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Best Way To Clean Shingles
Shingles are one of the most common roofing materials that you can find in the market and will usually last you 20 – 40 years before they show signs of deterioration. There are different signs of deterioration that most homeowners have to be vigilant of, but most of the time, these signs are easy to identify. One of the clearest and most common signs that you need to clean your roof is when moss and algae will start to form on your shingles.
However, the process of cleaning your shingles from algae, stains, mosses, and several other debris is easier said than done.
But before we do move in on how we can clean and maintain our shingles, we have to first look into how we can prevent these organic and fungal growths on our roofing materials.
Cleaning Moss And Algae
If you’re living in colder regions of the United States like in New York, Idaho, Maine, Wyoming, and Vermont, you’ll notice that there will be darkest stains on some of the older parts of your roofing materials. These stains are usually mistaken as mildews but are a form of algae that are feasting on the mineral and nutrient-rich body of your shingles. After a few months, these algae can compromise the integrity of your roof. As such, it’s best to clean off any signs of algae and moss of your roof.
Keep Your Shingles Dry
The formation of mosses and algae on your roof is heavily influenced by the amount of water and moisture that seeps inside your roof’s interiors. If moisture gets inside your roof and is trapped, this could easily lead to the formation of algae. In more serious situations, mosses can be an extreme form of algae. For asphalt shingles, moss can easily damage this roofing material which can make it susceptible to strong winds.
As such, it’s best to keep a close eye on your ceiling if you do find any ‘sweating’ since this is a clear sign that water and moisture are trapped in your roof’s interiors.
Laundry Strength Chlorine
One of the most effective DIY methods on cleaning off moss and other organic growths on your roof is through the use of laundry-grade chlorine and water. A potent 50% mixture of chlorine can easily melt off moss and algae off your shingles when left there for 15 – 20 minutes. It’s highly advised that homeowners use a low-pressure washer instead of a high-pressure washer.
Contrary to popular belief, it is highly not advised on using a pressure washer to clean your asphalt shingles. The high-pressure impact of the water from pressure washers can easily cause damage to your shingles and erode it.
Preventing the Formation Of Stains And Damages
Preventing any stains from forming on your roof is always a better choice than having to use hundreds of dollars worth of cleaning chemicals and tools. With just a few simple practices and steps, we’ll be able to make sure that our shingles are kept in a pristine condition.
Trimming Your Foliage
If you’re living in a home that’s situated in a heavily-wooded area or there’s just simply a lot of trees surrounding your home, then you’ll notice that leaves, branches, and other forms of debris will fall directly on your roof. Not only will this disrupt on how water is being shed from your roof, but this will also damage your shingles with high-level impacts.
Trimming the canopy of your trees that are within the vicinity of your roof can mitigate any potential leaks and water damages.
Blow off Debris
Homeowners should make it a habit to clean their roofs every season. In most cases, dead leaves are quite common during fall. Additionally, snow can easily accumulate on your roof which can increase the chances of ice dams forming which can then lead to leaks and trapped moisture.
Clearing Your Gutter System
A clogged gutter system can easily cause more harm than good. Fallen leave, branches, fruits, and other forms of debris might make it hard for water to be disposed of in the right places. As such, clearing up your roof’s gutter ways can help keep your shingles and your home’s foundations dry, thereby decreasing the chances of mosses from forming.
Hiring a Roofing Contractor
Face it, it’s always the most rational choice to hire a professional roofing contractor to work on your roof. Professional roofers with years of experience will surely have the safety equipment to clean off your roof of any debris and stains in just a day or two. By commissioning the services of a professional, you are freeing up time for yourself so you can focus on more pressing matters in your personal life. Moreover, having a roofing specialist work on your roof can mitigate any chances of accidents happening.
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