When we talk about home maintenance, we often forget about the outside of the house and pay more attention to the interior only. The fact is though – that the exterior of your home is as essential as the inside for the protection of all the assets of the house and especially the roof. The roof, through time, becomes dirty and covered with all sorts of organisms like algae, moss, and other small particles that if left uncovered, will cause great harm to it. Regular cleaning of the roof is not just about a look make-over; it is an integral part of a multiple trickle effect preventive measure that can save a homeowner from thousands of repairs and replacement costs. Gaining the knowledge front on roof cleaning and the major reasons for it is the foremost step of keeping your home clean and the cost of it in the long run at bay.
Why Roof Cleaning Shouldn’t Be Overlooked
The necessity of roof cleaning cannot be overstated, since it not only extends the life but also increases the value of the property. Apart from that, one of the roles of the roof is to protect from the sun, rain and other hazardous to health elements. Still, it is the most neglected part of the house from the exterior point of view. There are occasional black streaks, green spots, and discoloration of the roof, the spots where algae and lichen have spread in the absence of regular cleaning. Consequently, the above problems may destroy the roof, house owners will pay more for cooling and their property will lose its charm, the natural as well as financial aspects of which are hurt.
Cleaning the roof routinely is advantageous in many ways:
- It helps to prevent shingles from becoming old fast
- Energy efficiency is heightened by much brighter sunlight reflection
- The real estate price increases
- Improves the look of the house.
A Gentle Yet Effective Approach to Roof Care
One of the most effective ways to restore the look of your roof safely is through roof soft washing. It is a very low-pressure water and nature-friendly solution which brings into play the task of eradicating stains like, for instance, mold and algae in a secure and harmless manner. The gentle feature of this type of washing makes it safe for most roofing materials. However, power washing, besides being an aggressive method, is capable of stripping off the shingles’ granular surface which, by the way, is a violation of warranties.
How Often Should You Clean Your Roof?
It is generally accepted that you will only have to clean your roof every 1 to 3 years, depending on the climate, tree coverage, and roofing materials you have. Humid and wooded area dwellings may ask for cleaning more frequently just because the lonely, damp environment is very suitable for algae and moss.
There are the 3 signs that it’s time to get a cleaning of your roof:
- Dark lines or patches that look dirty
- Moss or lichens
- Faded or dull shingles
It’s time to make a call to get them cleaned.
Don’t Stop at the Roof: Complete Your Exterior Checklist
Do not focus only on the roof but pay attention to the basic necessary outdoor maintenance activities, which are the main secrets to your house always being in the best condition.
- Clean gutters to prevent overflow and water damage
- Wash siding to remove buildup from pollutants and mildew
- Power wash decks and driveways for a polished look
- Inspect windows and doors for seal damage or mold growth
Final Thoughts
Caring for the exterior of your home should not be considered only as a beautifying process, it is more. It is an important part of the long-time steady-upholding of the property. Your roof, principally, is the part of your exterior that stands in the face of the most dangerous factors such as rough weather, biological growth up till debris. Paying no attention will cause huge cost on account of damage as well as the lifespan of the roof will be affected. The bi-yearly cleaning and safe methods like soft washing, which are known not to be destructive to the environment and the materials the roof is made of, are actually the most suitable protective measures to take up.
This procedure is very beneficial because not only the person who is responsible for the house will have a cover of the roof but also cleanliness which is very significant. You do not have to watch the roof be damaged on the surface.
