Roof Washing -

What is it and why do people do it?

If you’re like many homeowners, you neglect regular roof cleaning simply because you don’t always notice a roof’s appearance and because you’re so busy trying to keep the rest of your home and property clean and presentable! While roof cleaning might be a last priority for many homeowners, it’s a vital service that protects a roof and home itself from damage, while also improving your property’s curb appeal in an instant.

Have you ever noticed black streaks or areas on your roof? Many people believe this is normal and simply what happens to a roof after a while. But that is not the case. It should be cause for concern for any home owner.

Well, if it's not normal, then what is it?

Black streaking and staining on your roof top can be many different types of mold, mildew and algae. Depending on your roof material (asphalt shingles, wood and shake shingles, metal roofing, clay & concrete tile, or composite shingles) the build up of deteriorating organic growth may present itself in an array of colors and textures. Although there are many types of algae and mold one thing is for certain, having any type of growth on roof is deteriorating.

Mold and algae are living organisms that slowly eat away at what ever material they are growing on. Destroying shingles in the shade becomes a favorite past time for these organisms. But even with plenty of sunlight, these pesky spores love to grow and spread. And if you think mold on the outside of a house is a no go, wait until it spreads into crawl spaces, hvac systems, duct work, and attics. Leaving your lovely Charleston home to be infested in no time. (You can thank all the wonderful Charleston humidity for a good bit of the growth that occurs!)

Do I have to do something about it?

As the home owner/ property owner, that is up to your discretion. But think about this way - You wouldn't let your car become covered in black mold. Nor would you allow debris to sit on your car, deteriorating the paint and slowly destroying the vehicle with rust would you? Of course not! Because that vehicle is an investment and taking care of it ensures it's longevity right? Well, a roof is no different.

Your homes' roof keeps everything you love safe and protected inside, but if you don't properly maintain that roof you'll get to experience the joy of roof replacement or maybe just have a tarp over part of your home while you wait for the roofers to come repair it. Either way, it's no fun for an individual to be displaced from their home, much less a family while repairs occur.

Maintaining your homes roof ensures your investment for years to come instead of footing you with a $15,000 roof replacement and a grumpy family.

How often do I need to have my roof washed?

The frequency of roof washing will vary depending on roof type, roof location, weather conditions and surrounding vegetation. It is widely suggested that roofs be cleaned within the first five years of installation and then every two to three years afterward.

However, homes in tropical areas, homes that are located near beaches, production facilities, warehouse, busy roadways, and airports, and homes near lots of mature trees might need more consistent roof cleaning. Annual cleaning in these climates / locations maintains the structures integrity.

If that doesn't sum up Charleston areas for living I don't know what does. If you aren't near mature trees, you are most likely near a busy roadway. And don't we all adore the lovely tropical weather we get to experience most of the year here? Thankful as we may be for the Charleston climate, it comes with some downsides. Such as high humidity that helps grow mold, mildew, moss and algae. All those stunning live oaks that provide us with shade throughout the hot summer months sure can they make a mess on a rooftop! Leaves, twigs, and pine needles on your roof hold in that moisture and the organic items begin to deteriorate - which is the perfect place for mold to start growing. It is suggested that these items be removed and roof washing occurs annually for most clients.

How do you clean a roof?

Not all roof washing methods are alike! Most pressure washing contractors specializing in roof cleaning will use a soft wash system, starting with detergents and chemicals meant to dissolve thick dirt and grime and that kills mold and algae. This surfactant also seeps into roof nooks and crevices, ensuring nothing is overlooked.

A soft wash system then employs a low-pressure rinse, typically just slightly stronger than a garden hose with a sprayer nozzle. That low pressure is all that’s needed to remove dissolved dirt and grime and other residues. Soft wash systems also create very little splashing and splatter, ensuring you don’t end up with a bigger mess than before roof washing began!

Soft wash systems are also an excellent choice for gutter cleaning, which many homeowners schedule along with roof washing. When a roof is covered in dirt, moss, and other debris, the home’s gutters are also typically clogged with “muck” as well!

Clogged gutters allow rainwater to wash over their sides, leading to the risk of water damage and unsightly stains. But the importance of gutter cleaning isa conversation for another day. Check out our blog posts and social media for more information on gutter cleaning.

Can I wash my own roof?

As roof washing is vital for keeping a home in good repair, you might be tempted to buy pressure washing equipment and try to tackle this job yourself. While owning power washing equipment allows you to clean a home’s roof at your convenience, this job is often more difficult and even dangerous than homeowners realize!

