The roof forms one of the highly essential parts of your home that safeguards you against the elements while ensuring staunch structural integrity. But, similar to any other portion of your property, regular maintenance work is required to remain in pristine condition. Avoiding proper roof maintenance leads to expensive roof repairs and even premature replacements. So, how often should you clean your roof? In our post, we are going to explain the frequency at which you should get your roof cleaned to prevent any sort of damage.
How Often Roofs Should Be Cleaned?
Cleaning your roof at least once a year is often recommended. However, the frequency at which you should opt for roof cleaning varies based on different factors. So, here are a few considerations that determine the frequency of hiring the roof cleaning services:
Climate and Weather Conditions
The climate of your area is one of the driving factors to determine the frequency of roof cleaning. Regions receiving frequent rainfalls or having higher levels of humidity would often experience conditions such as the rapid growth of mould, moss, and algae. These elements are the contributing factors to the damage of the roofing materials. The areas receiving higher snowfall need proper roof cleaning to avoid the accumulation of snow that eventually leads to the formation of ice dams and leakages. The dusty and dry areas might not need frequent cleaning; however, it is important to remember that windstorms can deposit the debris, which necessitates periodic maintenance.
Type of Roofing Material
The roofing materials the yet another factor that is often at risk of the buildup of moss, algae, and dirt. For instance, asphalt shingles trap moisture and are porous. This makes the perfect breeding ground for any unwanted organisms. The tile and metal roofs are strong but need routine cleaning for the removal of accumulated debris and dirt. Proper inspections by the roofing contractors can help determine the right cleaning schedules on the basis of the roofing material.
Tree Coverage and Debris Accumulation
If a lot of vegetation and trees surround your home, mainly the ones that produce sap or shed leaves, then you may have to get the roof cleaned frequently. The falling branches, twigs, and leaves lead to water pooling on the roof and even clogging the gutters. It also makes the roof the breeding ground for mildew and mould. The trees might also contribute to the spreading of the algae spores that land right on the roof, making roof cleaning a key necessity.
Roofing Design and Structure
The roof’s design also contributes to the frequency of cleaning. Flat roofs or ones with intricate structures like skylights or multiple valleys demand frequent attention. If proper cleaning is overlooked, such designs lead to the accumulation of water and debris, which can cause extensive damage to the roof.
Frequency of Storms or Severe Weather Events
Storms often carry debris, including dirt, branches, and leaves, that starts accumulating on the roof and in the gutters. Therefore, proper roof and gutter cleanings are important. Serious weather conditions also play a pivotal role in damaging the shingles or dislodging the granules. Following any storm, it is important to have the roof inspected by roofing contractors to prevent any extensive damage.
Local Air Quality
Areas with bad air quality, like bustling cities or industrial areas with higher levels of pollutants, experience rapid accumulation of grime and dirt on the roofs. The air pollutants lead to roof fading along with damage to its materials, necessitating roof cleaning to improve the aesthetics as well as durability of the roof.
Best Practices for Cleaning Your Roof
Roofs are prone to damage if you are cleaning them yourself. So, here are a few best practices you can follow to prevent any significant damage.
Hire Professionals
You may consider DIY cleaning affordable, but hiring professionals with the right expertise and tools is the safer option. They can expertly clean your roof without causing significant damage to the roofing materials or structure.
Use Gentle Cleaning Methods
High-pressure washing can damage tiles and shingles significantly. For safer dirt removal, choose soft washing that uses low-pressure water in combination with cleaning solutions.
Inspect Your Roof Regularly
Proper inspections can help you identify possible issues before they worsen. Check for signs of algae, moss, clogged gutters, or damaged shingles.
Keep Gutters Clear
It is extremely important to get the gutters cleaned. When the gutters become blocked, water starts overflowing onto the roof, causing significant leaks and structural damage.
Conclusion
It is extremely important to hire the right roofing contractors to get roof cleaning done at least once a year as a preventative measure to shield the roof against any possible leakages or further damages. This ensures that the roof is not left susceptible to damage for a long time and that it goes beyond repairs. Hiring roofing experts with proficiency in handling services like roof cleaning or maintenance is the ideal approach property owners can take. Sterling Roofing Contractors Ltd is here to your rescue if you need a roof cleaning job done. Contact us right away to get a free estimate!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Best Time of the Year for Roof Cleaning?
Professional roofers suggest cleaning or maintaining the roof during the summer months. Since climbing onto the roof is associated with the risk of slip and fall, it is important to ensure that the surface of the roof is dry.
How Long Does It Take to Clean Your Roof?
Roof cleaning is a time-consuming affair that requires a couple of days to achieve optimal results. The process entails slow extermination of the contaminants and power washing to remove the dirt.
How Much Does It Cost to Have a Roof Cleaned?
Commercial and residential roofs have different structures, so roof cleaning involves considering multiple factors. Contact us, as we offer a free survey of the roof to determine the cost.