If you’re like us, becoming a homeowner is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. This is why it’s important to regularly clean the exteriors of our homes in order to maintain property value. When thinking of exterior cleaning – fences, decks, and driveways often come to mind since we regularly see them in our day-to-day lives. What we often overlook however, is our roofs.
On the surface, the benefits of cleaning our roofs seem pretty obvious: increasing curbside appeal and the overall value of our homes. What we tend to underestimate however, is just how much money a simple cleaning now can save compared to costly repairs down the road. On average, a typical roof replacement costs around $6,500 but can be up to $12,000 depending on size and severity of damage. That’s a lot of money compared to a simple cleaning! So what exactly is causing all this damage?
1) Ice Dam Formation
Ice dams are ridges of ice that form on the edge of the roof during the winter and are a result of not cleaning and debris off our roofs after a storm. As melted snow runs down the roof, it can re-freeze along the edges, preventing more water from draining, making the problem progressively worse overtime. Ice dams can cause leaks and destroy shingles & gutters. This problem becomes worse as more debris collects on the roof.
2) Roof Algae, Moss, & Lichens
Though rain and snow can cause our roofs to appear clean, more often than not algae, moss, and lichen are growing on our shingles, especially in areas less exposed to the sun. This type of growth not only causes splotches, stains, and other aesthetic problems, but can actually damage your shingles as well. Limestone filler is a common bonding agent found in shingles which also happens to be a food source for moss and algae. If untreated, these types of growth will begin to form under the shingles, eating away at them causing the shingles to crack and fall apart. Why are cracked and broken shingles a problem? Well…
3) Mold, Water Damage, and Wood Rot
Shingles act as our roof’s main line of defense against water, snow, and the other elements of the Pacific NorthWest. When shingles begin to fall apart, water is able to seep through the cracks and cause damage to the home. One of the most common types of damage that can occur is mold growth. Though mold may not necessarily cause structural damage to our roofs, it can become a very serious health hazard and may require a professional (and costly) cleaning service to remove it. On top of mold, water damage and wood rot are also common problems. Both of these issues can cause serious damage to our roofs and/or homes and could require a full roof replacement to fix it.
So How Often Should I Have My Roof Cleaned?
Most experts agree that a roof should be properly cleaned every 1-2 years. Any longer than this and we run the risk of moss, algae, and lichens causing irreversible damage, creating the need for costly repairs. Help us help you save time, money, and stress by preventing this problem in the first place! At Bayside, we only use environmentally friendly chemicals to ensure both your family and the environment are safe and healthy. We also offer free estimates before every job: no obligations, no hidden fees, 100% transparency. Just click the button below!
