When Is It Time to Clean My Roof?
Roofing technology has seen significant advancements, with leading asphalt shingle manufacturers offering roofs expected to endure for 20-30 years. This longevity is particularly valuable given the substantial cost of roof replacement, averaging $8,194 nationally and soaring to over $13,800 in the greater Seattle area. However, many homeowners overlook the crucial factor of maintenance in preserving their roof’s lifespan.
An apt analogy can be drawn with cars: designed to last for hundreds of thousands of miles, yet reliant on regular upkeep to achieve their full potential lifespan. Similarly, roofs necessitate attentive care to maintain their efficiency in safeguarding the home.
Maintaining Your Roof
Various solutions are available at local hardware stores to aid in roof maintenance and prevent growth. One popular option is Moss B Ware, packaged in a 3-pound can for easy application of zinc sulfate monohydrate onto the roof. While cost-effective, this solution serves primarily as a preventive measure rather than a cleaning agent, altering the pH balance of rainfall to deter moss growth.
Some contractors offer services involving manual removal of growth using brushes, a practice detrimental to the roof’s integrity. Roof granules, essential for water shedding, UV protection, and fire resistance, are lost in the process, hastening the roof’s aging. Additionally, deeper-rooted clusters, when forcibly removed, expose vulnerable gaps in the roof structure. Utilizing brooms, wire brushes, or high-pressure water can significantly reduce the roof’s lifespan or even prompt immediate leaks.
If signs of discoloration or growth are evident, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance. Experienced roofing professionals employ a treatment comprising sodium hypochlorite and a surfactant, applied through a process called soft washing using low-pressure water. This treatment effectively eliminates organic matter, inhibiting further growth and restoring the roof’s color. Depending on the severity of growth, restoration may take varying durations, necessitating patience to mitigate potential roof damage.
Detecting Dark Spots
Monitoring the roof’s color is crucial in identifying the need for servicing. Ideally, the roof should exhibit uniform coloration across its surface. Darkening or blackening indicates the accumulation of growth deposits, providing a conducive environment for further proliferation. While immediate damage isn’t imminent, scheduling roof servicing within 12-18 months is prudent to prevent long-term issues.
Green Spots Between Shingles
Those green spots signify growth, typically moss and lichen, finding their way between the shingles of your roof. They not only cause separation among shingles but also undermine the roof’s waterproofing capabilities. Moss thrives in moist, shaded environments devoid of direct sunlight, making the north side of homes particularly susceptible in the northern hemisphere. If green growth is apparent, it’s likely been 3-5 years since the last service, indicating an urgent need for attention. We advise scheduling a roof cleaning within 1-6 months.
Severe Growth
In cases of extensive growth, your roof’s integrity is compromised. Water retention increases, imposing significant weight, while the roof’s ability to withstand UV light and fire is diminished. Urgent action is imperative. We recommend promptly enlisting the services of a professional to treat your roof.
If you want a quote on house washing in West Orange, NJ, or surrounding areas, Request a Quote Online or call us at Kleen Powerwash at 973-814-2033. Our friendly and professional team is standing by to answer any questions you may have, or you can check out our FAQ page for our most commonly asked questions.
National average roof replacement statistics sourced from Forbes.com
