If you’re noticing black streaks on your roof, it’s time to call in a professional. Not only are these unsightly, but they can also indicate major roofing problems and lower your home’s value.

Roof Cleaning Summerville SC involves using a soft wash to remove moss, mold and algae. This process increases your roof’s solar reflectance, which can help reduce energy bills.

Algae and moss are two of the most common roof growths that homeowners face. According to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, it is important to make a distinction between these and mold or mildew. While both can discolor your roof, mold and mildew don’t damage shingles. On the other hand, a thick growth of moss can be detrimental to your roof for several reasons. First, it can hold moisture against your shingles, leading to rot. Second, it can lift the edges of shingles, making them more likely to blow off in a windstorm. Third, moss absorbs water, which can lead to leakage into your home.

Moss is spread by airborne spores, which can land on your roof and take root in the damp areas of shingle cracks. It can then grow and multiply in the dark areas that receive less sunlight, and each rain will further nourish the organisms and allow them to thrive.

Fortunately, moss and algae can be treated and removed with some simple steps. First, remove all debris and dirt from your roof. This includes removing fallen leaves, twigs and branches from your roof and gutters, as well as patching any holes in your roof. Once your roof is clean, a light bleach solution should kill the organisms and prevent them from returning once the weather gets warmer.

A professional roofer can also recommend products that will help you maintain your roof and keep it looking its best. In addition to recommending the right products for your roof, a professional will evaluate your roof for signs of moss or algae and provide you with long-term prevention strategies.

If you choose to take on the task of removing moss or algae yourself, start by rinsing your roof with a garden hose on low pressure. If you’re using a readymade cleaner, like Wet and Forget Liquid Mold Remover ($30, Walmart), follow the instructions for mixing and application carefully. Alternatively, you can mix your own solution of chlorine bleach and water, using a pump sprayer or backpack-style sprayer (which is safer to use when on a ladder) to apply it. Be sure to cover any plants below the roof surface with a tarp and to wear appropriate personal protective equipment when working with chlorine bleach.

Dirt and Debris

Your roof is exposed to the elements and changing climatic conditions, all of which cause dirt and debris to build up on it over time. This is why it’s important to keep your roof clean, which can be done with the help of a professional roof cleaning and washing company. This process helps to protect your roof and extend its lifespan while enhancing the curb appeal of your home.

Organic debris can build up on your roof and cause damage in many different ways. It can clog your gutters and prevent water from flowing through it properly, leading to leaks and other severe damage. It can also trap moisture on your roof, causing the shingles to shrink or crack. This can cause rot and other issues that are costly to repair.

Another issue caused by organic debris is the growth of moss, mildew, and mold. They can grow between the tiles and erode the surface, making it look unsightly. Regular roof cleaning and washing can remove these organic materials before they cause any serious damage.

When it comes to cleaning your roof, you’ll want to avoid using high-pressure washing, which can etch or scrape your roof surface and leave it damaged. Instead, you should opt for soft washing, which uses less water pressure to safely and effectively clean your roof. Professionals use specialized detergents and tools to eliminate dirt, stains, and other debris from your roof without damaging it.

A dirty and stained roof can make your entire home or business look unkempt and old. It can also affect the overall value of your property, which is why it’s important to invest in a professional roof cleaning and washing service. By keeping your roof clean, you can protect your home or commercial building from costly damage and improve its curb appeal and resale value.

Black Streaks

If you live in a humid area, chances are that you’ve noticed unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs. Most homeowners think that these are caused by dirt, defective shingles, mold or mildew, but the truth is that they’re usually caused by a blue-green algae called Gloeocapsa Magma. This algae spreads by airborne spores, and it does no harm to the roof itself, but it does detract from its overall appearance and can reduce its resale value.

Black streaks on roofs are easy to miss, but once you spot them, you’ll want to remove them as soon as possible. A power washer can be used to clean the streaks, but you’ll need to be very careful so that you don’t damage the shingles. You may also want to consider having a professional clean the streaks for you.

A bleach-and-water solution can be very effective for cleaning black streaks. Just be sure to use the solution carefully, covering plants and walkways to protect them from the bleach.

If you’re worried about damaging your roof, you can always cover the algae and moss with a special coating that prevents these organisms from growing on the surface of the shingles. It’s best to do this as a preventative measure each year. You can also try switching to algae- and moss-resistant shingles, although they’ll cost a little more than regular asphalt shingles.

Keeping your home’s roof in good condition will help you to avoid costly repairs and maintenance and keep its appearance and resale value high. One of the easiest ways to keep your roof looking its best is by scheduling regular roof cleaning services with a reputable roofing company.

Roof cleaning may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. If you follow the tips in this article, your roof will stay beautiful and protect your home for years to come. Just remember to take the time to rake and hose down your roof to avoid pulling up any shingles, and don’t try to pressure wash it; just one wrong angle could cause major damage.

Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is the first impression that potential buyers get of your home. This impression can color how they perceive your home for months (or even years) after. It’s important to put a lot of effort into your home’s exterior so that it looks attractive and welcoming to passersby. This is especially true if you plan on selling your home in the future.

Typically, curb appeal projects include painting the house or driveway, updating your landscaping, and adding window boxes and other planters filled with flowers or greenery. These projects can be expensive, but they will go a long way toward improving your home’s appearance and increasing its value.

Your roof can be a major part of your curb appeal. Dirty and stained roofs aren’t very appealing to look at, but a professional roof cleaning can clean away all the dirt, moss, algae, and other buildup to make your home look new again. This can be a huge boost to your home’s curb appeal, and it can help you get top dollar when you sell your home in the future.

In addition to its aesthetic benefits, a clean roof can also protect your home from moisture and mold. Mold and mildew are very unhealthy for humans, and they can cause respiratory issues if they are breathed in. Keeping your roof clean can eliminate these problems and keep your family healthy and safe.

While it’s important to focus on boosting your home’s curb appeal, you should never neglect the structural integrity of your roof or other parts of your home. If you have any concerns about the state of your roof, contact a professional roofer immediately.

The key to curb appeal is to do a little bit of maintenance on your home’s exterior every few weeks or months. This can be as simple as washing your driveway or as involved as renovating your entire home’s exterior, but it’s important to give your home a fresh, clean look on a regular basis so that it looks enticing to passersby and potential buyers.