Four Signs You Need A Roof Cleaning

When you think about what parts of your home you need to clean first, your roof is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. It's so high up there that it's sort of "out of sight, out of mind"- most people don't ponder their roof every day. However, it's worth looking up and paying attention to what your roof is telling you. Organic growth, debris, and dirt can lead to serious damage to your roofing materials if left to fester and settle in.

Roof cleaning isn't something you need to worry about every weekend or even every month. Most homes only need a roof cleaning done once or twice a year. However, certain telltale signs can clue you into whether or not it's time to book that cleaning now. If you notice any of the following signs on your roof, don't delay- call KNB Exteriors and ask about our roof cleaning service at 410-565-2580. Your trusted Annapolis pressure washing pros are always glad to be of service.

1. Leaves And Debris

Most of the time, when debris such as leaves or small twigs fall to our roof, they slide off towards the eaves and gutters, where they either fall off the roof or are cleaned out of the gutters. Sometimes though, some debris can become trapped in tight angles or on shallow slopes. This is a problem because the mounds of debris absorb moisture and begin to decay. This leads to potential water and mold damage- bad news for your roof!

2. Lichen And Moss

Lichen and moss are bad news. They root into your shingles, slowly breaking them down and crumbling them. They attract dirt, trap tons of moisture, and can shield mold growth from the sun, allowing further damage to harm your roof. These growths should not be recklessly removed by hand, as doing so can tear up your roof- a pressure washing or roof cleaning specialist will treat them with an antimicrobial detergent, and then very carefully use soft washing and maybe some very gentle manual cleaning to dislodge the dead growths.

3. Large, Black Stains With A Streaky Appearance

These kinds of stains are the number one tell that your roof is growing black algae. Black algae eats through limestone, which asphalt shingles contain a lot of. This leaves your roof vulnerable to sun damage, absorbing excess heat and making your shingles breakable and weak. Algae, if exposed to fungi spores, can also turn into lichen! Once again, a soft washing expert will easily be able to kill and purge these growths with a mild detergent.

4. Dirt, Pollen, And General Mess

High winds and strong storms can blow all kinds of debris up to your roof. Dirt and grime have no business on your roof. They mess with your visual appeal and can further promote mold and algae growth. Sometimes your roof just needs a simple clean-up to look its absolute best!