Having a dirty or moldy roof may really throw off the overall look of your home’s exterior, especially if both the paint and roofing are light in color. Roofing materials are built to last for decades, so if dirt, mold, or algae are the only issues with your roof, cleaning is usually the best course of action. However, if your roof has reached the end of its useful life, you may want to consider replacing it.
Until your roof starts leaking, you generally don’t give it much thought. During the colder months, snow and rain can trap debris on top of your roof. When spring arrives, all that detritus becomes a breeding ground for potentially harmful organisms like mold, mildew, and algae. These organisms can cause significant damage, necessitating repairs and replacement.
Roof replacement is usually a costly project which you can avoid by having regularly cleaning the roof. Read on to learn the main benefits of scheduling a frequent professional roof cleaning services.
What Are the Most Common Roofing Issues in Greenville, SC?
Your home’s roof is the first line of defense against the weather and the changing seasons. Although roofs have long lifespans, the condition of your roof may deteriorate over time. The most common roofing problems in Greenville, include:
- Loose shingles or nails
- Clogged gutters
- Leaves and debris from nearby trees
- Leaky roofs
- Pooling water
- Lack of maintenance
- Cracking
- Shrinking
- Growth of moss, algae, and lichen
Top Reasons for Scheduling Roof Cleaning Services
Your roof controls a significant part of your home’s ability to control temperatures during the changing seasons. Regular roof maintenance prevents roof damage and prolongs the roof’s longevity. Below are the primary benefits of cleaning your roof.
- Remove Growing Plants
Professional cleaning helps eliminate mold, algae, and moss, which can eat away at the shingles and cause the timber to decay. These growths can also find their way indoors, where they might affect residents or family members with asthma or allergies. These contaminants spread rapidly in humid conditions, and a roof can sustain significant damage in a relatively short period of time.
- Reduce Your Energy Bills
A roof covered in moss, algae, mold, or mildew has a darker, dingier surface that absorbs more heat than a clean roof. The absorbed heat will find its way to the attic, heating up your home and increasing your air conditioning costs.
Cleaning your roof before the heat of summer arrives can reduce the amount of money you spend on air conditioning while also making your home more pleasant to live in. Roof cleaning also costs much less than roof replacement. Homeowners may sometimes decide to replace their roof when a simple cleaning will suffice to keep it in good condition for another few years.
- Prevent Severe Roof Damage
Cleaning your roof regularly can keep it free of the mildew and mold that may cause leaks. Your roof gutters can become clogged with leaves, twigs, other debris, and even tiny animals. Clogged gutters cause rainwater to overflow, which can cause structural damage to your home’s exterior and foundation.
Clean the gutters and roof periodically to eliminate accumulated grime and debris.
- Keep Pests at Bay
Debris and rotting wood on a roof attract a wide variety of pests, including fungi, insects, and even rodents. The nests of bees, hornets, and wasps can weaken your shingles, and bird poop, which is acidic, can damage your roof.
If your roof is made of tiles, there may be nooks and crannies where pests can hide, or even holes through which insects and animals can get access to your attic. Maintaining a regular cleaning schedule can discourage pests from making your roof their new home.
- Boost Curb Appeal and Property Value
A clean roof enhances the aesthetic value of a home, and this benefit extends to the home’s resale value. This is especially important if you’re trying to make a sale because a buyer may have second thoughts about purchasing a home with a dirty roof.
- Ensure the Roof’s Warranty Stays Active
Since many roofing warranties are good for several years, homeowners may not see the point in having their roof cleaned. However, warranties sometimes include restrictions, and failing to maintain your roof properly can render it invalid.
It is best to remember that a warranty won’t extend your roof’s life; only routine maintenance and cleaning will achieve that. Most roofing manufacturers recommend that you clean your roof periodically.
How Frequently Should Roof Cleaning Be Performed?
Roof cleaning should be done at least once every 18 to 36 months, depending on location. Algae and moss flourish in some regions, whereas sand accumulates and dries up in others.
Although DIY roof cleaning is possible, it’s not recommended because improper cleaning will invalidate the warranty on your roofing materials. A trained expert will know how to execute the work in a safe manner and will have the appropriate protective gear available.
The best roofing contractor in Greenville will be able to determine the precise nature of the problems facing your roof and recommend appropriate maintenance or repair work.
Here are a few signs that your roof needs cleaning:
- Leaves and debris on the roof
- Discolored shingles patches that appear black or green
- The roof looks old
- Missing shingles
- Having not cleaned your roof in the past three years
Common Roof Cleaning Techniques
The two main methods of cleaning a roof include:
- A chemical “soft” wash
- A pressure wash
Cleaning in a soft wash usually involves the application of chemicals, while a pressure wash uses water under extreme pressure to remove filth and dirt.
These services are often performed so that the roof surface may be inspected more closely and dirt, silt, algae, and fungi can be cleared away. Buildups of algae, fungi, or lichen on shingles and roof tiles can reduce their effectiveness as a barrier against water, pests, and extreme temperatures.
Roof Cleaning Services in Greenville, SC
A healthy roof ensures that your home stays comfortable and pleasant. Homeowners spend thousands of dollars on emergency roof repairs or entire roof replacements due to avoidable carelessness. Professional cleaning annually can extend the life of a roof by years and save you significant costs.
Call Greenville Roofing now if you need your roof cleaned. Our experienced crew have extensive experience and expertise to get the job done.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote on roof cleaning in Greenville, South Carolina.