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WHEN TO CLEAN YOUR ROOF
Streaky marks of algae, moss, dirt, and dusty debris can appear on your roof, especially in the crevices that don’t get a ton of natural light. Many homeowners think replacing the roof is the only option, but a good cleaning can be the easier and more affordable solution.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re looking for roof cleaning tips because your shingles are no longer looking new and attractive. If your roof appears dark and discolored in some areas, you may think that mold has developed on the surfaces of the shingles. However, the black streaks you’re seeing are really colonies of blue-green algae. If you’re noticing thick, green patches on your roof instead, then you’ve got a moss problem, The north, west, and shady areas of your roof are most susceptible to these moisture-loving nuisances.
Moss and algae spores are carried by the wind or animals from rooftop to rooftop, which is why entire neighborhoods are often affected. Moss can seriously impact asphalt shingle performance by causing them to curl up and blow off, eventually resulting in leaks. While algae doesn’t actually harm your roof, it can impact its aesthetic appeal. Further, climbing on your roof frequently to clean off growth CAN damage your roof and shorten its lifespan by loosening the granules on your shingles. So, it’s best to know how to clean your roof properly so that you ensure you don’t have to do it too often.
Knowing this, what are the best ways to clean a roof of algae and moss growth?
Don’t: Use a high pressure washer, which can loosen shingles and seriously damage your roof.
Do: Use a sprayer attached to garden hose or low pressure washer that’s filled with equal parts chlorine bleach and water. of laundry strength liquid chlorine bleach and water. This is the best way to clean a roof if you have asphalt shingles. After spraying the roof with the mixture, allow it to sit on the surface for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with clean water.
Don’t: Ignore your landscape and surrounding areas, which can be harmed by the bleach solution
Do: Wet plants and shrubbery thoroughly with plain water before covering them with plastic, then rinse them again after using the bleach solution on your roof.
Don’t: Assume the solution will immediately remove the growth from your roof and apply the solution again.
Do: Have patience. The algae will wash away during subsequent rainstorms, and moss will eventually loosen to the point where it can be removed with a leaf blower.
Don’t: Clean your roof on a sunny day, which will cause the bleach solution to evaporate too quickly, limiting its cleansing effects.
Do: Clean your roof on a cloudy, calm day when the wind isn’t blowing and there’s no threat of precipitation.
Don’t: Clean your roof without taking proper safety precautions.
Do: Clean your roof only after determining that you can safely walk its surface. If the slope is too steep to easily traverse or if your house is more than one story, you should hire a pro. If you do get up on your roof, wear well-fitting shoes with slip-resistant rubber soles and be sure to don eye and skin protection.
Don’t: Wait until your roof is covered in algae or moss to take action.
Do: trim back overhanging branches to expose the roof to sunlight, and clear debris such as branches and leaves, from its surfaces with a leaf blower if needed. Keep gutters clean to ensure roofs remain as dry as possible.
Moss, mildew, algae, and lichen grow into your shingles and wear away the material. They can even lift shingles. This creates space for water to pool and eventually leak into your home.
How often should you clean your roof?
It’s a good question, but unfortunately, there’s no easy answer. How often you should clean your roof really depends on several factors that affect the condition of your roof.
First things first: Any roof expert will recommend that you don’t climb up on the roof yourself. We’ve seen too many serious injuries to people who were being cautious but simply didn’t have the expertise to navigate the roof safely. It’s especially dangerous — moss, fungi, and moisture make your roof extra slippery.
Factors that Affect Your Roof’s Condition
There are two major causes of dirty and moss-covered roofs:
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Excessive moisture that promotes moss, fungi, and bacteria growth
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Structural damage that allows water to seep under your shingles or tiles where the sun can’t reach .
Below are a few of the most common causes of these issues:
1. Heavy Rainfall
Water that accumulates on your roof from rain creates the perfect moist environment for bacteria, moss, and fungi to thrive. After extra rainy winters, you might notice a lot more moss and fungus growth on your roof than usual.
The amount of rain that falls on your roof has a big effect on when (and how often) you should get it cleaned.
If you’re not sure whether your roof needs to be cleaned or not, call a professional.
2. Excessive Shade
Many Portland and Vancouver homes are nestled under the cover of large trees. Trees are beautiful — they help keep your home cool in the summer and increase the value of your property. Unfortunately, they can also make it hard for moisture to evaporate off your roof.
If your roof is in a shaded area, you’ll probably need a roof inspection and cleanings more often.
3. Falling Leaves and Other Debris
If you often notice leaves or other debris from trees accumulating on your roof, you may want to think about more frequent roof cleanings. Here’s why:
When leaves cover your roof, they also trap moisture, which makes it easier for moss, fungi, and bacteria to grow, which can also cause the development of leaks.
4. Other Factors
There are many other reasons you may need either more frequent roof cleanings or extra roof maintenance than normal.
Here are a few:
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A snowy winter, when snow was on top of your roof for a long period of time
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An intense wind or hail storm that may have caused damage to your roof shingles, tiles, or shakes
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Damage to your roof from a fallen tree or branch
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Any time you notice leaking, missing shingles or other signs of damage
Roof Cleaning Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best time of year for a roof cleaning?
It really depends on you and your roof. We often recommend gearing up for winter by getting your roof cleaned at the start of fall. This can really help protect your roof because our moss treatments actually prevent future moss growth! Barring extreme weather, however, you can get your roof cleaned at any time of the year.
The bottom line is the best time to get your roof cleaned is when your roof needs it!