This algae growth is usually seen on the northside of a roof, or in areas that are in constant shade.  Algae that is not removed can eventually damage shingles, and in turn, shortens the life expectancy of your roof.

How will cleaning my roof help maintain it?

A roof that has moss, mildew, algae, or lichen runs the risk of growths attaching to the surface and actually growing into your shingles.  Over time, these growths can break down roofing material which creates open, porous spaces for water to accumulate.  This standing water eventually works its way inside your home to stain ceilings, mark walls, and encouraging mold and mildew indoors.

You can also consider hiring some professionals to help you clean your roof.  However, you have to make sure that they are not going to use any products that contain any toxic chemicals that can destroy things around you.  Another thing is that you should be using a low-pressure roof cleaning rather than high-pressure cleaning.  This is because if you use the low-pressure cleaning, then you will be able to protect the shingles of your roof from scrubbing and brushing.  If you make use of a high-pressure cleaning method, then there is a high possibility that you might damage your roof shingles.  This can also be a cause as to why algae will return quickly because of the root system that is left behind.

For home and building owners concerned about the quality of their roof, the fall period we’re just entering is a vital one.  As the transition between the summer and winter, fall is an ideal time to inspect the roof and make any minor repairs where needs have cropped up over the prior hot months, plus to prepare it for expected snowfall and cold weather coming a few months down the line.

Check for Debris

Fall is a season where leaves and other debris are more common than other parts of the year, so it’s crucial to make sure your roof stays clear of any blockages.  Leaves in particular might be small, but they’re certainly dense and heavy enough to cause damage and even clog up gutters should you let them build up over time.  Perform a basic visual inspection of your roof for any leaves, branches, or other debris.  If you do see something more than just a few stray leaves up there, reach for your extension ladder and get to work removing the obstructions.

Clean Your Gutters

The gutter system is absolutely part of your roof, so it’s important to make sure it gets the same treatment and checkup.  Just like your roof, we recommend doing a visual inspection as well as giving the gutters a little clean with your preferred leaf blower or other gutter cleaner.  If your roof is high up or you’re concerned about safety for any reason here, our roof experts will be happy to help.

Add a Gutter Guard

For roofs that have significant leaf or other debris buildup each fall, it might be time to invest in a gutter guard.  Not only do guards keep more debris out of your gutters (and subsequently from falling down onto your roof), they also protect gutter and roofing systems from any damage caused by blockages or excess buildup.  In addition, gutter guards actually tend to add significantly to property curb appeal, as prospective buyers are typically impressed that you’ve taken such interest in protecting the roof and its surrounding structures.