The Importance of Roof Cleaning
As a property owner, you likely do many tasks to ensure your units look clean and fresh. Some may include repainting the walls, power-washing the deck and siding, and mowing the lawn.
However, you probably often forget about roof cleaning. Out of sight, out of mind, right? Well, not necessarily! Regular roof cleaning is actually extremely important, and it has many benefits.
In this article, we are going to explore 6 of these benefits with some help from Innovative Property Solutions! So, let’s get started.
Benefit #1: Avoid Damage to Roof Shingles.
If you fail to regularly clean your roof, it can lead to shingle damage. When shingles are either damaged or missing, the roof becomes less effective in protecting your home. For instance, the following problems can arise:
- Increased power bills: If the singles are damaged, the cost of energy bills may increase. In the hottest months, for instance, the roof won’t be able to keep the heat out of the home. This means that the air conditioner will have to work extra hard.
- Water damage: If shingles are loose or broken, water can enter the home. This is especially problematic when there’s a big storm.
- Growth of mold: Once water enters the home, it can cause mold. Mold is unhealthy for both humans and the home structure.
- Wood damage: Leaves and debris can find themselves under damaged shingles and cause the wood to damage.
Evidently, damaged shingles cause many issues. However, with regular roof cleaning, these can be avoided.
Benefit #2: Prevent Growth of Moss.
When you don’t clean the roof, moss, algae and lichens can appear. Moss is a living organism and, just like other living organisms, it requires food to survive.
Can you guess their favorite food? It’s the shingles on your roof!
Moss thrives in shaded, humid and damp areas. This is why your roof is the perfect condition for moss growth. If it’s left unattended, it can cause damage to the shingles and shed some years off of your roof’s lifespan.
Additionally, moss, algae and lichens can also harbor mold spores. And as mentioned above, mold can cause both structural damage and damage to your health.
Benefit #3: It’s Cheaper than a New Roof.
A simple roof cleaning will save you a lot of money long-term. It will allow you to continually maintain your roof so that you don’t have to replace it. Completely replacing a roof is one of the most expensive things a homeowner can undertake.
According to HomeAdvisor.com, replacing a roof can cost you anywhere between $5,352 and $10,682. In contrast, cleaning a roof costs anywhere between $294 to $577. So, evidently, this is a much cheaper option.
Benefit #4: Boost your Curb Appeal.
Cleaning your roof regularly can also boost your home’s curb appeal. Curb appeal is a very important consideration for prospective home buyers. It can make or break a deal.
When the roof is clean, prospective buyers won’t be concerned with it. However, if the roof is filled with moss, algae and lichen, it won’t look very appealing to a potentially buyer.
Also, did you know that curb appeal can add significant value to your home? According to Consumer Reports, curb appeal alone can increase the value of your home by up to 5%.
Benefit #5: Prevent Unwanted Pests.
A regular roof cleaning can help prevent pests from entering your home. Some of the common pests that might be damaging your roof include:
- Ants
- Bees
- Mice
- Rats
- Squirrels
- Termites
- Birds
Benefit #6: Save Money on your Utility Bills
If your roof is dirty or covered with mold and algae, the sun won’t be able to reflect off of it. This means that the dirt and the plant growths are going to absorb the heat. As a result, the temperature of the rood, and the temperature in the attic will increase.
Hiring Roof Cleaning Experts
Now that you know the benefits, and understand the importance of cleaning the roof, it’s crucial to be cautious in doing so. Cleaning a roof is a dangerous task. Climbing to the roof can be risky if you don’t have the proper equipment and knowledge. If you choose to do it alone, you need to take the utmost precautions while working.
If you find it daunting or feel unqualified or uncomfortable, it’s best to hire a professional roofing team. This will eliminate the safety risks.
Bottom Line
There you have it – 6 key benefits of cleaning your roof. When you clean your roof, you:
- Avoid damaging roof shingles
- Prevent the growth of moss
- Save money on a new roof
- Save money on utility bills
- Increase your curb appeal
- Avoid pests
And remember, cleaning a roof on your own is a dangerous task. So, you should consider hiring experts to conduct the maintenance if you don’t feel you have the knowledge to do so.