Can a roof be cleaned?
Yes roofs can be cleaned, and yes, it’s a real thing. Roof cleaning may actually be a wise investment to prolong the life of your roof. Overgrowth of moss, grime, lichen or algae can all shorten the life of your roof. If you have black streaks growing on your roof, they are likely caused by gloeocapsa magma algae spores that have landed on your roof and taken up residence. Once the algae has grown into streaks, the organism has usually been growing for several months and it’s high time to have it removed. If you live in a rainy part of the country, such as the Pacific Northwest, there’s a good chance you’ll find moss growing on your roof at some point. The northern part of your roof, as well as any parts that remain shaded all day, will provide a wet, cool haven for moss to flourish. Unfortunately this water-absorbing moss can damage your shingle roof, leading to rot if not removed. Beyond roof health and function, a clean roof can boost your curb appeal and potentially boost your home’s resale value. The national average for roof cleaning costs ranges between $270 and $350, although prices can be higher depending on how large your roof is, how steep your roof is, and what type of cleaning is necessary. Typically pros use either a pressure wash or chemical wash (made with a concentrated bleach solution) to remove algae, lichen, moss and dirt.
What surfaces can be cleaned with a pressure washer?
You can safely use a pressure washer on a number of different surfaces, including your home’s exterior, siding, driveways, rooftops, sidewalks, patios and more.
It can also be used to clean grills, outdoor furniture, cars and trucks, boats, bikes, fences and decks. You can generally clean any hard outdoor walking surface, including asphalt, concrete, brick and pavers with a pressure washer.
However, it’s possible to damage your property — especially wood and vinyl surfaces — if you don’t use the pressure washer correctly. Consider hiring a top-rated pressure washing service near you if you don’t have experience using the equipment and selecting the correct PSI.
Why do I need to clean my roof?
Over time, algae, moss, lichen, dirt and even salt (if you’re near the ocean) can build up on your roof. These buildups can affect the look and function of your roof unless removed. The buildup of organic materials such as moss on a shingle roof can prevent water from sloughing off as it normally would. Trapped water can rot the roof or cause early deterioration of your shingles. Even if you don’t have a shingle roof, moss and lichen absorb water, and that wet material adds weight and stress to your roof — as well as providing a home for insects and other pests, and collecting dirt. For reflective, cool roofs that redirect heat away from the home, algae and moss growths can hamper their ability to deflect the sun, which can affect utility bills. Visually, moss, dirt and algae growths on a roof can have a negative effect on perceived home value and curb appeal. For example, black algae streaks on your roof may cause a potential homebuyer to assume that the roof might need repair or replacement, when it only needs to be cleaned.
Is it worth it to hire a roofer?
There are several reasons why it’s worth it to hire a professional roofer instead of attempting it yourself. The first is safety. Roofing is inherently dangerous, as a fall from a roof could seriously injure or kill you. Roofers have specialized equipment and training to help prevent accidents.
Next is experience. Roofers know how to spot problems (leaks, missing shingles, moss or mold growth, etc.) in your roof that could potentially save you from costly repairs down the road.
And finally, roofers save you time by getting the job done quickly and with a high degree of quality.
