Is it Necessary to Clean My Roof?

If you’re new to owning a home, you may be just starting to figure out what kind of regular maintenance it requires. There’s cleaning the gutters, wiping down the windows, and landscaping… but what about your roof? You may have noticed some stains or plant growth on your roof and are wondering if you can leave it alone or if something needs to be done about it. Read on to learn about cleaning and maintaining your roof.

What Roof Maintenance Do I Need to Do?

Like any other part of your home, a little maintenance can go a long way. When it comes to your roofing system, regular maintenance can help extend its lifespan, improve its aesthetics, and prevent or address small issues early on. Whether you have an asphalt shingle roof, metal roof, or flat roofing system, proper roof maintenance should include:

• Visual roof inspections – At least twice a year, you should take a visual assessment of your roof to see if everything looks OK. If anything seems to be off with the appearance of the roof, this can be a sign of roof damage that needs to be addressed. It’s also helpful to look at your roof following any inclement weather so that you can ensure no storm damage needs to be addressed. The earlier you catch any problems, the more easily they can be addressed.
• Cleaning your gutters – Clearing out your gutters and ensuring they’re in working order is another important step in maintaining your roof. Clean gutters ensure rain can roll off the roof and into the gutters, where it is then safely channeled away from the roof and your home. Clogged and dysfunctional gutters can lead to water pooling or collecting around the roofline, which can cause water damage to your roof over time.
• Clearing debris on the roof – If any leaves, twigs, or other debris collects on your roof, it’s also important to clear away this debris. Left to sit, this debris can hold water and start to rot, which can damage the surface of your roof.
• Trimming overhanging tree branches – Overhanging tree branches that grow close to your roof should also be trimmed back regularly. A harsh storm can easily break these branches and cause them to fall on your roof. Meanwhile, high winds can cause these branches to repeatedly beat down on your roof, causing excessive wear and tear.
• Cleaning your roof – Cleaning your roof is another important step in maintaining the safety and functionality of your roof system. If any plant growth has sprung up, a professional cleaning can help restore the functionality of your roofing system. While you don’t need to clean your roof all that frequently, a thorough cleaning when needed can extend the lifespan of your roof.

How Do I Clean My Roof?

Staining on roofs is often caused by algae growth, and if your roof is getting old, you may also notice some moss. Many homeowners turn to pressure washing, but this can loosen shingles or otherwise damage your roof. The best way to address these issues is with a chemical cleaner and soft washing methods, which are best done by the professionals. However, while this soft washing solution may remove surface growth, it won’t address deeper problems like water damage. You’ll want to have a local roofing company look at your roof to make sure everything is structurally sound before you go up a ladder with a hose or pay for a roof cleaning service.

What Does Black Streaking & Moss Growth on Your Roof Mean?

If you’ve noticed unsightly black streaking or rampant moss growth on your asphalt shingle roof, there’s a possibility your roof has sustained water damage and it’s time to replace it. And if that’s the case, you’ll want to have your local roofing contractor inspect your roof to assess its condition, identify any damage, and help determine the best next steps.

The Roofing Company of Choice in East Central Indiana

Residents of Muncie and surrounding areas in East Central Indiana can turn to Rodeffer Roofing, a family-owned and -operated roofing company that has been providing homeowners with high-quality, reliable roofing systems for the past decade. Give us a call today to learn how we can help with all of your roofing needs.