Tuesday, September 27, 2016

How to properly clean your roof


What is the point of cleaning your roof?


During the time mold, moss, algae and mildew might cover segments of your rooftop. If that happens, roof cleaning will be needed since it can lead to serious roof damage that will require costly repairs. On the market exist contractor who are ready to remove debris, snow, tree, branches from your rooftop. Even some contractors are ready to remove everything that might damage a roof from your roofing system.

In most cases individuals clean their roof for two reasons. Of course obvious one is that they want their rooftop to be more appealing, and other one is to keep your roof healthy and in good condition. Simply by cleaning your tiles, shingles and sheets will prolong your roofs life span, and eventually save you money and nerves.

Roof cleaning cost

Price that you are going to pay for roof cleaning is different from area to area. Cost is calculated on the height and size of your house that is require to fully clean your roof. On average cleaning costs around between $450 and 2000$. While that might seem a lot, keep in mind that is only a small portion of what you would pay for a major roof repair or replacement.

Curb Appeal

Just by cleaning your roof, your old roof can be brought back to life. This simple action can boost your home’s look or business. Best feeling about it, you aren’t required to replace your roof. If you are trying to sell your property a single roof cleaning can immensely improve and boost your house’s value. By cleaning roof every two years you can preserve the appearance of your home and in the end save a lot of money on roof repair.

Preventing damage

Algae and mold living on your roof can crumble and tear asphalt shingles causing premature failure. “Simple” plants like moss, lichen and algae can shorten roof’s life for several years in a short period of time. Keep in mind that more and more insurance companies are refusing new policies if there are signs of these plants on your roof at the moment of their inspection.
There are two effective ways to clean a roof

Chemical roof cleaning

Like the name suggests chemical uses chemicals like chlorine bleach, tsp, alcohol and many other chemicals. Main goal of these chemicals is to kill everything on your roof. Usually you are required to use a low concentration of chlorine bleach mixed with additional additives like enhancer, TSP or surfactants, after mixing them apply them on your roof with a low pressure pump. While physical strain on your roof is lower than it is with mechanical cleaning, chemical cleaning can damage life around your house. As chemical flow down your gutters they can damage your plants, so while applying chemicals make sure to water your garden before, during and after the cleaning.

Mechanical roof cleaning

This type cleaning uses powerful washing and brushing by using a surface cleaner that utilizes pressure water to physically remove growth in that process. It is important to use mechanical cleaning with caution or you might damage your roof’s shingles with that amount of force.
If you aren’t sure how to handle roof cleaning or have any additional questions on how to properly clean your rooftop, don’t wait and call your roofing expert.



Caring about your old roof



What to do if you have an old roof and home

Roof repair is something that every homeowner is afraid of facing. Roof repairs on residential homes can be painful and in many cases very expensive. But you should know that roof repairs are quite common in older homes, especially in those older than 20 years. Unfortunately most problems that can happen to your roof are unavoidable, but then again are usually small problems that can be easily detected and fixed.  But every small problem if not addressed can become large and costly problem.

Roofing material gone missing

Strong and high wind can blow off your roofing material. If your roof is in poor shape, even a light breeze can do harm to your roof. Sadly even not correctly installed roofing system can lead you’re your roof loses shingles after a slight breeze.

Poor inspection, or none at all

Although your roof is above your head and you can’t see it, still you should preform regular inspections. Of course you aren’t required to inspect it on daily basis but from time to time give your roof some love. If you live in a warm climate, try inspecting your roof during the summer and just before fall arrives and first fall rains. High temperature and heat can dissolve adhesive which leads to tiles and shingles separating from your roof deck. Also if you live in a cold climate inspect your roof during winter months.

Poor installation

Expectedly it is much more common in older homes but also lack of technology, skill and proper material can lead to bad installation. These problems go unnoticed until they become much bigger that require help of a professional and might even end up with an expensive roof replacement. Inspect your older roofing system regularly to minimize the expense and protect your home

Moisture and leaking

No matter what roofing system you have, leaking and moisture can be caused by many different things. Typical summer or spring rain can lead to forming of leaking spots in older homes. In most cases poorly installed of TPO is the main reason of leakage. If you know the exact age of your home, then you will surely know if your roofing system needs maintenance and inspection.
If you require any additional information on how to properly take care of your old roof, contact your trusted local roofing contractor.