How many years have you neglected your roof now? Sadly, many do neglect their roof, which is one of the most valuable assets of the home. It’s common that over time, dirt, algae, moss, and mildew can damage one’s roof silently and eventually result in unplanned, costly repairs or full replacement. Fortunately, this piece is written to give you the much-needed insights into knowing how to extend the lifespan of your roof through washing. So, whether you are a homeowner looking to do it by yourself or get a professional, this guide will help you through the process.
What Is Roof Washing?
Roof washing is simply the effort of getting rid of algae, mildew, lichen, and moss from roofs to preserve their lifespan. However, these negative occurrences can jeopardize life expectancy and determine the amount of sun absorbed, thereby affecting one’s home energy efficiency.
Why Roof Washing Matters
Roof washing becomes very necessary due to these reasons:
1. Prevent Damage: The presence of algae and moss can reduce the quality of materials for the roof, which will, in turn, bring leaks and structural issues.
2. Enhance Curb Appeal: A clean roof boosts your home’s appearance and value.
3. Improve Energy Efficiency: When dark stains are removed appropriately, it gives the roof the ability to reflect sunlight more effectively, reducing the costs of cooling.
4. Extend Roof Lifespan: Maintaining an unfailing pattern of roof washing will help add more years to the lifespan.
Roof Washing Methods
1. Soft Washing: Soft washing makes use of low-pressure water mixed with specialized cleaning solutions to safely get rid of contaminants without causing harm to the roof. However, this method is good for most roofing materials.
2. Pressure Washing: High-pressure washing is only recommended for special conditions because it has the potential to cause damage to certain roofing materials if not done well. Meanwhile, it’s not suitable for asphalt shingles.
DIY vs. Professional Roof Washing
Let us get the differences between DIY and professional roof washing below.
DIY Roof Washing
The do-it-yourself (DIY) approach is when a homeowner decides to carry out roof washing alone, without needing expert hands.
Pros:
In carrying out DIY, there are some advantages that the homeowner will enjoy, which are
1. Cost-effective
2. Immediate results
Cons:
On the other hand, the homeowner, while also enjoying some advantages, will also encounter certain disadvantages, which are:
1. Safety risks
2. Potential for roof damage
3. May not be as thorough as professional cleaning
Hiring a Professional
This is simply seeking the assistance of a professional during the roof-washing process.
Pros:
Some key advantages of using a professional during roof washing are:
1. Expertise and experience
2. Proper equipment and cleaning solutions
3. Safety measures in place
Cons:
Getting a professional also brings certain disadvantages, which are:
1. Higher cost
2. The job might be poor if the contractor isn’t well-experienced.
How Often Should You Wash Your Roof?
The importance of roof washing can’t be overemphasized, and it’s highly advised that washing be done within 1-3 years, depending on the location and presence of overhanging trees. Again, maintaining regular assessments can help detect early signs of wasting.
Signs to carry out roof washing
To adequately carry out roof washing, there are signs one must always look out for, which are:
1. Dark Streaks or Stains: Black streaks are usually caused by algae (Gloeocapsa Magma). These stains can retain moisture and eat into the shingles gradually.
2. Moss and Lichen Growth: When there are visible green moss or crusty, white lichens, it shows your roof is holding moisture, which is a serious threat to roofing materials.
3. Loss of Curb Appeal: Perhaps your roof appears dirty, faded, or older than it is; a proper wash can help restore the overall look and enhance the property’s appearance.
4. Clogged Gutters with Roof Debris: When you find granules, leaves, or pieces of shingle coating in your gutters, it’s a sign that your roof needs washing.
5. Visible Mold or Mildew: When you observe the growth of mold, it shows that washing needs to be done on the roof. If ignored, the indoor air quality will be affected negatively, and the roof structure compromised.
6. After a Storm or Windy Season: It’s possible that storms can leave behind debris, dirt, and water stains, so after this period, it’s advisable to carry out roof washing.
7. Roof Feels Spongy When Walked On: If you have the chance to walk on your roof, and it feels spongy, it only indicates that water is retained beneath the surface, mostly caused by algae, moss, or dirt buildup.
8. You Haven’t Cleaned It in 1–3 Years: Even without you observing any sign, roof washing ought to be done within 1-3 years, which is a preventive measure.
Cost of Roof Washing
The cost of roof washing usually depends largely on factors such as size, pitch, and degree of contamination. However, the average cost a homeowner should expect is around $250 and $600 for professional washing services.
Choosing a Roof Washing Service
The selection process of a roof washing service provider is very crucial, and these factors should be taken into consideration:
1. Experience and Reputation: You should seek to work with companies that have good reviews and a track record of quality deliverables.
2. Insurance and Licensing: You should check if the company is well-insured and licensed to carry out the service.
3. Methods and Equipment: Seek to know and understand their cleaning methods and tools to be used on your roof.
4. Guarantees: Make inquiries about their provision for guarantees or warranties.
Safety Tips for Roof Washing
1. It’s proper to make sure good safety equipment like harnesses and non-slip shoes is used during the work.
2. Working on the roof during wet or windy conditions should be discouraged.
3. The high-pressure washing method shouldn’t be used on delicate roofing materials so as not to damage them.
4. The guidelines procedure made available by the roofing materials manufacturer should be followed strictly.
Environmental Considerations
Considering the impact the chemicals will have on the environment during the washing process, it’s advisable to always go for eco-friendly cleaning solutions to keep the impact low. Runoff to storm drains should be avoided, and local regulations concerning chemicals should be adhered to properly.
Roof washing has proven very important not just for the roof’s well-being but also for the overall condition of the property. So, if you choose to carry out roof washing yourself or get a professional hand, having a full understanding of the importance of it and washing methods will always help you make the right decision and investment for your home.
FAQs
Q1: What is the best time of year to wash my roof?
A1: Spring and early fall are ideal, as weather conditions are typically mild, and it’s easier to remove debris accumulated over the winter or summer.
Q2: Can roof washing damage my shingles?
A2: If done improperly, yes. High-pressure washing can strip granules from shingles. Soft washing is the recommended method for asphalt shingles.
Q3: Will roof washing remove all stains?
A3: Most stains, including algae and moss, can be effectively removed with proper cleaning methods. However, some stubborn stains may require multiple treatments.
Q4: Is roof washing covered by homeowners’ insurance?
A4: Typically, roof washing is considered routine maintenance and is not covered by homeowners’ insurance.
