Cleaning your roof is important for many reasons: it keeps your home looking great, it helps you avoid mold issues, and it can even improve the energy efficiency of your home. Shingle roofs typically last around 20 years on average if they are properly maintained. It’s a good idea to clean your roof at least once every year. But how do you know when it’s time? Follow these simple shingle roof cleaning tips and you’ll have no problem cleaning your shingles so they look great while protecting them from damage.
Shingles are a type of roofing material that is made up of overlapping pieces of asphalt and fiberglass. They’re also called “roofing shingles” or “tiles”.
They’re generally installed on the top of a building’s roof, but they can also be used as an accent on other parts of the structure. Shingles come in different colors and styles, which makes them a great choice for adding visual interest to any home or business.
If your shingle roof is dirty, it can affect your home’s structural integrity and energy efficiency. Here are some of the most common reasons shingles need to be cleaned:
The sun’s UV rays can cause discoloration and fading that make roofs look worn out before their time.
When shingles aren’t cleaned regularly, they become brittle and can break off when walked on or even during a storm. When this happens, it can lead to leaks in your roof that can damage your home’s interior and cause mold growth.
Trees above your house can drop seeds and other debris onto your roof, which will eventually begin to grow moss or lichen that will wear down the shingles over time. This will cause them to deteriorate faster than if they had been cleaned regularly.
You know your shingles need cleaning if you see any of the following:
If you notice cracks or gaps between your shingle’s tiles, it’s a sign that they need cleaning. If water has been pooling in these cracks and gaps, it can lead to rot and other problems.
If you notice debris between the tiles on your roof, that’s a sign that it’s time for a cleaning. This debris can prevent water from draining properly, which can lead to leaks and other problems.
Moss or algae growth on the surface of your roof can be a sign that there is dirt and debris trapped between the individual shingles, or that there is mildew growing on top of them. This is potentially dangerous as mold can cause health problems for you and your family. Either way, it’s important to have them cleaned when you notice these signs.
In addition to looking nicer, regular roof cleaning can help prevent damage to your shingle roof. The following are some of the benefits of keeping your shingle roof clean.
In order to clean your roof, you’ll want to start at the top and work your way down. The reason for this is that dirt and debris can settle on your shingles at any point during the day, so it’s important that you brush off as much of it as possible before beginning your cleaning process.
Once you’ve begun brushing off dirt and debris, make sure not to use extremely harsh chemicals on them — just enough so they’re clean. That’s why we recommend using a soft brush with a nonabrasive cleaner made specifically for shingles.
To avoid moisture buildup, make sure your roof is properly ventilated. Ventilation is important for preventing mold and other problems that can occur when there’s too much moisture trapped in your shingles.
If you have a flat roof, you should have a vent stack which is usually located near the center of the house. This allows hot air to escape from inside your home while bringing fresh air into it.
If you have sloped or gabled roofs, they should be equipped with ridge vents along their tops. These allow rainwater to run off easily so that it doesn’t seep back into the shingle material itself.
To avoid damaging your roof, it’s important to use the right tools and materials. A soft brush will help remove dirt from the surface of your shingles without scratching them or causing damage to their finish.
You’ll also need a non-abrasive cleaner that won’t leave behind streaks or residue after you’ve cleaned them off with water (which can cause more damage). Make sure that any products you use are meant specifically for cleaning asphalt shingle roofs. Other types of cleaners may not be safe for this type of material.
You should also be careful not to use pressure washing equipment, which may damage your shingles. If you’re not that confident doing the pressure washing, then it’s best to contact a pressure washing company to get them to do the work.
If you’re opting to DIY, use a soft brush and non-abrasive cleaner made specifically for shingles. Make sure you don’t let the water run down the sides of your home when cleaning them, as this can lead to mold growth in those areas.
Once you’ve cleaned your roof, make sure you check for any damage. Use a flashlight to look for cracks or holes, which can indicate that the shingles are no longer safe. And if you find any of these issues, contact a professional roofer immediately so they can install new shingles or repair the old ones.
If you own a commercial or residential property with a shingle roof, it is important to keep the roof clean to ensure its longevity. Regular cleaning of your shingle roof can help to remove dirt, debris, and algae that can accumulate over time and cause damage to the roof structure.
While there are several DIY methods for cleaning a shingle roof, it is recommended to hire a professional roof cleaning service. Here are some reasons why:
Cleaning a shingle roof can be a dangerous task, especially for those without experience or proper safety equipment. Professional roof cleaners are trained and equipped to work safely at heights, minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Professional roof cleaners have the experience and knowledge to clean your roof quickly and efficiently, minimizing disruption to your business operations.
Regular cleaning and maintenance of your shingle roof can prolong its lifespan and reduce the need for costly repairs or replacement. Hiring a professional roof cleaning service can help to ensure that your roof is properly maintained and can save you money in the long run.
A clean and well-maintained shingle roof can improve the overall appearance of your property, enhancing its curb appeal and attracting potential customers.
When hiring a professional roof cleaning service, it is important to choose a reputable company with a track record of success. Look for a company that is licensed and insured, uses eco-friendly cleaning solutions, and provides a written estimate for the work to be done.
In summary, regular cleaning and maintenance of your shingle roof can help to ensure its longevity and reduce the need for costly repairs or replacement. Hiring a professional cleaning service can provide you with the expertise, equipment, and safety measures necessary to keep your roof in good shape and enhance the overall appearance of your property.
We hope that this guide has given you a good overview of what to do when cleaning your shingle roof and how to go about doing it. We know that it can be a daunting task, but if you follow our tips and use the right tools, then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to keep your roof looking great. Contact The ProClean Team Seattle today!
The ProClean Team provides Window & Gutter cleaning services to Puget Sound area including Bothell, Bellevue, Everett, Edmonds, Duvall, Issaquah, Kenmore, Kirkland, Mill Creek, Mountlake Terrace, Mukilteo, North Bend, Renton, Sammamish, Seattle, Shoreline, Woodinville areas.
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