Roof cleaning can be an important part of maintaining the value and health of your home. It can also help ensure that your insurance claim is covered if you have to replace a damaged roof, and it can help prevent pests from getting inside.
A well-maintained roof can last 20 years or longer, depending on the type of material you have installed. However, a buildup of algae, mold, moss and mildew can shorten this lifespan. If left unchecked, the buildup can cause a number of problems for your roof that can lead to leaks and even rot your shingles.
The best way to avoid this is by regularly cleaning your Roof cleaning Lake Mary. This will eliminate moisture-loving organisms and help keep the shingle roof from wearing down.
Some of the most common signs that your roof needs cleaning include black streaks, moss and bird poop. If you notice these things, you should get your roof cleaned as soon as possible.
Black streaks on a roof are often caused by colonies of algae called gloeocapsa magma, which thrives on moist conditions. Algae stains can be removed by using a bleach solution. Chlorine bleach, the same stuff you use to whiten your laundry or scrub your toilet, works well for this task.
You can spray a bleach solution on your roof and allow it to sit for 15 minutes or so before rinsing it off. This will not remove the algae instantly, but it will kill them and make sure they don’t reappear.
If you don’t have a pressure washer, you can use a garden hose to spray your roof and then brush it with a soft bristle brush. This will kill most of the moss and algae, but you may need to repeat the process with bleach if it is still present.
The ARMA recommends a mix of a one-to-one ratio of chlorine bleach to water when cleaning your roof. This is the most effective way to eliminate moss and algae without damaging your shingles or causing damage to your landscaping.
Another option is to purchase a ready-to-use moss and algae cleaner from a local hardware store. These products usually have a sprayer that attaches to your hose. They work fast and are easy to apply.
Some of these products are environmentally friendly and don’t contain chemicals that can ruin your plants or erode your roof tiles, so they’re a great option for keeping your yard looking neat.
Don’t let those black streaks and moss ruin your curb appeal or the value of your home! If you want to sell your house, it’s a good idea to have these issues addressed immediately.
A professional roof cleaning service can help you to do this. They’ll be able to determine the problem areas and give you a free estimate. They will also be able to clean your roof safely and properly, so you don’t have to worry about injuries or property damage from the job.