Asphalt is one of the most popular roofing materials on the market. This is all thanks to its affordability, style and durability. However, just because your asphalt roof is durable doesn’t mean it’s immune to problems like black algae, mold, moss or other forms of dirt. With that in mind, you should always give your roof a good cleaning every now and then to prevent it from becoming an eyesore. Here are some do’s and don’ts.
Do: Trim Trees
If your property has trees, always make sure to get them trimmed every now and then. That way, you can prevent debris from falling on your roof, especially on days with strong winds or storms. Apart from that, trimming your trees can also allow more sunlight to reach your roof and prevent organism growth.
Don’t: Pressure Wash
As much as possible, avoid using a pressure washer to clean your roof. This is because the water that streams out of it can exceed 200 miles per hour, which is faster than any recorded hurricane. Once you make this mistake, the pressure washer can loosen, uplift or tear your shingles and remove its protective granules. This can compromise your roofing system’s structure.
Do: Use Eco-Friendly Solutions
If you’re hiring the services of a roofer to clean your roof, always make sure that they use only environmentally friendly cleaners to get the job done.
Don’t: DIY
Roofing experts never recommend that you climb on your roof since it’s a hazardous task to undertake. With that in mind, you should always hire a professional to clean your roof so you won’t have to put yourself at risk just to get it cleaned.
Do: Clean Your Gutters
Debris on your gutters and downspouts can easily cause it to clog and overflow during a stormy day. Unfortunately, once this happens, your roofing system can start leaking and cause moisture damage to your home. Therefore, always make sure to keep your gutters and downspouts clean and free of blockages to keep your gutter system and roof in top shape.
Don’t: Use Harsh Chemicals
Some roofers have a bad habit of using shortcuts when cleaning a roof, and one popular shortcut often involves the use of bleach. While it’s true that bleach can easily kill the black algae and moss that grew on your roof, it can also corrode the metal parts of your system, such as the flashing, gutters and boots.
Turn to Tedrick’s Roofing for your roofing needs. We are your leading provider of roof cleaning and maintenance services. Give us a call at (206) 824-3440 or (253) 499-9660. You can also fill out our contact form to request a free estimate. We serve homeowners in Tacoma, WA, and other nearby areas.