As a homeowner, you devote a lot of time to keeping the interior of your house clean and well-maintained. But what about your roof? When was the last time you cleaned it?
Roofs are definitely one of the trickiest parts of a property to clean. While some people may ignore their roof, believing that the leaves or snow will eventually fall off, a clean roof does more than just make the exterior of your house look tidier.
Keep reading for some tips and strategies to help keep your roof clean and in good working order all year round.
The Benefits of Keeping a Clean Roof
Here are some reasons why it’s a good idea to do seasonal and annual cleanups of your roof:
- Keep it looking nice (which is good for curb appeal and property value).
- Prevent damage to and warping of the shingles.
- Remove water accumulation, which can lead to small leaks and bigger roofing emergencies.
- Reduce the risks associated with hail storms and snowstorms.
- Keep fire hazards — like debris from your trees — from accumulating in hot, dry seasons.
- Maintain the integrity of the roof for much longer.
Also, by bringing attention to your roof on a regular basis, you’ll be able to spot issues early on. Roof leaks and damage are not only costly, they can be super disruptive to home (and even work) life.
7 Things You Can Do to Keep Your Roof Clean
Even in the best of conditions, the roof isn’t always the safest place to walk around. So we’d recommend avoiding cleaning tasks that require you to step onto your roof.
Here are some things you can do from the ground, from a well-supported ladder, or from your attic to help keep your roof clean:
1. Clear Away Your Gutters
When your gutters get clogged, they can’t carry water off of your roof to the ground below. Water accumulation can lead to roof damage and leaks. It can also put pressure on your gutters, causing them to slowly pull away from the side of your home.
Now, depending on where you live and what season it is, you might not need to clean your gutters that much. However, if you have heavy storms, winds, snowfall or hail, then it’s worth inspecting and cleaning out your gutters with the changing of the seasons.
2. Keep Your Trees Trimmed
Part of cleaning your roof includes getting rid of or securing bigger items that can cause damage to it. Tree branches are a common culprit when it comes to roof damage. Leaves and needles are also a major source of gutter clogs (as well as a fire hazard, depending on the season).
When your trees start to look unkempt, there are broken branches, or your yard is full of tree debris, make time to trim them (or schedule a pro to come do it for you). This will reduce the rubbing, scraping, and more serious damage they can cause.
3. Remove Debris from Your Yard
Trees aren’t the only source of debris. Grass trimmings and dirt should be cleaned up in a timely fashion, too.
Also, if you have loose objects scattered around your property, find some place to secure them away, especially if a storm is on the horizon. While they might seem harmless on the ground, if they get lifted up onto your roof they won’t be.
4. Clear Out Algae Growth
For this task, check both your roof as well as the attic for signs of algae, moss, or mold. This type of growth often shows up in shaded and dark areas where moisture accumulates.
Cleaning your roof and gutters won’t be a simple task and you’ll likely need to hire a professional cleaner to take care of it. Review the terms of your roof insurance and warranty first to ensure the cleaning procedure and products used won’t invalidate it.
By the way, trimming your trees and removing debris from the roof will also help prevent algae growth as it’ll expose your roof to more sunshine.
5. Remove Accumulated Snow or Ice
Even if it doesn’t snow or ice frequently where you are, it’s the amount of accumulation that matters.
The weight of snow and ice buildup may be too much for some roofs, especially if there are already weak spots in the structure. Also, melted snow and ice with nowhere to go can create real problems even if there isn’t a lot of it. All it takes is just one small crack for the melted water to start leaking in and wreaking havoc.
You don’t need to head up to the roof and clear away snow and ice with every fall. However, if there’s more accumulation than usual or you notice issues in your attic, it’s time to take action.
6. Pay Attention to Your Shingles
When you’re tending to your roof, take a glance at your shingles. You don’t need to do anything about them yourself. Also, have a look around your yard and take stock of the situation.
- Do all the shingles seem to be there?
- Can you see any cracks or peeling?
- Have you noticed shingles, nails, or other roofing materials in your yard lately?
These are all signs that your roof may need a repair in the not-so-distant future.
7. Schedule Roof Inspections
As you can see, there’s quite a bit you can do on a seasonal and annual basis to clean your roof. Some tasks, though, are better left to professionals.
Whether you’re unsure of the state of your roof or you’re already aware of some issues (like water accumulation and small leaks), a professional inspection would be helpful. You can schedule these once a year or every couple of years, depending on the age of your roof and the amount of storms it’s been through recently.
Your roofing contractor will inspect your roof, gutters, flashing, chimney, attic, and other related areas for signs of wear and tear or major damage. They can also provide you with tips on how to keep the roof clean.
Wrapping Up
Although your roof doesn’t need to be cleaned anywhere as frequently as the inside of your home, it does require some vigilance and care.
In addition to making time for the roof cleanup chores above, give yourself a reminder to call up your roofing contractor for an annual inspection. While you’ll be able to spot a number of issues while cleaning, a pro can look deeper and make sure everything looks good and safe.
Contact Foster Roofing now if you’re looking to set up a first-time inspection or if you’re experiencing a roofing emergency. There’s no time to wait!