Here are four reasons why it is important to soft power wash your roof.
1. It's Standard Roof Maintenance
While your roofers may not have said anything about power washing, many shingle manufacturers encourage home owners to clean their roofs periodically. No shingles last forever, but cleaning your roof can help maximize the life expectancy of your shingles.
2. Algae & Moss Actually EAT Your Shingles
All mold, algae, and moss require sufficient nutrients in order to grow, but components of some shingles (asphalt shingles, especially) are actually a great source of said nutrients. In fact, continued mold growth on your roof can eat a hole right through your shingles! Given that mold is nature's way of breaking down organic materials, wood shingles are particularly at risk. It is estimated that algae and moss growth on your shingles can reduce their life expectancy by up to 40-50%.
3. Mold Growing On Your Roof Is One Step Away From Being Inside Your Home
Mold growing on your roof produces microscopic spores that can easily find their way into your home via the soffits and ridge vents. If these spores happen to land in a place with sufficient moisture and nutrients, they can quickly multiply into large colonies. Depending on your family's susceptibility, mold in your home can cause serious allergic reactions and/or health issues in your family - especially in those with preexisting respiratory illnesses.
4. Clean Roofs Can Lower Your Summer Energy Bill
Mold, algae, and moss growth on roofs typically appears as dark streaks. Because dark colors absorb more heat, having dark streaks on your roof can cause the temperature in your attic to rise by several degrees. This will cause your air conditioning unit to work double-time to keep temperatures down - and rack up a much higher energy bill in the process. It is also worth noting that increased heat can also cause your shingles to break down prematurely.
Conclusion (and Tips!)
While it's easy for your shingles to be out of sight, out of mind, the importance of keeping them mold- and algae-free cannot be overstated. Keep in mind that the ARMA (Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association) strongly recommends soft power washing and chemical cleaning for shingles (not high pressure washes). There are several reasons for this:
- Using high pressure washes can potentially void the warranty on your shingles
- High pressure washing decreases your shingles' life span
- Pressure washing can remove mortar and break tiles
- Pressure washing does not remove the roots of the mold or algae, which means that it can easily regrow if moisture is present
If you're considering power washing your roof in the near future, Best PowerWash Dallas is here to help you with your residential power wash. We never use damaging high pressure washes. Instead, we use a process called soft power washing and biodegradable cleaning chemicals to deliver a safe, effective clean.
Estimates are always free, so give us a call today at (214) 553-0431!
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We removed the Sheetrock and insulation after Sandy, I was thinking of preasure washing the interior walls that now have green mold appearing. I was thinking of powerwashing the mold away, drying in 24hrs and hitting the wood with Shockwave via spray and brush. Bellevue Pressure Washing
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