Consequences of Not Roof Cleaning 

Keeping up with regular roof cleaning can help keep your home looking attractive. But it’s important to take the proper safety precautions before you start cleaning. Dirty and stained roofs not only look bad but can lead to damage to the structure of your home. This is because growth contaminants like moss, algae and mold thrive under humid conditions.

Pests

In addition to the fact that moss, algae and lichen detract from your roof’s appearance, they can also weaken it. This can lead to shingles becoming loose and eventually leaking into the building structure. Getting rid of these organisms helps to keep those living in the property healthy and saves on costly roof repairs in the future.

Roof Cleaning

Roof Cleaning

Termites, for example, are attracted to rotting wood and can easily chew through the trusses, beams and rafters of your home. This can cause severe damage and may require a total roof replacement. Similarly, bees and wasps are attracted to empty holes in the roof and will build hives that can become very heavy, causing damage and blocking vents. This not only affects your roof’s structure but also causes a health issue as the hives can produce a fungus that, when inhaled, can result in serious lung infections.

Deterioration

While a clean roof is important for aesthetic reasons, it’s also essential to preserve the structure of your home. Over time, excessive mold build-up can weaken shingles and cause further damage. Additionally, allergens from the mold can affect the health of people inside the house. This can lead to respiratory problems, especially for young children and elderly family members.

Those trails of dark stains running down your roof aren’t just dirt – they’re the result of an algae known as Gloeocapsa magma. This algae forms a dark pigmented sheath over the roof to protect itself from the sun’s rays. It’s more common in warmer, wetter climates.

Regular roof washing with non-abrasive cleaners can help prevent this deterioration by removing the algae and other debris. It’s also advisable to keep trees and shrubs trimmed so that they don’t block the roof or encourage moss or lichen growth.

Water Damage

The roof is one of the most important aspects of any home. It is constantly exposed to the elements and needs TLC to remain safe, strong and effective. Cleaning the roof regularly is a necessary maintenance task that is often neglected by homeowners. However, not completing this task can lead to serious consequences for your home and its structure.

Dirty roofs trap moisture that can rot and soften wood fascia boards, shingles, and walls. This will lead to costly water damage that can cause the need for pricey repairs and replacements throughout your home.

Roof Cleaning

Roof Cleaning

Not only does a dirty roof look unsightly, it can also affect the appearance of your property and decrease its value. Furthermore, a dirty roof can attract pests like termites and carpenter ants that can destroy the integrity of your building. These pests will seek shelter in crevices where moss and algae are growing. If you are not comfortable climbing on your roof and using chemicals or pressure washers to remove these organisms, you can hire a professional.

Health Issues

The dark spots and streaks that appear on roofs when they are not cleaned can be caused by a build-up of organic materials like moss, algae or lichen. These can eat away at the wood and shingles and cause them to weaken or fall off. The resulting holes can allow rain, insects or other elements to get in, which can damage or destroy the interior of the building and can lead to a lot of expense in repairs.

When left unchecked, a dirty roof can encourage the growth of mold and mildew. This can cause many health issues including sneezing, itchy eyes and throat, wheezing and even lung infections. Mold spores can be particularly dangerous for children, babies and elderly people or anyone with compromised immune systems.

Regularly cleaning a roof with the help of professional cleaners can ensure that it is in good condition and prevents expensive problems in the future. It can also extend the lifespan of a roof and save the owner a lot of money in the long run.

2585 Shadywood Rd, Shorewood, MN 55331
(612) 770-8221