One mistake homeowners often make with DIY roof washing is assuming that added pressure is the best choice for removing moss and thick layers of dirt and grime. Too much pressure can easily loosen or split shingles and tiles while also creating messy splatter. Added pressure might also be ineffective at removing all that dirt and moss!

Instead, moss and other growth including mold and algae are best addressed by specialty chemicals designed to kill growing roots and spores. Surfactants or detergents meant for roofs also dissolve thick dirt and grime, loosening storm debris and caked-on mud. This allows you to use low-pressure rinsing for a complete yet safe clean!

Homeowners also might mistakenly use chlorine bleach on their home’s roof, which dries out and damages tiles and shingles. Oxygenated bleach helps kill mold and algae without the same risk of damage of chlorine bleach.

Improper roof washing techniques also damage tiles, shingles, and flashing, and potentially create mess around your home’s exterior.

For example, running pressurized water from the bottom of shingles to their top can loosen them, making them more likely to blow away. It’s also vital to wash dirt and debris toward the home’s gutters and work slowly enough so that all that residue makes its way to the downspouts rather than washing over gutter sides.

Allowing detergent or other chemicals to dry on a roof’s surface can leave behind unsightly streaks. Residual detergent and cleansers also create a sticky surface that traps more dirt than before! A professional roof washing contractor ensures a thorough rinse as well as a complete clean, protecting your roof and ensuring it looks pristine after a wash.

So why should I choose Water Wizard's to maintain my roof?

Water Wizard's Power Washing is a great option for any home owner as we have created our process with our client in mind. Online quotes, scheduling and payments makes maintaining your home a breeze. No more calling around town for information, being available for estimate appointments or disrupting your life in anyway. Just answer a couple of questions about your roof and receive an instant online quote with bundle and save options that can save you up to 25% on home services. So, you can have your roof washed, house washed, and the gutters cleaned at discounted rates. Who doesn't love savings and convenience?

In addition to bringing home maintenance and exterior cleaning to the 21st century, Water Wizard's LLC is fully licensed and overly insured. Meaning your home is protected and our rooftop employees are well taken care of in case there is ever an accident. Water Wizard's is also GOOGLE GUARANTEED, meaning if you aren't satisfied, you don't pay!

With over 5 years experience, we create specific solutions for our clients, ensuring that all of their needs are met and they are 100% satisfied. The Wizard has complete chemical knowledge of each detergent and surfactant used. Ensuring your home, plants and animals are safe and unaffected after the work is completed.

TO SUM IT ALL UP:

Why Your Home Needs Roof Cleaning, and How Often

Consider why a home needs regular roof cleaning and why roof cleaning frequency might vary according to your local area, a roof’s condition, and other such factors.

Moss, algae, and other such growth act as sponges, absorbing moisture and holding it against a home’s roof. This added moisture breaks down concrete and clay tiles as well as asphalt shingles, leading to premature breakage. For homes in tropical or humid climates prone to mold, moss, algae, and lichen growth, you might schedule annual roof cleaning, to kill growing spores and roots.
Storm debris including twigs and leaves works its way into the cracks and crevices of roofing tiles and shingles, loosening them and increasing the risk of breakage or of losing those materials in high winds. Consider roof cleaning after a strong storm has passed through your area or, if you live in an area with a regular stormy season, after that season is over!
Open fields or any large garden nearby might mean layers of pollen and other plant residues winding up on a home’s roof. If you or any frequent guest of your home has allergies or other such sensitivities, you might consider annual roof cleaning and especially before you open the outdoor area for entertaining, to ensure a welcoming environment free of bothersome allergens.
Construction zones, production facilities, busy roadways and airports, and other such locations mean tremendous amounts of airborne dust and other such debris that tends to settle onto nearby roofs. If you notice your home’s interior is always dusty, this often indicates that a home’s roof might benefit from annual power washing, to keep your home’s exterior as clean as its interior!
Mature trees produce lots of debris that falls directly onto a roof or that might become airborne and end up on a home’s roof, including leaves, needles, twigs, acorns, and Spanish moss. The more mature trees on your property, the more often your home will need roof cleaning!
The older a home, the more often it might need roof cleaning, to uncover areas needing repairs. Cracks, chips, and other such damage also provide lots of nooks and crannies for dirt and storm debris to settle, allowing that debris to build up and damage shingles, tiles, and flashing.