Late spring/early summer is the perfect time to clean your roof. You just can’t beat an annual or bi-annual spring cleaning to shake off the grime, especially after a damp winter and early spring.
As the sun shines through and we welcome warmer dryer days, it’s the perfect time to get a trusted pro on your roof to get rid of unsightly black streaks and check for mold, moss, and lichen.
What Are Those Black Marks on My Roof?
We’ve all seen those ugly black streaks on asphalt shingles. They tend to start small and spread until they cover wide swaths of your roof. They’re not dirt or soot like you might think. Instead, they’re a type of blue-green algae called Gloeocapsa Magma that spreads to rooftops through airborne spores. And while they won’t necessarily damage your shingles, they don’t do much for curb appeal and can pave the way for more problematic issues like lichen. Roof algae love moisture, so they thrive in warm, humid climates like ours. You’ll often spot them on the north side of your house, which is shaded for more hours of the day and more likely to stay damp. The algae are also especially fond of certain roofing materials, including the limestone fillers that are part of many modern asphalt shingles.
What Are Some Other Problems a Roof Cleaning Can Tackle?
While algae stains are one of the biggest problems in the Mid-Atlantic, a professional roof cleaning can also address:
- grime and soot that has built up over the winter
- mold, which is usually a bigger problem than algae because of potential health hazards if it gets into your drywall.
- moss on the roof, which holds moisture and can lead to rot.
- lichen, a mold/fungus combo that’s usually light green and can damage shingles if left untreated.
Can a Roof Cleaning Get Rid of Algae Stains?
You can get those annoying black marks off with professional cleaning for a fraction of the cost of replacing the roof. The right cleaning can give your asphalt shingles a like-new look using gentle products that protect rather than damage your shingles.
Will Cleaning Damage My Shingles?
The short answer is yes–if it’s not done right. Using a high-pressure washing system can damage your shingles. Power washing can destroy the shingle granules known as aggregate, damage your roof’s coating and even loosen the shingles themselves. The best approach is to schedule a powerful but gentle cleaning from trusted roofing specialists.
Can I Clean My Roof Myself?
There are several reasons why cleaning your roof yourself isn’t a good idea.
- One of the most important reasons is your own safety. Working on a roof is dangerous and even more hazardous when it’s wet. A professional roofing company has the know-how and protective equipment to clean your roof safely.
- Hiring a professional roofer is the most effective way to clean your roof. You’ll pay more up-front than with a DIY, but you can expect a thorough job without frustration. Your roofing pros have all of the cleaning equipment needed, so there’s no need to invest in specialized equipment.
- Your roofing company offers safe, low-pressure cleaning methods that will clean your roof without damaging shingles. We follow the no-pressure guidelines set out by our trusted shingle manufacturers. We want cleanings to extend rather than shorten the lifespan of your roof and operate in compliance with your home warranty.
- We use specially formulated, safe cleaning products that won’t damage your lawn and landscaping.
Should I Clean or Replace My Roof?
The best thing about DryHome Roofing & Siding is that we’re complete roofing professionals. Whether you need to repair, replace or simply clean your roof, we have the skilled staff and equipment required to do the job. For a simple problem like algae stains, professional cleaning is often all it takes to get your roof looking great and avoid more costly problems down the road. Routine soft-washing increases the lifespan of your roof and can delay a more expensive replacement. We can also explore options like installing algae-resistant copper strips at the top of your roof to protect shingles moving forward. And when it’s time to replace your roof, we can install new algae-resistant shingles. The first step is getting our professional team up on your roof for an estimate and a maintenance plan. A safe, effective spring cleaning is often a terrific first step.
