Whether you have a clay or concrete tile roof, metal roofing, or asphalt shingles, you should keep your roof clean. People ask why mold grows on roofs. There are a few reasons, mold and algae grow in moist dark places so roofs in the shade are more likely to have it. Even if your entire roof has sun at some point during the day, much of the roofing material is fossilized organic matter, which is what fungi feeds upon. If you haven’t looked at your roof recently, here are three reasons why you should keep it clean.
It Just Looks Bad
Most people want to be able to take pride in their home. A roof with leaves, branches, or growth doesn’t look good. In some communities, homeowners are cited by their HOA for stained or streaked roofs. If you have metal roofing and let leaves sit on your roof and deteriorate you may find that once you remove the leaf pile that it has permanently altered the color of the roof. Cleaning your roof should be part of your regular home maintenance whether you decide to do it yourself or hire a professional.
Deterioration
Organic growths like moss, algae, and mold does more than just look bad. It deteriorates your roof’s surface. When algae or another growth happens on tile roofing, small cracks often become large ones. If you catch the growth before the cracks occur, you may still see permanent staining the area that had the growth. When your asphalt shingle roof has growth, the granules are often displaced. Granules are the first line of defense against the weather and UV rays. Debris that sits on your roof’s surface can scratch tile and metal roofing and even dent asphalt shingles.
Roof Leaks
When deterioration occurs, it leads to roof leaks. An unattended to roof leak can compound the mold or algae problem in addition to causing wood rot. Mold spores are not something you want in your home, even your attic. Mold spores lead to respiratory issues in people and pets. A clean roof can help prevent roof leaks and keep your house and family healthy.
If you have debris on your roof, take the time to remove it either by hand or using a blower. If your issues are algae or mold, use a sprayer with a 50/50 bleach and water mixture. Spray generously and let it sit for an hour and rinse with a hose on a gentle spray. Never use a pressure washer on your roof. Be sure to rinse any plants below your roof’s edge both before and after using bleach or you can kill your landscaping.
If you suspect that your roofing has damage due to excessive or prolonged staining and streaking, call Russ Noyes Roofing for a roofing inspection. We’ll assess your roof, provide you with a comprehensive quote for roof repair and perform necessary repairs. Call 407-388-7700 to schedule your appointment today.
