Roofs are an absolutely critical piece of our homes. They protect us from the elements, keep out unwanted debris, and ensure that no critters enter our properties.
Since roofs do so much for us, they can also get pretty darn dirty in the process. Did you know that you should regularly wash your roof? Most brand-new homeowners tend to overlook this task and undervalue its importance. Neglecting your roof is not only unsightly, but it can also cause significant damage to it. For example, letting mold and rot build up over time can strip your shingles of their protective oils—causing them to warp and crack in the sun.
Things That Can Damage Your Roof
- Moss, lichen, algae, and mildew
- Wood rot
- Rainwater leakage
- Dirt, soot, and other organic debris
- Bird droppings
But wait, there is hope in sight – Regular maintenance and cleaning can prolong the lifespan of your roof for up to five years!
Although regular cleaning can feel like a chore, it will certainly be worthwhile. Read on to find out how often you should clean your roof, why you should hire an expert and other roof washing basics.
How Often Should I Wash My Roof?
There are many factors that contribute to how often you will need to clean your roof. Since every home is different, there is no one size fits all answer to this question. However, understanding what things DO affect our roofs, will give us a rough estimate on how often we should clean them.
The amount of rainfall you experience throughout the year, the number of trees you have in your yard, whether your home is well shaded or not, and the type of roofing you have can all play a role in how often you will need to clean your roof. For example, if you live in an area that experiences a lot of rainfall, plus your home is surrounded by multiple, large trees, it is likely that leaves, twigs, and branches will build up in your roof and gutters. Additionally, if the trees don’t allow for much sunlight to reach your roof, it is likely that rainwater will have a tough time evaporating and can cause moss and mildew to grow and spread. If this is you, you may need to clean your roof at least twice a year.
Can I Do It on My Own?
Trying to wash your roof by yourself might seem like a quick, easy, and cheap option. However, roof washing is a job best suited for professionals. If you try to wash the roof by yourself, you run the risk of serious injury or damaging the roof. You may also kill plants or trees near or below the roof with the chemicals in the wash. Hiring a professional roof washer ensures that the job is done right the first time.
Hiring a Professional Roof Contractor
There are many reasons why hiring a professional might be a better alternative than doing it on your own. Doing it on your own is dangerous and risky. Plus, it’s unlikely that you have all the right supplies or the time to do it. Gathering supplies, properly prepping the area, and washing your roof can be quite time-consuming.
Also, if your roof is in pretty bad shape, it’s best to call someone with experience. They will know exactly how strong the solution needs to be and they will have any additional tools that may be needed to give the roof a good scrub.
Another reason to hire a professional would be if you are afraid of heights or if your roof is particularly dangerous to climb (has very steep slants or multiple levels). It’s important to know that climbing your roof is always a dangerous job. If you feel unsure in any way, please contact an experienced contractor or company for help.
What to look for in a roofing contractor
When deciding which roofing contractor you want to work with, there are numerous factors that need to be considered. First off, since you are washing your roof, you need to make sure that your contractor offers that service. Many contractors offer roof repair and construction services but leave out the maintenance and upkeep that comes with regular washing.
Once you find one that offers roof washing services, it’s best to check for reviews. Ask family, friends, and neighbors if they have heard of the contractor and get their thoughts on the contractor’s work. Ask social media or review the contractor’s own social media page. Check out other online reviews and ranking pages to see if there are any concerning remarks.
Ideally, you will be able to identify a few contractors worth looking more into. Once you have them, give them a call and request a free quote. Make sure to list everything that is included in their package and make sure to ask whether they offer discounts for repeat customers. Compare quotes to ensure that you are getting the best deal.
Don’t take a gamble on one of your most valuable possessions and get an experienced professional to do the job. A & J Reliable has been the most consistent and highly rated roofing contractor in the Tri-State area for over 40 years. Call or click today to learn how we make the contracting process stress-free.
