Cleaning and Maintaining Your Roof, Shingles, and Metal

A well-maintained roof preserves the structure of your home. However, it’s easy to forget to clean and maintain it since it’s not a part of your home that you see every day. Nevertheless, the impact of a poorly preserved roof — leaks, mold, and holes — can disrupt your daily life. 

Remembering to clean and maintain your roof is essential. Read on for why it’s necessary to monitor the health of your roof and some tips to preserve it. 

Why Do You Need to Clean and Maintain Your Roof?

Cleaning your roof should be a routine activity, and failing to do so can lead to problems like these: 

Wear and tear: Depending on the material used to create your roof, it can experience wear and tear if it’s not adequately cleaned and maintained. For example, asphalt shingles can eventually be worn down by weather damage, leading to an increased chance for leaks. Also, while roofs made of metal are typically more durable, extensive heat or moisture can lead to surface rust, impairing the ability to protect your home. 

Mold collection: If you live in a rainy or humid climate, mold can likely form on your roof. Mold can lead to cracks in materials, again leaving your home open to damage. Additionally, exposed mold can absorb heat, leading to higher temperatures in areas of your home that are closer to the roof. Cleaning these areas can help you bypass this problem. 

Not spotting leaks or holes: Keeping up on routine maintenance allows you to spot any leaks or holes that may have occurred due to rising temperatures or intense weather systems like storms. Not doing this can lead to moisture collection, an increasing number of pests, and potential damage to your home’s structural integrity. 

How to Clean Your Roof

There are a couple of ways you can clean your roof: 

Power washing: Power washing involves intensely spraying water at a specific area of your roof. The goal is to clear away all debris and any substances that may be harming the materials. While it can seem helpful, power washing is not recommended for most roof types since it can wear away roofing materials. 

Chemical washing: This washing method is a great way to clear away any mold. It’s usually made up of bleach, water, a surface active agent, and fragrance. Once applied to a surface, it’s allowed to absorb the material to destroy mold. 

Regardless of your chosen cleaning method, it’s essential to take all safety precautions if you decide to do this yourself or find a reputable roof cleaning company to handle the task. 

Whether you have an asphalt shingle roof or one that is made of metal, the Chastain Roofing team can help you maintain your roof so that its structural integrity is maintained. If you need help with repairs or understanding how to preserve your roof for the long haul, let our team help.