The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association says (ARMA), Roof cleaning: Algae thrive in damp environments, such as on rooftops. Birds and wind carry the spores to the roof, where they begin to grow. However, if you find fuzzy green patches on your roof, moss is most likely growing on you. Moss thrives in areas with both shade and moisture.
- What should you do if you notice moss or algae growing on your roof?
- Is it necessary to clean the roof, or is it better to leave it alone?
While gazing at the top of your house, you see that part of the shingles has developed an unsightly black growth. That’s what I’m asking.
- A fungus or soil that found its way up there somehow?
- Is it required to clean the roof?
That mysterious slime is most likely algae.
How Difficult Is It To Clean A Roof?
When doing a roof cleaning, the goal is to eradicate any algae or moss that has grown on the surface. Moss and algae spores can be killed with chlorine bleach, the same stuff you use to whiten clothes or scrub the toilet.
To clean a roof, the ARMA suggests mixing bleach and water in a 1:1 ratio. They also warn against using a power washer on asphalt shingles since the force of the water can damage them.
The bleach solution should rest on the roof for up to 20 minutes before being washed with clean water. Any leftover algae on the roof should be washed away by a few rainstorms. If there is any moss on your roof after cleaning it, they may use a leaf blower to get it off.
The Advantages And Disadvantages Are As Follows:
Roof cleaning can help to extend the life of shingles or other roofing materials by removing debris. The Asphalt Shingle Manufacturers Association (ARMA) claims algae aren’t detrimental to asphalt shingles, but moss is.
Moss can cause the shingles’ edges to curl upward, increasing the likelihood that they will be blown off the roof in high winds. Even though algae will not hurt your shingles, it might have a detrimental impact on their appearance and functionality. This is especially true if your home has an excellent or reflecting roof.
The reflecting characteristics of the roof will be harmed by black algae growth. Roof cleaning has the disadvantage of being time-consuming. To destroy the algae or moss, you may have to climb up on your roof and spray it with water or use a chemical cleaning.
Thank goodness the National Roofing Contractors Association says that cleaning your roof is not something you should attempt to do on your own. Leave the roof cleaning to the experts. Cleaning your roof might also damage any nearby plants because the cleaning agent (often bleach) can defoliate the leaves and stems of the plants. Before washing your roof, any adjacent plants should be watered and covered by your roofing professional to protect them from chemical exposure.
Roof Replacement Or Cleaning: Which Is Better For You?
If you glance at your roof and believe it needs some TLC. It may simply be dirty and in need of a good cleaning. When algae and moss accumulate on a roof. It can show that the shingles are in worse shape than they are.
A licensed roofing contractor can come out and look at your roof and give you an assessment of its health. Cleaning is the best solution, so if you ask them, they can either do it themselves or connect you to a reliable roof cleaning business.
If your roof does need to be replaced, your contractor can recommend copper or another algae-repellent substance. A roofer can also offer advice on maintaining your roof clean and how often to get cleanings done.
Call Affordable Roofing MD at (301) 756 1753 if you need roof installation or repair from a Certified roofing company. Please get in touch with us as soon as possible for a free estimate!