The Truth About Roof Cleaning

Your roof is easily one of, if not the most important parts of your home. However, the roof is often the most neglected surface on your property when it comes to cleaning. Algae, mold, mildew and even the dirt on your roof is causing damage. Even worse, this damage is occurring before you can even see it! So why is it such a neglected chore? Because it is a serious pain in the “you know what” to clean. But, before you grab the hose and pull out the ladder, keep reading to find out the most important things you need to know about roof cleaning. Let’s get into the importance of roof washing, and I’m not talking about curb appeal. 

Here are the 6 things you must know about roof cleaning;

• Soft Wash, Soft Wash and Soft WasH
• Roof cleaning is not a DIY job
• A dirty roof is not just ugly, it’s causing serious damage
• Those dark streaks are not good
• DO NOT USE A SURFACE CLEANER!
• Consider it a necessary investment

These are not the only things you should know about roof cleaning, but they are definitely the most important. Roof washing is more of the most risky surfaces to power wash. Personal injury and serious damage are both common results when attempting to power wash a residential roof. Please if nothing else, always understand the dangers of power washing, learn what to do and prepare ahead of time.

Soft Wash Roof Cleaning

You may be wondering, what the heck is soft washing? Soft washing is a term used in the power washing industry that uses low water pressure combined with a cleaning detergent. The water will be just slightly stronger than a garden hose equipped with a spray nozzle. This process prevents damaging a sensitive surface while still achieving the optimal results.

Check out our previous article to learn more about power washing terms and the process.

Soft Wash is not just an option when it comes to roof cleaning, it is the only option. The majority of roofs in the Monmouth County area are asphalt shingles. If you have ever touched an asphalt shingle roof, you can feel how delicate it is. If low pressure isn’t used, the water will chew right through those shingles. Furthermore, this water can damage the shingles and even the plywood underneath without you even noticing. 

This soft washing technique will rid your roof of any mold, dirt, moss or more without risking damage. Any other pressure will almost guarantee a poor result and possibly water penetrating under your roof shingles.

Roof Washing Is Not a DIY Job

Roof cleaning is very far from just spraying some water on the roof with a hose. It is also a lot more complicated than buying, renting or borrowing a power washing and getting to work. This is not just my opinion because I want you to hire us. There are many reasons why you should not power wash your own roof if you want optimal results, here are just some of them:

• Climbing and walking around on a roof is dangerous
• Balancing on a ladder while utilizing a power washer is also dangerous
• The wrong water angle will result in loose nails, splatter and water damage
• The wrong water  pressure will COMPLETELY destroy your roof
• Risk v Reward
• The wrong detergent can cause fading or weaken the shingles

Check out this previous article covering Professional Power Washing v D.I.Y.

Moss, Mold and Algae are not just ugly

The three M’s are not good in any situation. Moss, Mildew and Mold and the enemy when it comes to residential surfaces. You can also add algae to that list. These contaminants are living things and they hold onto moisture. This will not only promote the growth of the organisms, but will keep your roof moist. Moisture causes asphalt shingles to soften. This will cause them to deteriorate at a faster rate causing water leaks and a shorter life span of your roof.

These organisms will not clean themselves, they will not disappear and they will cause damage. Even worse, there is a possibility that they can spread under the shingles, not just on top of them. The worst part about these contaminants, the damage is starting before you can even see it growing so time is of the essence. 

These growth contaminants strive under humided and lack of sunlight. If you roof is shaded by trees, or the angle of the sun, you will need a roof cleaning more often than others. Furthermore, if you reside in a humid area, this too will cause the three M’s to grow faster. 

What about dirt, leaves and other things that fall on my roof? Although these are not as dangerous as the aforementioned growth, they still need to go. Mold and mildew can grow on leaves before they even land on your roof, that’s a free taxi ride to a nice cozy landing spot. Dirt, salt and sand can cause the granules on your shingles to deteriorate and slowly compromise the integrity of the roof shingles. 

Even worse, all of these will cause clogging in your gutters. Although that is another topic, a clogged gutter will DESTROY your home over time in many different ways.

Check out this previous article about the Importance of Gutter Cleaning.

What are the Dark Streaks on my Roof?

Those streaks spreading across your roof are not exactly damaging your roof the same way but it is still not good. Although these streaks are more of an aesthetic problem, it is actually a form of algae, specifically Gloeocapsa magma. This algae actually feeds off of the limestone within the shingles. As it spreads, it continues to eat the limestone, this is what causes the streaking appearance. 

This form of algae is more common in humid areas, especially northern facing roofs. This is especially prevalent in Monmouth County, New Jersey given the often humid climate we have. 

Although this is more of an aesthetic issue, this algae can also trap moisture and cause premature aging. Once the streaks are present, you have two options. Re-shingle the roof or power wash them with soft washing. If you are going to replace your entire roof, they do make algae-resistant shingles, although I do not know how well they work.

Never Use a Surface Cleaner on Your Roof

I am yet to understand why surface cleaners are used on roofs, especially by professionals. Although surface cleaners utilize low pressure similar to soft wash, it will damage your roof. Surface Cleaners are a tool which connects to the nozzle of a power washing wand. It forces the water to spread across a surface much faster and will complete a job much quicker. Most of these also have small brushes which rub against the surface which can assist in the cleaning process. The combination of the water and brushes will scrap the granulars off of your roof’s shingles and shorten their lifespan considerably. 

Cleaning your roof is not a job which should be rushed due to the amount of things that can either cause damage or injury. Imagine attempting to control the below pictured surface cleaner, on a roof, with water spraying around. Please, just don’t do it, it is not worth the many risks associated with roof cleaning and will not complete the job any better, it will be worse. 

Roof Cleaning is a Necessary Investment

If you need me to explain why roof cleaning is important, you have not been reading this article. However, I will break it down quickly and remind you why roof washing is a must.  Your roof is obviously an essential part of your home, so take care of it. Algae, mold and moss will destroy it over time and shorten your roofs lifespan substantially. Monmouth County, New Jersey has a great climate to promote the growth of moss, mildew and algae on a roof.

Roof Cleaning is not the cheapest power washing service but it is probably the most important. You spent a lot of money on that roof and you want it to last as long as possible. Just think, you clean the inside of your home all the time, why not take care of the outside as well?

Still thinking of cleaning your own roof? Check out this article first, Professional v DIY Power Washing.