WHY FALL ROOF CLEANING IS IMPORTANT – FAMILY ROOFING

Posted on by David Reid

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WHY FALL ROOF CLEANING IS SO IMPORTANT

Fall’s gentle rain and cooler temperatures make it the best time of year to clean your roof and home exterior.

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.

Roof cleaning isn’t something most people think about on a regular basis, but when it comes to keeping your roof in tip-top shape cleaning is important.  A nice clean roof gives you peace of mind and helps the outside appearance of your house.  If you live in a humid or rainy area, it’s even more important because moss and debris can collect quickly.  If you’ve never done it yourself it might seem daunting.  But we’ve broken down a few of the basics to help you tackle it on your own.  Calling a Pro is always a good option!

Clean Off the Debris

If you let leaves and sticks build up on your roof they can damage it.  We know what you’re probably thinking, how in the heck can leaves hurt my roof?  Well, when there is a build up of debris it can stop water from draining off the way it is supposed to.  Just take a leaf blower or a broom and sweep them away.

Buy the Right Chemicals

There are a lot of different products out there to help get rid of the moss on your roof, but you want to be careful about the one you choose.  Some of the chemicals out there can cause respiratory problems if they aren’t handled correctly.

If you pick one that is corrosive, it can end up being harmful to your roof.  For example, regular chlorine bleach can damage your gutters and downspouts.
There are also products that can work well on the moss but will be really bad for your plants.  You want to find a product that is both environmentally safe and noncorrosive.

Prepare for the Roof Cleaning

You want to pick a day that is somewhat cool.  No one wants to be on a roof during a heat wave.  It should also be a day with little to no wind.
You want to be sure that the products your spraying on your roof actually hit your roof and not the front lawn.  This also allows the products to seep into the moss and without evaporating or getting blown away.

Double check your drains and downspouts to make sure they are free on debris and move lawn furniture out of the way.  If you have bushes or vegetation around your home, it’s also a good idea to cover them just in case.

Try to Prevent Regrowth

It will normally take about a year for moss or algae to build up again.  It could be faster if you live in a wet or humid place.  You can add copper strips along the edge of your roof to help slow this down.

A stain blocking solution can be sprayed on after you clean.  It will make sure that when you do eventually get moss or algae again that it doesn’t discolor your roof.
The best thing you can do is keep an eye on it.  If you let your roof go too long without a good cleaning, you may need to replace shingles or the whole roof.