Do You Need Your Roof Cleaned?
Chelsea O'Donnell
Do you see black, streaky stains on your roof? Is mold or moss starting to spread across your shingles? If these issues are creeping up on you, a roof cleaning might be just what you need to maintain the health and aesthetic of your home.
Stains on a roof are generally algae, which gets carried by wind or birds from roof to roof, and may not be visible until there is enough moisture, heat, and humidity for it to grow and spread. Homes that aren’t properly insulated and ventilated are also susceptible to the problem because they retain moisture a lot more than houses with proper airflow.
If you’re worried that your stained or moss-covered roof is doomed, don’t panic just yet. While too much moisture is a major problem that needs to be dealt with, algae that is deposited externally from the elements can be removed with a simple cleaning. That being said, the first thing you want to do is find out if your issue is cosmetic or something more serious.
Ideally, I recommend that a homeowner gets a roof inspection at least once a year and the late spring is one of the best times to do it. During an inspection, a roofing professional will check the entire surface area for shingle deterioration or damage, cracking around the flashing, and will also ensure that water is draining properly through the gutters and downspouts. Something as simple as debris build-up can void the warranty of a roof, so it’s well worth having an expert come and take a look. They will be able to tell you if your stains are something that can be taken care of with simple cleaning or if there is a bigger picture issue.
To get rid of discoloration, mold, and mildew, we use a professional roof cleaner that adheres to the growth but doesn’t harm the roof or any vegetation below it. A roof cleaning takes a few hours depending on the size of the area and one application does the job without the need for pressure washing which can damage the shingles.
Working on a roof is a very dangerous job and I never recommend for a homeowner to do a task like this themselves unless they are very comfortable on a ladder and with heights. No home maintenance task is worth a trip to the emergency room.
Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.