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Many people consider roof cleaning a daunting task, with some even deciding it’s not worth the effort. However, if you don’t clean your roof regularly, you might end up in need of a costly roof replacement.
Most people don’t realize how integral the roof is to their home until it leaks and water pours through the ceiling. Unattended moisture will seep into the walls and under insulation padding, causing rot that may not be visible at first. Leaving the damage untreated can lead to costly structural repairs or even a completely new roof installation.
This article will explore why you should clean your roof, the risks associated with neglecting to clean it regularly despite its unappealing appearance, and how to address those concerns.
Why You Should Clean Your Roof Regularly
There are many reasons you should clean your roof regularly; below are some of the most important.
Appearance
Cleaning your roof is a great way to increase your house’s curb appeal. Nothing looks better than a clean, shiny roof free of dirt, stains, and algae. A clean roof will make it look fresh with no discoloration or marks, whether it slates tiles or other roofing material.
The longer you let this go unaddressed, the more difficult it will be to restore the appearance of your roof. Cleaning the roof gives your home a more professional and welcoming appearance to friends, neighbors, and even to yourself.
A clean roof will also make your home more attractive to prospective buyers with the maintained value in case you intend to sell it or even rent it out.
Repairs Save You Money
Repairs saving your money may sound counterintuitive, but even small repairs to a roof can save you a lot of money in other costly roof-related disasters, such as leaks into the house and even the need to replace the roof.
It is also possible that some small roof issues could grow into larger problems if they’re not addressed.
Environmental Friendliness
Cleaning your roof is better for the environment than pouring chemicals on it, which can pollute lakes, streams, and rivers when they wind up washing off into them during heavy rains or melting snow.
It is also good for the environment because some chemicals used in roof cleaning are hazardous to plants and wildlife. These chemicals can accumulate in rainwater runoff and cause damage to aquatic plants, fish, and animals through ingestion or inhalation.
The Roof Lasts Longer
A clean roof lasts longer than a dirty one. A clean roof is more efficient and weather resistant, and cleaning up snow in the spring will ensure that your roof lasts longer without becoming brittle in the winter months. It also lasts longer because it will be easier to spot leaks, deterioration, and other potential problems that cause roof failure.
The less debris on your roof, the easier it is to take care of when you need to clean it. It saves you time and money by requiring less maintenance in the future, which ultimately saves you more money. It will also help you prevent unnecessary trips to your roof, saving more time for other important things.
Reduces Maintenance Costs
Moss and lichen can grow on your roof, creating a safety hazard and reducing the value of your home. A dirty roof is more susceptible to sun damage and moisture intrusion.
These conditions will damage the roofing materials, decrease lifespan, and increase maintenance costs. In contrast, a clean roof lasts longer because of less exposure to sunlight.
Boosts Your Esteem
Everyone loves a deep clean. No matter what, it’s satisfying scrubbing every surface and getting rid of all the dirt and grime that builds up. It’s the same case when cleaning your roof.
It is because of something known as “stress wash”: a water-sparkling, soap-bubbling, power-washing dance around your roof to remove soap and impurities that might have accumulated since the last time you cleaned it.
It Helps To Save on Bills
Cleaning your roof helps you save on bills. When your roof is clean, it reflects the sun’s rays more and lowers your cooling costs.
The air conditioner requires less work, reducing the power and energy used. Also, when a roof is clean, it heats less during hot days, lowering air conditioning.
Prevents Formation of Ice Dams
Another benefit of cleaning the roof is that it can help prevent the formation of ice dams, which can cause major damage to a shelter and your gutters. Dirty gutters that clog with debris cause ice dams.
This water then backs up into your attic, where it melts within the insulation and freezes, causing leaks on the roof. You should also look at replacing the shingles if they are over ten years old or if they have high UV degradation rates or high color fade rates.
Risks Associated With Neglecting To Clean the Roof Regularly
Below are some risks associated with not cleaning the roof.
Water Damage
One significant concern is water damage which you can easily prevent by regular roof cleaning. Leaks can cause structural damage to the house by causing water to seep into the wall cavities and may cause mold and mildew.
These leaks can also make the house dangerous since it can easily collapse, posing grave dangers to its occupants. If you don’t know what a leak is doing to your house regarding structural damage and mold growth, now you do.
Water damage can create costly repairs to walls, electronics, and furniture. Over time, moss and lichen can accumulate on your roof, which prevents water from running off the surface.
This condition, known as surface flow accumulation, can lead to moisture intrusion and premature roofing material failure. The accumulation of moss and lichen on the roof will also reduce its ability to shed rainwater so that this accumulation can lead to water damage in the attic or interior of your home.
Risk of Animals Living on the Roof
It is important to keep your roof clean so that your roof doesn’t become a home for animals, which can be both a nuisance and dangerous. Not cleaning the roof regularly may invite animals to live on the top and end up falling into the debris, causing them to get hurt.
They may climb onto your roof and cause damage or accidents. Birds can also become very aggressive as they try to defend their territory if they see another bird on the roof or if they are nesting. They can seriously damage your house’s structure, causing leaks and structural damage.
Risk of Allergic Reactions
Dust can contain allergens irritating to those with asthma or allergies. The more you clean, the less likely you are to develop dust allergies. Over time, your airways will get used to dust particles so that they won’t bother you as much.
Dust can irritate those with asthma and allergies, including the house’s residents, your family, people visiting, and even yourself. Dust mites are one of the major causes of this, and they like humid areas like basements or under sinks. Some pets also have some allergic reactions to dust, so it’s important to reduce your exposure by cleaning as much as possible early on.
Cost
Another risk associated with not cleaning your roof is that the more dirt and grime on your roof, the more you will pay to maintain or even replace it in the future.
For example, if you have mold growth on your surface flow accumulation, you may need an epoxy-based product to seal it so that you don’t have to replace it in the future. The cost may also increase because you need to fully restore the stained and worn-out areas of your roof before adding another layer of paint or shingles.
How To Address Risks
The following are ways you can address risks that associate with not cleaning roofs.
Improving Roof Appearance
You can improve the roof’s appearance through the following:
- Cleaning the gutters
- Sweeping debris off the roof
- Clearing leaves and other yard waste off the roof
- Washing away mildew and algae with a garden hose or power washer
- De-griming (with a solution of vinegar and water) your Slate surface roofs, terra cotta roofs, or more modern shingle roofs
- Be careful not to use too much pressure when scrubbing away moss from Brick surfaces because it could damage the brick exterior
Prevention of Water Damages
To prevent water damage, you can perform the following to your roof:
- Ensuring the roof is clean and free from debris
- Repairing leaks as soon as possible
- Doing away with damaged or rotted wood
- Fixing the flashing
- Re-caulking shingles
Ways To Prevent Animals From Living on Your Roof
Here are steps to take to prevent animals from living on your roof.
- Repair all holes, cracks, and gaps in the roof
- Ensure your roof is not a fire hazard by removing piles of leaves and other combustible materials from the roof
- Clean your gutters to prevent animals from roosting in them
- Remove any nesting boxes that may attract birds (either mounted or on the ground)
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