How Often Should I Clean My Roof?
Francis Biddle • August 17, 2021
How Often Should I Clean My Roof?
Even if you’re a homeowner, you may not be aware of all of the maintenance that needs to be done regularly around the house. And when it comes to the roof, well, it can be a little intimidating. You'll need some repairs if you have a leak or broken shingles, but what about normal cleaning? IF you’re not sure how, when, or why to clean your roof, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for more information.
Why Do I Need to Clean My Roof?
The most common reason you might need to clean your roof is due to the presence of mold or algae. Luckily, these growths aren’t a danger to the stability of your roof or the lifespan of the shingles. However, an overabundance of mold can be unsightly and reduce the curb appeal of your home. If you’re looking to sell your home soon, a clean roof can even boost the property's value.
Another reason to clean your roof is that algae and moss can attract pests, which could make their way into your home. Cleaning your roof regularly will help prevent staining and pest infestations, so don’t wait until the roof is too bad before you start cleaning.
When Do I Need to Clean My Roof?
So, how can you tell when it’s time to clean your roof? One easy way to tell if it needs cleaning is to see a buildup of mold, mildew, or algae. However, not all growths like this are readily visible from the ground. Some shingle materials are more susceptible to mold and algae, so knowing what you have will also give you a good indication of when you need to clean. Asphalt shingles are the most common type, and they’re also the type that needs to be cleaned most often. However, if you have fiberglass or slate shingles, you’ll need to clean them less often.
How Do I Need to Clan My Roof?
If your roof is due for a cleaning, you can either do it yourself or go with a professional service. If you take on the job yourself, make sure you know how your specific roofing material should be cleaned. For example, always avoid pressure washing the roof since this could damage the shingles. Usually, a simple 1:1 mixture of water and bleach will effectively eliminate any algae or mold without damaging the shingles. And if you go the DIY route, make sure you have safety measures in place, like ropes, sturdy ladders, and non-slip shoes.
Cleaning your own roof can be tricky, and sometimes it’s best to get professional help. Let the experts at F&J Builders help with any of your roofing and roof maintenance
needs. Give us a call today at 302-384-2545!
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Our team at F&J Builders are expert home contractors who can help you increase the value of your home with their expertise in winter home renovation.
The fall is gradually coming to an end, and with it comes the cold winter. If you’re yet to prepare your home for the weather, now is the perfect time to do so. Check out our simple guide for how to prepare your home and the most important to-do list for winter. Check the Heating System Winter is a cold and long season, and one of the ways to combat the cold during this period is having an efficient heating system. Before the weather turns dreary and cold, you need to make sure your heating system is all in order. Have a professional come take a look at it and change the filters. Some of the things to look out for include screeching noise, blocked ducts, a faulty thermostat, and bad filters. You don’t want to wait until it’s too cold to discover that your heating system is underperforming. You can save yourself the frustration, money, and time by scheduling a routine maintenance check. Seal Windows and Doors Gaps in your windows/doors are the easiest way to lose heat during winter. If you have the budget, you can replace your windows and doors. However, if that isn’t in the books, you can explore other options like insulation or caulking. Besides, properly insulating your home before the cold comes will ensure your home stays warm during winter. Inspect your Chimney and Fireplace Your chimney and fireplace will be doing a lot of work soon; it’s only wise to inspect them before you start using them daily. Now is also the perfect time to stack that firewood and make sure you have enough to last for a long time. A physical inspection of both fireplace and chimney can ensure you’re good to go for the incoming wood burning. Some of the things to look out for include: Missing bricks from the chimney Debris or bed nest near the chimney cap Tree branches close to chimney Ensure that there are no missing bricks in the fireplace The fireplace is clean and dry No combustible materials near the fireplace and chimney Pack Your Outdoor Spaces Your outdoor space will see little or no action during the winter. Now is the best time to clean out your outdoor furniture and accessories to prevent any damage. Start by debugging your plants and packing the grill and furniture inside before the first snow hits. You can store these items away in your garage and bring them out once the snow is gone. Prepare For Winter Storms Winter storms may not happen often but you want to be prepared for when they do occur. Get a home and car emergency kit and place it somewhere reachable at all times. You also need to ensure your oil tank is full and, if possible, get a generator. The possibility of the power going off during a storm is quite high. However, with a fully-powered generator and reserved fuel, you can ride the storm without any qualms. Inspect the Roof You sure don’t want melting snow leaking down your roof in the thick of the winter. This is why you need a roof inspection to help you spot any potential issues. You can either do your roof inspection yourself or call a professional. If you’re going the DIY route, here are some of the things to check and do: Missing or damaged shingles Large accumulation of moss which may signal decay Trim tree branches close to the roof and house Check gutters for clogging, debris and corrosion. Depending on the damage you find, you may have to find a professional roof contractor for repairs. Our team at F&J Builders are expert home contractors with years of experience and professional service. Give us a call today or fill out our online contact form !
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