DIY: How To Clean Your Roof

The exterior of your house is the first thing that people see when they visit your home so making sure that your roof is clean is particularly important. However, it’s not just aesthetic purposes that make cleaning your roof so crucial, it’s also vital in order to prevent damage. In this blog, we discuss the implications of having algae and moss on your roof and outline how to clean your roof to prevent weaknesses from occurring.

Prevention

In order to keep your roof free from moss, algae or rot, it’s best not to let it get too dirty in the first place. This can be accomplished by regularly hosing down your roof. By doing this, you get rid of all of the dust and debris that may have collected before it can create any structural damage. Weaknesses in your roof can occur when an accumulation of debris traps moisture underneath it and encourages the growth of algae.

Algae

Algae appears as black stains and streaks on your roof, similar to the appearance of mould. It usually emerges in humid weather and is typically found on roofs built from wood or asphalt shingles. Algae retains moisture and so it can result in the shingles rotting entirely. In terms of how to clean your roof to prevent this deterioration, it’s a good idea to cut away any trees that are touching your roof to minimise the chance of algae growing. Similarly, scrubbing algae away with soap and water is a preferred method of cleaning your roof because using a power washer can actually cause the roof to be destroyed further.

Moss

Having moss on your roof can cause various problems, from the rotting of the entire roof to the blocking of drainage systems. Moss is often likened to a sponge due to its absorption of large amounts of moisture and this can result in constant damp on your roof. Therefore, unlike the cleaning of algae, cleaning moss away from your roof is best done with a pressure washer. Typically, a dirt blaster is the easiest way of cleaning your roof in this situation as it also gets rid of any build-up of residue, without causing any extra damage.

Rot

If your roof begins to rot, this not only looks unattractive – it can also become a serious danger to your property. If you spot the signs of rot, it’s best to get it sorted as soon as possible. Key signs that your roof is beginning to rot include visible water damage on your ceilings and excessive mould growth. In this situation, the best idea is to get some professional help. While cleaning your own roof without assistance is fine, repairing it can prove to be more challenging without guidance.

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