Is Roof Cleaning Necessary?
As a homeowner, the list of tasks to complete to keep your house well-maintained often seems never-ending. Roof cleaning is one of those tasks that makes many people wonder, “Is that really necessary?” So is roof cleaning something that absolutely needs to get done, or is it just another expensive chore to avoid?
Roof cleaning is necessary to maintain your home’s appearance, address damage, and prevent future issues from algae, fungus, and moss. Regular roof cleaning can extend your roof’s lifespan by up to 20 years, and it increases your home’s property value. A professional should always clean your roof, as doing it yourself can result in damage from pressure washing and chemicals.
In this article, we’ll talk about the importance of roof cleaning and what happens if you fail to do it. We’ll also cover how much a professional roof cleaning costs and whether it can damage your roof. Finally, we’ll discuss the best time of year to clean your roof and the pros and cons of roof cleaning.
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The Importance Of Roof Cleaning
Your house’s roof is exposed to the elements day in and day out. This can result in a buildup of dirt and debris. Algae, fungus, and moss can begin to grow on your roof over time and leave stains behind.
Cleaning your roof improves its appearance, but it’s important for other reasons as well. The stains caused by moss, fungus, and algae can cause shingle damage and wood rot. This, in turn, can lead to leaks and water damage.
Leaks and water damage can result in a buildup of mold and mildew, which are hazardous to your overall health. The effects of moss, fungus, and algae shorten your roof’s lifespan as well. Moss growth also impacts shingles’ UV protection properties, resulting in a warmer home and higher cooling bills.
As you can see, roof cleaning is important to avoid damage and other negative effects.
What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Roof?
What will happen if you choose not to clean your roof or neglect to keep up with maintenance? First, the curb appeal of your home will decrease. Its appearance will simply not be as attractive.
Debris Buildup
Aside from aesthetics, failing to clean your roof means that debris will build up. Some types of debris, such as large tree branches, can cause major damage to your roof.
No Chance For Inspection
Professional roof cleaning provides a chance for your roof to be inspected. Professionals can look for issues like missing shingles and holes. Once discovered, you can address these problems before they get worse and eventually cost more money to fix.
Problems Resulting From Algae, Moss, And Fungus
In addition, algae, moss, and fungus can build up on your roof when you don’t clean it. Their growth can cause stains, shingle damage, and wood rot. They can even lead to leaks and water damage over time.
Does Cleaning Your Roof Damage It?
When done correctly, roof cleaning does not cause damage. However, if you choose to DIY this project, there is a possibility of damaging the roof. For example, incorrect use of a pressure washer can damage gutters, chimneys, flashing, and tiles or shingles.
Another potential issue that can come up is the incorrect use of cleaning chemicals. Some homeowners attempt to kill off moss and algae growth with various retardants and chemicals. This can backfire and result in increased future growth of algae and moss.
It’s also important to note that improper cleaning can void your roof’s warranty, so it’s best left to professionals. Also, when cleaning your roof yourself, there’s a chance of injury from climbing ladders and walking on a wet surface.
How Much Does It Cost To Have Someone Clean Your Roof?
In 2022, the typical price range for roof cleaning is between $295 and $595. On average, it costs $435. Per square foot, the average cost ranges from 20 cents to 60 cents.
Although it’s an investment to hire a professional for regular roof cleaning, it’s worth it. Regular cleaning extends the lifespan of your roof. It also allows you to address issues before they get out of hand (and thus, more expensive to fix).
The Best Time Of Year To Have Your Roof Cleaned
Experts generally recommend having your roof cleaned during the summer months. It’s better to clean the roof when it’s sunny outside because the roof dries more quickly. This makes it safer to walk on, helping to prevent slipping and resulting injuries.
Professionals recommend yearly roof cleaning, but a new roof may only need to be cleaned every two years or so. Still, be sure to inspect the shingles yearly, so any problems can be fixed in a timely manner.
Pros And Cons Of Roof Cleaning
Let’s dive into the main advantages and drawbacks of cleaning your roof.
The Pros
The main advantages of cleaning your roof are increasing its lifespan and improving its appearance. A clean and well-maintained roof contributes to a higher property value as well.
Plus, keeping your roof clean helps ensure that your warranty remains intact. Of course, regular cleaning also eliminates damage and prevents future issues.
The Cons
The following drawbacks really only occur when homeowners wash their roofs themselves and do so incorrectly. The first is the removal of shingle granules, which can result in lost UV protection. The second is unnecessary damage caused by pressure washing and the use of various cleaning chemicals.
It’s always recommended to have a professional clean your roof, rather than doing it yourself.
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Related Questions
Does roof cleaning prolong life?
Yes, roof cleaning prolongs the roof’s lifespan. In fact, routine cleaning every one or two years can extend the roof’s lifespan by 10 to 20 years.
Should I clean moss off my roof?
While small patches of moss growth aren’t particularly problematic, allowing moss to continue growing will lead to various issues. Avoid pressure washing your roof to remove the moss, as this is likely to cause damage. Instead, you can either hire a professional or remove the moss using a long-handled brush.
With a lifelong passion for writing plus strong enthusiasm for home improvement and DIY projects, joining the team at Upgraded Home was an easy choice. Jessica Allen likes to share helpful information with current and aspiring homeowners. Aside from writing, Jessica loves doing yoga, playing the piano, and dabbling in graphic design.
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