How often Should I Clean My Roof

How Often Should I Clean My Roof? | Fidelity Pressure Washing

This blog post will explain how often you should clean your roof, the different cleaning methods available, and why roofs with moss present a greater hazard.

Today we have another insightful post by Fidelity Pressure Washing LLC

There are many ways a homeowner can choose to clean their roof, whether it's DIY or you choose to hire a professional. If you're like most homeowners, you probably don't think about your roof until there's a problem. And even then, you may not know how to properly address the issue. But keeping your roof clean and in good condition is an important part of home maintenance, so it's important to know how often you should clean it. In this post, we'll take a look at some common cleaning intervals and tell you what to do if you suspect that your roof needs repairs. Read on to learn more!

Let's start from the beginning, what causes a roof to get dirty? Gloeocapsa Magma: What is it? Gloeocapsa Magma is a bacteria that destroys shingles by feeding off of the limestone granules embedded in the shingles. This decreases a roof's ability to reflect ultra-violet rays of light and shortens the life of the roof. Yikes! Not only are the black streaks an eyesore, but they will also cause damage to your roof without knowing until it's too late. Having too much shade over your roof combined with high humidity can make your roof a breeding ground for this type of mold. This is why many homeowners choose to cut down trees surrounding their homes.

What can you do about it? Many homeowners choose to hire a professional exterior cleaning company like Fidelity Pressure Washing LLC to professionally clean their roof using a bleach solution to kill the bacteria and spores, leaving you with a clean roof within hours. A professional will use a soft wash method to gently wipe away these unsightly stains. Properly cleaning your roof with the right detergents will ensure a long-lasting effect. 

But what if I want to do it myself? If you like to DIY then keep reading! Many times homeowners take it upon themselves to clean their own roofs. For this, you will need the right equipment. The times when you would go out to your local hardware store to rent or buy a power washing system have changed. I've talked with many roofing manufacturers and they say that pressure washing a roof system can cause more damage than good. Why is this? not only is cleaning your roof with a pressure washer unsafe, but it can also make your roof dirtier next year. You see, without the proper detergent like a bleach solution. The spores and bacteria will still be alive and make their way back up. Power washing scratches the roof leaving deeper grooves for mildew and moister to settle in. 

Dangers of Pressure washing a roof. Cleaning your roof can also bring a list of dangers for homeowners. Using high PSI to clean your roof can cause a slip hazard and also rip, break, and slip shingle and tile roofs. But if you do choose to risk doing it yourself, start with a pump sprayer and buy formulated outdoor cleaning bleach meant for roofs. A pump sprayer is light and easy to handle. Start with spraying bottom to top working off the ladder instead of climbing this will ensure you are walking on your roof as minimal as possible. Once you have finished covering what you can off a ladder, let the cleaning solution work its magic for 24 hours. Make sure the roof is completely dry before you attempt to climb the roof, and wear the proper work boots to you don't slip. You want to make sure all peaks and valleys are covered.

Cleaning your roof is a dirty job, but it’s one that needs to be done at least every two years. You have three main options when it comes to cleaning your roof- DIY, hiring a professional or using a chemical cleaner. If you decide to go the DIY route, make sure you use the right safety gear and are aware of the risks involved. No matter which method you choose, removing moss from your roof is critical if you want to keep your home safe from water damage.