Does Roof Cleaning Really Work?

Roof cleaning is a well-known service recommended by professionals to help prevent significant future damage to the exterior of your roof. Roof cleaning is said to be able to remove bacteria, debris, and spot damages that could cause a further damage of your roof if left untreated. However, many people have a difficult time understanding how just cleaning something can prevent such disasters. So, the question is, does roof cleaning really work?

What is roof cleaning?

Roof cleaning is a process done by professionals designed to target algae and bacteria on rooftops. The purpose is to remove organic growth and debris from your roof top. This process can help prevent bacteria from forming or expanding on your roof. Such bacteria could cause significant damage to your rooftop. We’ll discuss those types of bacteria below. Additionally, roof cleaning adds to the curb appeal of a home. You may think that since the top of a roof isn’t really seen from the ground, it shouldn’t matter. However, the longer you let a roof sit uncleaned, the more likely it is people will notice as bacteria spreads and damage occurs.

Roof cleaning is conducted by professionals using low-pressure pumps and professional cleaning supplies. Most of the time, professionals will engage in soft-washing techniques for roof cleaning. Let’s get into the details.

What does roof cleaning prevent?

Roof cleaning can help prevent a variety of damaging factors. The most popular reason to have your roof cleaned by a professional is to prevent the growth of bacteria and remove any bacteria that currently exists. For example, a common bacteria known as Gloecapsa Magma that causes those black streaks you see on your roof. This bacterium eats the limestone in asphalt shingles, which shortens the lifespan of your roof. Additionally, some other popular unwanted growth on roofs include various molds and algae. Pending the area that you live in, you’ll see different kinds of growth on your roof. You may see bacteria that is green, black, or brown. However, they are all often bacteria and not dirt or tar like many think.

Roof cleaning helps remove these types of bacteria through the use of soft washing. This not only removes the bacteria but helps stop the growth from accumulating in the future. This growth can lead to damage to the integrity of your roof. It also effects curb appeal and needs to be removed as soon as possible. The sooner you hire a professional roof cleaner to remove the substance, the easier the job will be. Roof cleaning also prevents damage to your roof as the roof cleaners can spot areas of weakness or existing damage and point them out to you. They cannot fix the problems of course, but they can notice them, which gives you the opportunity to get them addressed by a professional roof installer.

Should you soft wash a roof or pressure wash?

The difference between soft washing and pressure washing comes down to the force of the water coming out of the hose being used. Most of the time, soft washing is used on roofs. This is because soft washing is gentler than pressure washing. Soft washing uses a softer water stream, but the stream is equally as effective and preferred because of the use of professional solutions and detergents. It’s preferred because it gets the job done using a gentle cleaning substance to remove bacteria and debris. It does so without causing damage to the singles on your roof. Pressure washing is unfortunately known for causing damage to your shingles, so soft washing is the recommended method. This is especially so if you haven’t had your roof cleaned in a long time as the structural integrity of your roof unknown. It should be noted that some roof types like tile and metal can be cleaned with the use of pressure in certain circumstances.

Who does roof cleaning?

Roof cleaning should always be done by professionals. Professional roof cleaners are trained in the proper way to clean a roof. You want someone who can clean your roof thoroughly, without causing any damage. Whereas you can try to clean your roof yourself, you shouldn’t. You likely do not have the proper equipment and cleaning tools needed in order to get the job done properly and safely. Professional roof cleaners are trained, and they know how to stay safe while on your roof. They also have all the necessary equipment, know how to use it, and how to safely transport it.

These people are trained and then given a certificate. During their training course they are taught how to clean a roof. Additionally, they are trained on what to expect on a rooftop and how to identify specific substances. For example, they’re taught how to spot mildew, mold, algae, and more. They can often identify other possible defects and warn you if they may be imposing on your home or the structure of your roof.

How often should I clean my roof?

ou should have your roof cleaned every 2-5 years, pending the area you live in. If you live in an area with high humidity, you may have to get your roof cleaned more often. Additionally, if your roof gets a lot of shade from surrounding trees, you may need to clean more after as well. The more sun your roof gets, the less likely it will develop algae and bacteria growth because the morning dew or other moisture will be dried before any organic growth can form. If you live in an area with lots of snowfall, you may need your roof cleaned more often also. Snow often leads to build up of algae and mold as the area becomes damp. This dampness can contribute to bacteria growth as well as damage your shingles. Additionally, having your roof cleaned after high-allergy seasons such as spring or fall can be helpful in removing built-up pollen and fallen leaves. These leaves can get stuck in your gutters and cause water damage. Pollen can seep into your house causing allergy attacks. Getting these substances off your roof can help prevent such instances from occurring.

Does cleaning a roof cause damage?

Quite the contrary, cleaning a roof prevents damage. Many people question whether cleaning a roof is safe because in their minds, you’re blasting water on fragile shingles. However, this is not the case with soft washing. So long as your roof cleaners are trained, no damage should occur to your roof during a soft wash cleaning. However, damage may occur if you hire an untrained professional and high pressure is used. It is always important to hire a professional pressure washing company that uses the correct techniques for each situation.

Final Thoughts

Roof cleaning is highly beneficial and should be done every 2-5 years depending on the type of environment you live in and the amount of shade the roof gets. It helps prevent bacteria, algae and mildew growth as well keeps the structural integrity of your roof intact. You should only have your roof cleaned by a professional in order to prevent any damage. Additionally, your curb appeal will be vibrantly enhanced if you keep your roof clean and your shingles looking new.