A dirty roof is more than just an eyesore. It can also eat away at shingles, which reduces their lifespan and leads to costly repairs down the line.
The best way to prolong the life of your shingles is to keep them free from natural contaminants like moss, algae, and dirt. Regular soft wash cleanings can help. Contact Roof Cleaning MT Pleasant for professional help.
Debris can collect on the roof for a number of reasons. If you live in an area with a lot of trees, leaves, pine needles, twigs, and branches can fall onto the roof regularly. These organic materials can damage shingles and trap moisture on the roof, leading to rot and water leaks. Debris can also clog gutters and redirect rainwater from the roof, further damaging your home.
Regular debris removal is essential to maintaining the integrity of your roof. In addition, a clean roof is more appealing to buyers if you’re thinking about selling your house.
To remove debris from a roof, you’ll need several tools and safety equipment. A ladder with safety stabilizers is a must, as well as work gloves and a pair of safety goggles to protect your eyes. A broom or roof rake with a soft brush is useful for getting rid of larger materials like branches and leaves. If you want to get really thorough, a special roof vacuum can suck up leaves, twigs, and debris without you ever having to climb on the roof.
It’s important to plan your debris removal carefully before starting. Choose a day that’s warm, dry, and clear of wind to avoid the potential for falling debris. Also, make sure you have a trash bag or tarp to collect the debris. Before you start, visually inspect your roof to determine the level of debris buildup and any areas that might need repairs.
If you find that the roof needs repair, make the repairs promptly to prevent water damage and extend the life of your roof. A professional cleaning will also help you identify damaged areas that might otherwise go unnoticed, allowing you to fix them before they turn into serious problems.
Algae Removal
Algae is difficult to remove from roofing materials and must be done carefully to avoid damage. This is especially important for older roofs that have a higher likelihood of shingle damage or rot. The most effective way to kill algae and moss is to use a 50/50 mixture of water and household bleach or other detergent solution. This is sprayed on the affected areas of the roof with a hose-end sprayer (not a pressure washer) and allowed to sit for 30 minutes or so. This process will kill the algae and loosen its hold on the shingles, making it easier to rinse off. This is best done on a calm day with little or no wind to avoid blowing debris onto surrounding landscaping or plants. Alternatively, you can also purchase a product such as “Spray and Forget,” which is applied directly to the roof surface with a hose-end sprayer and left alone (no washing). This will kill green algae, moss, and lichens and will gradually wash them away over 3-6 months of weathering. This method should be used carefully to prevent plant or grass damage as well as to ensure proper dilution of the product.
After the algae and moss have been killed and loosened from the shingles, it is very important to rinse the entire area of your roof. This will make sure that all of the scrubbing and cleaning solution is thoroughly washed from the shingles and that the stains are completely removed.
Some stains may remain even after this step, and the most stubborn can be removed using a very low-pressure softwash. This will help to ensure that all of the residual chemicals are completely washed from the shingles and that they are not damaged by repeated high-pressure washings.
The most effective way to prevent future growth of moss and algae is to perform regular roof cleanings. In addition, trimming overhanging branches and ensuring that gutters are clean can help to reduce the amount of shade and debris that accumulates on your roof. Additionally, installing zinc or copper strips along the roof ridge will create an environment that is inhospitable to algae and moss growth.
Moss Removal
Moss can be very difficult to remove from a roof without damaging the surface. While there are a few do-it-yourself methods for removing moss, including using a brush or trowel to manually scrape off the surface and then scrubbing the remaining spores with a scrub brush, it is usually best to hire professional cleaners for this task. They have the tools and experience to thoroughly clean a roof, removing all of the spores without damaging the shingles. Additionally, professionals have the ability to use chemicals that kill the moss.
Before starting, it is important to prepare the work area and put safety first. Wear protective clothing, rubber gloves, goggles, and a face mask to protect yourself from any chemicals you may be using. You should also place covers over any plants or patios below your work area to shield them from falling debris and chemicals.
It is also a good idea to start roof cleaning on a cloudy day, as this can help prevent the sun from drying out your roof-cleaning products and potentially damaging the surrounding vegetation. You will also want to make sure you have a sturdy ladder and a hose with a sprayer attachment, which allows you to apply the moss-killing solution to your roof. You will also need a scrub brush and a soft brush for scrubbing any remaining moss.
When using a chemical solution, it is recommended to apply it to the moss using a pre-mixed liquid cleanser such as Wet & Forget or a similar product. These are typically available in pump sprayers, making it easy to evenly cover large areas of the roof. However, some home owners choose to mix their own moss-killing solution with household ingredients like baking soda or vinegar. This is a less-toxic option that still kills the moss and is safer for the environment than some of the harsher chemical solutions available.
After letting the moss-killing solution set in, you should be able to scrub away any remaining clumps of moss with your scrub brush. You should then rinse the roof off with water to remove any leftover traces of the solution. Be careful not to over-rinse, as this can cause the shingles to become brittle and vulnerable to moisture damage.
Shingle Repair
Keeping your roof clean can help extend its life. But if you have extensive damage to shingles it might be time to replace them.
A good roof cleaning removes debris that traps water against shingles, causing them to wear down prematurely. It also removes moss, algae and lichen that eat away at the asphalt and shingle substrate. This weakens the roof and leads to leaks. Finally, it removes shingle granules that can detach and leave the roof vulnerable.
The best time to do shingle repair is during a cool season. This is when the shingles are more pliable and easier to work with. If the weather is warm and humid, the shingles will dry out, making them more difficult to work with.
To repair a damaged shingle, you’ll need to loosen the adhesive bond with a pry bar. Start in the corners and slowly work your way towards the center. When you’re done, pull up the shingle to reveal the nails.
Be careful when walking on a shingle roof. It can feel like you’re walking on marbles and is very slippery. It’s also not a safe idea to climb a roof when it is covered in snow or ice. If you’re not comfortable doing this, a professional should be used.
If you’re replacing a damaged shingle, make sure to use the same color and type as the existing shingles. If not, the roof will look patchy and may attract more pests, such as birds that can peck at the shingles. It’s also important to replace the nail head, which is often exposed when a shingle is removed. An exposed nail head can allow moisture to seep under the shingle, resulting in roof leaks and premature aging of the roofing system.
You should also check to make sure your roof has adequate ventilation. If not, the attic will retain heat and moisture, leading to fungus, mold, and other problems. Also, you should re-caulk areas around soffits and roof vents to prevent moisture from entering the attic. Lastly, you should inspect the flashing to make sure it is properly sealed.