Maintaining and cleaning your roof is required for every home. Otherwise, hidden damage that can be a major problem in the future may occur, and black algae and mold can grow as well. Failing to keep up with your roofing system’s maintenance can drastically affect its performance and lifespan. When it comes to maintenance, however, use caution as there are numerous do’s and don’ts that you should keep in mind.
Do’s:
Use Eco-Friendly Cleaners
When cleaning and curing your dirty roof, make sure that the professional you hire only uses environmentally friendly cleaning products. Otherwise, your roof’s exterior may be damaged.
Trim Trees
Trimming your nearby trees can reduce the amount of debris that can fall on your roof and prevent damage during storms.
Clean Your Gutters
Blocked gutters and downspouts are one of the leading causes of a leaky roof. However, you can easily avoid all that by keeping your gutters and downspouts in good condition, allowing you to keep your roofing system and your home’s foundation as dry as possible.
Conduct a Roof Inspection
Once your roof has been cleared of any debris, consider having a roofer come over to conduct an inspection on your roof at least twice a year. That way, any potential problems and red flags can be repaired before they become a major issue.
Don’ts:
Pressure Wash
When it comes to cleaning your asphalt roof, avoid using pressure washers as much as possible. This is because the water from them can exceed 200 miles per hour, which can loosen, uplift or tear your shingles off and remove their protective granules. If you’re hiring a pro, don’t allow them to use a pressure washer, and instead ask for alternative means.
Use Harsh Chemicals
Many homeowners use bleach on their roofs. This is because bleach can kill all types of algae. However, it can also corrode the metal parts of your roof, such as the flashing, boots and gutters, and cause damage.
DIY
It’s never recommended that you DIY the cleaning and maintenance of your roofing system. Not only can it cause damage to your roof, but it can be hazardous to you as well. Instead, hire a professional to do the job for you to keep yourself safe and minimize the amount of foot traffic on the structure.
Turn to Superior Roofing for your home improvement needs. We are your number one provider of roof repair and maintenance services. Give us a call at (706) 322-9032 or (334) 821-8411. You can also fill out our contact form for a free no obligation quote. We serve homeowners in Columbus, GA, Auburn, AL, and other nearby areas.