Should I Clean My Roof?

Our clients ask all the time, “Should I clean my roof?” Roof cleaning is a crucial component of keeping your residence (or commercial property) in check. All professional roofers agree that by keeping your roof clean increases the life of one of the most significant investments you’ll ever make on your home or business. Keep up with the following, and you’ll be sure to extend the life of your roof:

Clean your roof to get rid of debris that causes black streaks.
Repair loose or missing shingles.
Routinely clean your gutter.

We suggest getting the help of a roofing professional before trying to clean a roof yourself. It is never safe to climb on top of a roof without the expertise and proper equipment it takes to walk on your roof securely. For example, roofs are slippery and dangerous! Although we do not recommend that you should be the one cleaning your roof, there are factors to consider revolving around roof cleaning.

How Often Should I Clean My Roof?

The weather, trees, roof-age, and whether or not your roof has withstood damage from previous storms will depend on how often you should clean your roof. In fact, yearly roof inspections are a good habit to get into when it comes to ensuring a clean roof. These inspections are truly educational and save you a lot of time and money in the long-run. For the most part, varying roofs have varying time-frames when it comes to how often you should clean your roof. For example, concrete tiles need cleanings every five years or so (more often than Asphalt shingles due to the type of finish used). Asphalt shingles typically don’t need to be cleaned but every seven years or so. Beware: One would think roof cleaning would be a simple process. However, if a licensed roofer does not clean your roof, you could end up with major issues:

Pressure washing can cause erosion to finishes.
High-pressure cleanings destroy finishes of all kinds.

Keep in mind that too much pressure can:

Erode or require even more frequent cleanings.
Remove the gravel from asphalt and expose the tar, causing mold and mildew.

Why Do I Even Need to Have My Roof Cleaned?

Roof Shampoo, an eco-friendly roof cleaning brand, encourages home and business owners to clean their roofs so-as not to increase cooling costs as well as increasing the life expectancy of your roof. M&Y Pittsburgh Roofing can assess whether or not you need your roof cleaned. We are licensed professionals who enjoy working with homeowners just like you. Call us now at 412-218-7082.