If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about your roof until there’s an issue that requires your attention. Although the main function of your roof, preventing water from getting into your home, is pretty straightforward, there are plenty of other important benefits that go along with regularly cleaning your roof and providing ongoing maintenance for it. If you want to know more about the benefits of regular roof cleaning, read on!

How often should roof cleaning be done?

Most people assume that a clean roof is a healthy roof, and a dirty roof is an unhealthy one. However, according to best industry practices, you need to clean your roof about every five years or so. Of course, if you have a more than five-year old roof that has not been cleaned yet, it might be time for some cleaning! A lot of different factors come into play with respect to how often you should clean your commercial building’s roof.

Taking an active role in maintaining your building’s roof and other surfaces will not only help keep your property looking great, but also ensure that it is protected from potentially dangerous weather conditions. When it comes to roofs, there are a number of important benefits that can be derived from regular cleanings. If you want to learn more about why it is always a good idea to have a maintenance program on hand for all of your buildings exterior structures (roof included), then read on! It will become clear why hiring one of these specialists makes sense as soon as you read through what follows.

What causes roof stains?

Stains on a roof’s surface occur from a combination of dirt, algae, fungus and other particles that get trapped in crevices. Harsh weather conditions like wind and rainfall can easily whip up these sediments into a nasty grime, which is exactly what we’re referring to when we talk about roof stains. The uglier ones are usually caused by mildew and mold growth as well as damaged gutters that allow rainwater to flow into your attic via downspouts.

If you want to get rid of these stains for good, then you need to make sure that your gutters are kept in good condition. Otherwise, all water will have no other outlet but your roof’s surface and cause damage that way. It’s not only natural elements like rainwater that can cause stains, smoke from factories and chimneys, dust particles coming from road traffic or even exhaust fumes in big cities can contribute as well.

Do I need to clean my roof?

Of course, there’s no set rule for whether you should or shouldn’t clean your roof. It all depends on your specific situation and your home’s unique needs. One thing is for sure: If you haven’t cleaned your roof in a while, it may be in need of some tender loving care.

As mentioned above, many people don’t realize their roof needs cleaning until it’s too late. Signs you need to clean your roof include discoloration on shingles, mold or algae growth on the surface of your shingles, and discoloration or rust on metal flashing.

That’s why it’s important to set up a regular maintenance schedule for your roof. The time period between cleanings will depend on how often it rains in your area and other factors. If you ignore the stains and buildup on your roof, you might end up with leaks or worse problems down the road. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as they say. Don’t let minor issues become major problems, call in roof cleaning services before it gets too late!

Safety

If you’re hiring a professional roof cleaning company, make sure they have experience and equipment to safely clean your roof. If a worker falls off a roof while cleaning, they could be seriously injured or killed. Make sure all safety requirements are being followed during any cleanings. Whether it's a DIY cleaning or a professional cleaning, safety should always be a top priority.

Main benefits of roof cleaning

Professional roof cleaning reduces energy waste and prolongs shingle life. As a result, you save on replacement costs, energy use, and more. It's easy to overlook your roof when it comes to maintenance; however, failure to clean your roof can have serious consequences over time. Not only can you expect increased energy costs and decreased comfort within your home, but replacing an entire roof is an expensive (and labor-intensive) endeavor. According to Home Advisor the average homeowner spends about $8,579 to install a new roof. That's a lot of money to spend and it could be ignored if you properly maintain your roof regularly.

There are several other advantages to keeping your roof clean that you should consider. Having your roof cleaned regularly can reduce storm damage and improve curb appeal, since dirt from atop a shingle tends to look unsightly on your home's exterior. Regular cleaning can also extend the life of shingles by removing buildup from above, which is one of their biggest enemies.

How do I keep my roof clean?

The first step to ensuring your roof is clean is to understand why it needs cleaning in the first place. Normal wear and tear leads to organic growths, such as mold and moss, that can build up on a roof’s surface. Without regular cleaning and maintenance from professionals, these natural deposits will get out of hand over time and damage your roof more than you might think.

Over time, algae, fungi and other organic materials can build up on your roof. Some of these are beneficial in small amounts, but too much of a good thing becomes a problem. Excessive moss growth can restrict ventilation needed for energy efficiency and cause leaks by blocking drainage channels. Left alone, these deposits will harm your roof over time.

We can provide regular maintenance cleaning that helps remove organic deposits from your roof’s surface. This service will help prevent algae, fungi and other harmful elements from growing on your roof, while also helping to ensure your roof is properly ventilated. This in turn improves its energy efficiency and keeps it looking great for years to come.

Contact Pressure Washing of St. Petersburg to schedule your roof cleaning services!