Is Cleaning Your Roof Necessary?
As spring approaches, it’s time to prepare for spring cleaning. You may be making a to-do list that includes deep cleaning the interior of your home, but what about the exterior? Your roof can get dirty too! Not only is a dirty roof unpleasant to look at, but it can also shorten the expected lifetime of your roof or lead to costly repairs.
Your roof is exposed to the elements year-round, so normal dirt and debris is nothing to worry about. Rain will typically wash away the harmless material that accumulates on your roof. The real danger to your roof is dark stains that persist throughout the year and spread over the surface of your roof. The top 3 causes of stains on your roof include algae, moss, and lichen.
Algae
The most prevalent cause of roof stains is an alga called Gloeocapsa Magma (GM), which typically appears dark blue/green in color. GM is spread by wind or wildlife and is found on shingle roofs in damp, shaded areas. The main concern with this type of roof growth is that GM is that it breaks down limestone found in asphalt shingles. The result is a decrease in the reflectivity of your roof and damaged shingles that need to be repaired or replace
Moss
Moss thrives in similar dark and damp areas of your roofing system and is also transported by wind and animals like birds or squirrels. Unlike algae which is a cyanobacterium, moss is an actual plant that has a very shallow root system. This root system can dislodge shingles and cause them to peel back, increasing the likelihood that they will fall off in inclement weather. Shingle loss can lead to unwanted moisture which causes parts of your roof system to rot and the ideal environment for mold to thrive. Another danger that moss poses to your home is that it can block water drainage off of your roof which also leads to pooling water.
Lichen
Lichen is a algae/fungus offspring that, as you may have already guessed, thrives in shaded and moist areas of your roof. Perhaps one of the most dangerous roof growths, lichen traps moisture which promotes aging and deterioration of your roof. In the winter this moisture can freeze and melt, displacing your roofing material and reducing its functionality. What makes lichen particularly troublesome is that when they are cleaned off, they have such a strong grip on your roof that they will strip off the protective coating on shingles, rendering your roof vulnerable.
All of these roof growths can damage your roof as well as decreasing the reflective property of the material which leads to a higher utility bill. We recommend cleaning your roof once a year to remove and prevent extensive damage from algae, moss and lichens. Cleaning your roof is not a DIY project, contact Elite Roofing and Restoration and we will clean your roof- giving you peace of mind and better curb appeal. If there is any damage that needs attention, we’ll give you an expert recommendation and take care of any needed repairs or replacements.
Elite Roofing and Restoration is your source for quality roof repair and replacement.
In addition to roof replacements and repairs, both commercial and residential, we offer a considerable list of additional home repair services to assist you with any general construction needs you may have.
Contact us today to schedule your no-hassle, complimentary roof inspection today.
