Baker Home Solutions

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If you have a common shingle roof, you can expect it to last anywhere between 20 to 30 years. However, before this time you may be dealing with a roof that looks dirty that doesn’t need repairs.

Roofs that have a buildup of debris from trees overhead can also develop damage and leaks over time. The debris is also prone to moving down across the roof, clogging gutters, and causing a buildup of water.

You’ve heard of house washing, but have you considered roof washing?

Roof power washing is a special service that helps thoroughly clean roofs that don’t need to be replaced. Read on to learn everything you need to know about roof power washing and if it’s the right service for you!

Do You Need Roof Power Washing?

Roof power washing is a convenient service that utilizes a low-pressure roof cleaning system so that your shingles aren’t damaged. You’ll know that it’s time to invest in this service if you notice that you have a dirty roof that’s also littered with debris such as moss, tree branches, leaves, and more.

It’s recommended to use the services of roof cleaning experts versus doing it yourself, as damaging the shingles from inconsistent pressure washers could void your warranty. High-pressure water that isn’t properly regulated could also create leaks by damaging sealants around chimneys, vents, skylights, and more.

Benefits of Roof Cleaning

Now that you know more about roof cleaning and why it’s important to contact a professional, what are some more benefits you can enjoy? Here are a few of the most common results of professional roof power washing:

Increased Curb Appeal

If you’re planning on selling your home soon, your roof may need a good cleaning. Although you may have a relatively new roof, a roof covered in debris won’t look appealing to potential buyers. They may assume that they’ll need to replace the roof once they purchase the home, which may drive the price of your property down or even cause them to look elsewhere.

Extended Lifespan

A clean roof can also help extend your roof’s lifespan. Although algae and moss are relatively harmless, a large accumulation can broaden the gaps between your shingles, leading to repairs that will need to be done sooner. Water is more likely to pool beneath shingles that are damaged and warped due to algae, moss, and lichen.

As your roof retains moisture and more algae grows, you’ll notice more black stains forming on its surface. This is a good indication that it’s time to clean your roof. Professional roof cleanings can also help deter the growth of mold afterward.

Reduced Energy Costs

If you live in a warm climate, you know that keeping energy costs down during the summer is a constant struggle. Unfortunately, the black pigmentation that algae, moss, and lichen causes on your roof can drive costs up. This is because the black color increases the absorption of heat and keeps your roof from efficiently reflecting UV rays.

As the summer ramps up, the upper levels of your home aren’t able to effectively dissipate heat, leading to increased energy costs as your air-conditioning unit works harder to cool your home.

Long-term Savings

Although hiring a professional to pressure wash your roof may seem like an extra, unnecessary cost, you’ll actually be saving yourself money in the long-term. This is because the national average roof repair cost is about $300 to $900. Replacing your roof with 30-year shingles costs an average of $9,000 to $15,000.

With this in mind, hiring a professional to wash your roof is nowhere near these average prices. By washing your roof on a yearly basis, you’ll be able to avoid costly roof repairs by ensuring that algae and other debris aren’t damaging your shingles. Keeping your shingles as clean as possible throughout the year also means that you’re extending their lifespan significantly.

Improved Health

Did you know that the state of your roof can also help improve your health? If algae, moss, and lichen are allowed to grow on your roof for a prolonged amount of time, this increases the likelihood that mold will grow as well. Mold getting into your attic and the rest of your home has several negative health consequences, such as:

  • Stuffy nose
  • Wheezing
  • Itchy eyes and skin
  • Coughing
  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath

It’s important to remember that people who suffer from asthma may have more severe responses to mold exposure. In order to avoid the likelihood of these health consequences, washing your roof will remove algae and moss that can damage your shingles. One of the main ways to combat mold is to make sure that humidity levels are between 30% and 50% in your home.

If your roof is damaged, you’ll have a harder time controlling the humidity and temperature, leading to potential mold growth.

Roof Washing for Smart Homeowners

Regular roof washing should be a regular maintenance task for homeowners. You’ll enjoy the improved curb appeal of a new roof, especially if you’re planning on selling your home in the near future. Moreover, keeping your roof clean will also inhibit the growth of algae, moss, and lichen.

If algae is left to grow on your roof, there’s a greater likelihood that your shingles will be damaged. This leads to the reduced life of your entire roof as well as increased energy costs. Even worse, a damaged roof can lead to the growth of mold as you struggle to control the humidity of your home.

Of course, it’s important that you contact a professional in order to avoid damage to your roof by pressure washers that are hard to regulate. Get an estimate with us today!