The roof is one of the most important parts of your home. It protects everything inside it, including your family. Over time, debris can build up on your roof, including dirt, marks, growths, and stains. This can lead to severe damage. Moss is an especially serious issue that needs to be killed off regularly. This can be done through a soft wash using low-pressure and Summerville Roof Cleaning products.
Process
A roof can be a challenging and labor-intensive part of a home’s exterior, but keeping it clean will not only improve its appearance but also prolong its lifespan. Over time, dirt and organic material such as moss, algae, and mildew can weaken the surface of the shingles and lead to leaks. A thorough cleaning of the roof can remove these contaminants, allowing the homeowner to file and process any necessary warranty claims.
A common sign that a roof needs to be cleaned is the appearance of black streaks, often caused by Gloeocapsa magma. This hardy form of blue-green algae feeds on the limestone in shingle surfaces, causing them to deteriorate and darken over time. It is particularly prone to growing on shaded parts of the roof and in damp areas. Left unchecked, it can degrade the structure of a roof, resulting in costly damage and premature replacement.
Other signs that a roof is in need of a cleaning include the presence of mold, lichens, and moss. These fungi retain moisture, which can damage the roof and allow water to penetrate the structure of the house, causing damage and potential health complications for the residents. Additionally, a buildup of these organisms can attract pests such as hornets and birds, which will nest in the gutters and possibly enter the house, causing further damage.
High-pressure washing involves directing water at a high rate of pressure (1,000 to 2,800 pounds per square inch, or psi) and blasting away debris, dirt, and organic growth. This method is effective, but it can be damaging to most roofing materials, stripping the granules off of shingles and voiding some roof warranties.
A soft wash is a more gentle cleaning method that uses low-pressure water and a detergent to remove stains and kill mold, algae, moss, and mildew. This method is also less damaging to most roofing materials and is safer for plants and pets. Additionally, it is easier to clean nooks and crannies that are usually inaccessible with a traditional hose or power washer. A soft wash can also be used to remove oxidation from metal roofs.
Cost
Having your roof cleaned can help prevent damage to the structure and lower your insurance rates. It can also protect your home’s siding and foundation from water damage. Regular cleaning can also help remove moss, mildew, algae, and other debris that builds up over time. These buildups can cause leaks and other problems that could lead to expensive repairs.
Roof cleaning prices can vary widely based on the size and style of your roof. Steep roofs require more effort and safety equipment to clean and can cost up to $0.15 per square foot more than a flat or low-pitch roof. Multistory houses add $0.10 to $0.15 per square foot as well.
The type of cleaning solution used also affects prices. Chemical washes are generally less expensive at $0.20 to $0.30 per square foot and kill moss, mold, and other living organisms. A soft wash, which is a gentler option than power washing and uses pressures below 1,000 psi, costs between $0.30 and $0.70 per square foot.
Stain removal is usually the most expensive element of a roof cleaning, especially with stubborn or deep stains. These often require extra scrubbing or chemicals to break down. Thick moss or mildew can pull at shingles and tiles, causing them to loosen or lift from their connectors. This can result in shingle and tile loss, which adds to the overall cost of a roof cleaning.
Many professional cleaners offer a preventative treatment after the roof has been washed to reduce the risk of future buildup. This is usually an additional cost that can range from $150 to $350.
Regular cleaning of a roof can also help keep the gutters free of debris that can clog them and spill over the sides of your house. This can damage the gutters, exterior walls, and windows, and may even cause flooding in your basement. This is why it’s important to get your roof regularly cleaned, especially in areas with frequent rain.
Equipment
The type of equipment used to clean a roof can have a huge impact on the results and how long they last. Traditionally, roof cleaners have been made from a combination of chlorine bleach and a variety of other ingredients. These haphazard chemical concoctions can be extremely hazardous to the environment, and they also lack consistency and reliability. This is why it’s important to choose a cleaner with an eco-friendly formula. These cleaners will break down dirt and algae without releasing dangerous chemicals into the atmosphere.
Some roof cleaners also have the ability to protect your exterior surfaces from future damage. This is especially true of the Roof-A-Cide Treatment, which is engineered to keep mold and mildew from growing on your roof in the future. While other roof cleaning products may simply remove the existing fungus, Roof-A-Cide actually creates an invisible barrier that will prevent new growth from taking hold. This is a major difference that can save you money over the long run.
If you want to get the best results possible, make sure that the cleaner you choose is compatible with your pressure washer. Different cleaners can affect the performance of your pressure washer, so be sure to test it on a small section of your roof before you use it on a full-sized surface. Some cleaners are also suitable for use with other exterior surface types, including concrete and cedar.
Another consideration is how safe the cleaner is for children, plants and pets. Some cleaners have strong chemical and bleach compounds that can be very damaging to the skin and eyes. In addition, these chemicals can be absorbed into the soil and water supply. To avoid these risks, choose a cleaner that is safe for the environment and family pets.
A professional roof cleaning company will be able to recommend the right product for your particular roofing material. In addition, they should be able to provide tips on how to maintain your roof after it is cleaned.
Adding a roof cleaning service to your business can be very profitable, as homeowners and businesses are always looking for ways to improve the appearance of their property. This is a great way to attract new customers and increase revenue, so be sure to promote it to your potential clients!
Insurance
When searching for a roof cleaning company, you should always look into their insurance coverage. Many companies claim to be fully insured, but a quick search may reveal that this is not true. It is important to find a company that has workers’ compensation and general liability insurance coverage. This will protect you if an employee is injured while working on your home’s roof.
This type of work is dangerous, and it only takes one slip to end up in the hospital with a back injury, traumatic brain injury, or something more serious. In addition, the bleach-based cleaners used in roof cleaning can damage your lawn and other outdoor landscaping. It is best to find a company that uses eco-friendly, non-pressure methods to clean your roof.
In addition, roof cleaning is a good way to keep pests out of your home. This includes hornets, bees, and other insects that can cause expensive damage to your home’s exterior. A well-maintained roof will also prolong the life of your asphalt shingle roofing.
A dirty roof will make your house more attractive to pests, and it can even cause your insurance company to void your policy. It is important to regularly clean your roof to prevent the build-up of dirt, grime, and algae.
When an insurance inspector inspects your home, he or she will be looking for signs of a dirty roof, including dark staining, moss, and lichen. These stains can cause damage to the roof and shingles, as well as cause a roof leak. If the moss or lichen is airborne, it can be inhaled and cause irritation to the nose, throat, and eyes.
The spores of fungi and mold can be toxic if they are inhaled or ingested, and the health risks for homeowners are significant. Having these stains on your roof can lead to the cancellation of your homeowner’s insurance, as well as other health problems. Keeping your roof clean will help to maintain the value of your property and improve indoor air quality. You can also save on heating and cooling bills by lowering your energy use, and you can also avoid the expense of having to replace your roof.