Your roof is an integral component of your home and should be cared for accordingly to prevent damage that requires costly repairs or even complete replacement. Without proper care and cleaning, its condition could deteriorate rapidly leading to costly repairs or even full roof replacement in the near future.
If you do decide to clean your roof yourself, use appropriate safety materials. Shoes with non-slip soles as well as safety goggles and thick gloves are key components of ensuring safe results.
Debris Removal
Removal of debris is an integral component of both regular maintenance and disaster response efforts, clearing a path for cleaning crews and other workers who will be rebuilding or restoring affected areas.
Debris is any material from tree limbs and household goods to asbestos or lead paint that becomes trash.
As part of your efforts to maintain your roof and home, clearing away debris is an integral component of protecting them against damage. Removing trash should be completed at least twice annually as part of preventive maintenance measures.
Brooms can be useful tools in clearing off light debris from roofs, while leaf blowers should be employed for heavier debris removal. Take the necessary safety precautions when clearing away roof debris such as choosing an appropriate day and using safe tools.
Algae Removal
Algae growth on roofs is one of the most prevalent problems, compromising not only your appearance but also causing material damage and lasting deterioration to its materials.
Maintaining your roof on a regular basis and clearing away moss and algae accumulation are both key parts of keeping it looking its best. In order to do this effectively, keep branches trimmed back from touching it, while clearing away debris as soon as it accumulates.
This is especially important if you live in a humid climate.
As soon as the sun dries the morning dew and rainfall, spores of algae begin to settle on your roof and spread quickly across homes and structures nearby.
A great way to remove algae from your roof is through spraying a mixture of household bleach and water; however, high-pressure power washers should not be used as they could potentially cause extensive damage.
Moss Removal
If moss is an issue on your roof, there are numerous solutions to remove it, from physical removal to chemical treatments or installing zinc strips along its ridges.
Step one of removing moss requires brushing loose material from your roof shingles using a long-handled soft-bristle brush with light pressure applied.
Too much pressure applied to the roof can damage its shingles, shortening their lifespan significantly and creating an unstable surface which makes walking on it dangerous.
Moss should only be removed from your roof during periods of dry and sunny weather to protect its granular layer and avoid further damage to shingles. Avoid using high-powered air cleaners or pressure washers as this could damage them permanently and accelerate granular loss over time.
Animal Removal
Animals that gain entry onto your roof can cause numerous issues. Raccoons and squirrels, for instance, can tear open your roof to allow rainwater and snow to enter and damage it further.
These animals also create dens, burrows and tunnels underneath your home that can be very destructive as well as pose health risks.
Animal droppings in your home can be extremely hazardous, particularly if you have young children or pets. Animal feces contain bacteria which can spread disease and compromise the integrity of your structure.
Animals living in your attic can make it more challenging to clean and maintain its insulation, making cleaning difficult as they urinate on it, defecate on it or eat it, which reduces its effectiveness significantly and leaves an unpleasant odor that poses health hazards to your family.
