Roof replacements make up around 90% of the entire roofing market. If you own a home long enough, you’ll likely have to replace its roof at some point.
However, did you know that you can have a longer roof life through roofing cleaning? It’s true. Annual roof cleaning is something that will help your roof last longer. But, how do you clean a roof? What steps should you complete? Keep reading this guide to learn about the best annual roofing cleaning rituals to perform.
Trim Your Branches and Trees
Do you want a longer roof life? If so, it might help to trim your branches and trees yearly. Trees that grow close to your home can hang over your house. Not only does this put your home at risk for damage from trees falling, but it also presents risks to your roof.
For example, leaves and other tree debris might fall on your roof. When these items land on your roof, they can collect moisture, which is one of the most harmful substances your roof can collect.
Additionally, your roof might be prone to developing moss and mold. Moss and mold also collect moisture, causing your roof to wear out faster.
If you trim the branches and trees, you’ll protect your roof and home. You might also extend your roof life and avoid many other issues by removing dead trees near your home.
Use a Garden Hose for Roofing Cleaning
Next, you’ll need to gather the necessary supplies and equipment for cleaning a roof. The main things you need are a garden hose, bucket, and cleaning solution.
You might also want to grab a large sprayer to use for the cleaning solution. You can use bleach or dish soap as the solution, but you must dilute it in water before applying it.
Once you have the necessary supplies, you can follow these steps:
- Wet the roof by spraying it with the hose
- Spray the cleaning solution mixture on the roof
- Let it sit on the roof for 20 to 30 minutes
- Spray the roof with fresh water from the hose
It might be wise to clean your roof in the morning. By doing this, the sun can dry the roof after you finish the job.
Fix Issues Quickly
Additionally, one step of roof maintenance is fixing issues quickly. As you clean your roof, look closely for signs of issues. If you spot any problems, you should aim to fix them right away.
You can hire a contractor to fix them if you need professional help. You might also hire a roofing contractor to help you determine when to replace your roof.
You can learn the signs that indicate you need a new roof, but you might want a professional opinion before deciding how to proceed.
Seek Professional Services
Roofing cleaning is vital for your home’s roof, but you might not be able to do it yourself. However, you can hire a company to clean it for you.