How to tell if your Roof needs Cleaning.

The black streaking typically found on homes in areas where moisture settles on shingles is not really caused by dirt, mold, mildew, or fungus; it's primarily roof algae. Mold, mildew, and fungus are terms that most homeowners have come to associate with the discoloration of the roof and so they have now become a much-abused description of what is actually occurring on the roof. Scientists at 3M have identified the most common form of roof algae as Gloeocapsa Magma. These algae spores are carried by the wind, which is why so many houses in the same neighborhood end up with this problem.

During the last 20 years, this particular algae strain has become hardier and has been able to migrate to less humid environments than it has in the past. And in areas where it traditionally has been found, the staining is showing up earlier, is more severe and settles on a greater number of roofs. This is a growing problem in Arkansas and throughout the United States.

How to Clean a Roof.

A quality roof should last upwards of 25-30 years if cared for and maintained properly. Unfortunately, many roofs here in Hot Springs (and increasingly throughout Arkansas) are replaced prematurely simply because they are discolored, have not been properly maintained, or they have been subjected to unnecessary stress while cleaning that greatly reduces the life expectancy of the roof. Roof cleaning can be done safely and effectively, but it comes with certain pitfalls that every Homeowner, Property Manager, and Professional Roofer should be aware of in order to avoid damage to property, unnecessary repair costs, and the premature replacement of the roof.

Typical methods involve either pressure cleaning or chemicals treatments such as Chlorine Bleach or Sodium Hydroxide. If used properly, these methods will clean the roof with minimum adverse impact – but the effects are very temporary and will have to be repeated every 6-18 months in order to maintain the appearance of the roof.

These Cleaning solutions are not Long Term.

While these methods are relatively safe and effective when done properly, repeated "roof cleaning" will lead to premature aging of the roof. The natural erosion that occurs over time from the basic forces of heat, cold, wind, and rain alone are enough to bring most roofs to the point where annual inspections and minor repairs are a necessity to prevent significant repair costs. But when the roof is repeatedly subjected to high pressures or harsh chemicals, the aging of the roof is greatly accelerated.

With repeated cleaning, concrete tiles are more likely to shift, slip, or break and asphalt shingles are more likely to become brittle and crack. When this happens, there is a greater chance of damaging the roof simply by walking on it.

Don't take a chance on cleaning your Roof with alternate methods, find a qualified Hot Springs Roofing Contractor !