When it comes to maintaining and cleaning your roof, there are certain do’s and don’ts that are important to follow to ensure that your roof can function properly. Without knowing the proper procedure, you may end up damaging your roof or worse, hurting yourself. At Elo Roofing, we have spent years learning the craft and skill of residential roof installation and how best to take care of the roof over your head. We would like to share some of this valuable information with you. These are some of the common roof cleaning myths that you may have come across over the years:
Moss And Algae Are Simply Surface Issues
To the naked eye, moss and algae may appear as if you could simply wipe them away and your roof will be as good as new, this, however, may not always be the case. Moss and algae are pretty destructive organisms. They reproduce and spread pretty quickly and can weaken your roof if not tended to immediately. You see, moss and algae eat away at the limestone found in your asphalt shingles, causing it to break down and disintegrate.
Roof Stains Are Caused By Dirt And Pollution
Roof stains are a common occurrence, especially on older buildings. You’d be forgiven for thinking that those stains are simply dirt or the build-up of air pollution over the years. Roof stains are most likely caused by the growth and spreading of moss and algae. These organisms thrive in warm, moist conditions and in areas like Jacksonville, these types of roof stains are pretty common.
Anyone Can Clean Their Roof
This is a common misconception and one that usually ends in considerable damage to your roof or sometimes even to yourself. Not knowing what you’re doing when cleaning your roof and simply ‘winging’ it can cost you hundreds of dollars to professionally repair what you may have broken and you may sacrifice your warranty in the process.
You Can Use A Power Washer To Clean Your Roof
Power washing your roof is ok for some roofing materials but not all. Sturdy materials like slate or tile might be able to withstand a power wash but with materials like asphalt or cedar, you may end up damaging your roof with the pressure of the water.
Before you tackle a roofing project, be sure to consult with your local roofing company first. Give Elo Roofings a call today for your free roof estimate.