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6 Signs You Need a New Roof
5 Reasons To Power Wash Your Roof
Mar 13, 2018
When it comes to maintaining the value and appearance of your home, one of the most important things to do is keep it clean. Your home’s exterior is constantly exposed to various weather conditions, especially for its roof. Roofs get many dark stains over the years which can diminish the beauty of your property and draw attention away from gorgeous landscaping and architecture. These dark stains can be caused by moss, lichens, or algae, and they can cause the shingles to lose their granules, which in turns leads to shortening your roof’s lifespan and causing high replacement costs.
We all know that replacing a roof can be very expensive, and most people can not afford to do that because of a few stains on it. Many homeowners, however, make the mistake of installing a completely new roof when they could call in a professional company to power wash their roof.
In some situations, the roof might be technically fine, but that doesn't mean you should keep it looking unattractive. This can be avoided by simply removing the stains off of your old roof, making it look brand new again and save you thousands of dollars if you were to replace it.
In situations like these, power washing is a fast and affordable way to get the results you need. But be aware of doing this process by yourself, it's always advised to have it done by a professional, to avoid any damage that can be caused to your roof or shingles. A good and professional power wash is the best way to ensure your roof stays in top condition. Read on to learn the other benefits of power washing your roof.
1. Increased Roof Longevity
Power washing a roof helps prolong its lifespan and preserve its shingles or tiles. Moss and algae have a tendency to build up as years go by, and if they are not removed regularly, they can eat away the base of the shingles causing severe damages to the foundation, leaving your roof to rot and you having to replace them.
The normal lifespan of a shingle roof is around 25 years, however, it might not last that long with the invasion of these organisms, as they can reduce its life by as many as 10-15 years.
2. Reduced Energy Costs
A roof that is in poor condition causes you higher energy bills. In general, a roof needs to reflect the sun in order to keep the home cooler, a dirty roof covered by algae will not reflect the sun, and will absorb more heat instead, due to its dark pigmentation. In result, you have no choice but to turn up the air conditioning and pay more for cooling in the summer and heating during winter. Therefore, power washing your roof, especially at the beginning of summer, is a good way to help you save on your energy bills.
3. Insurance Reasons
Insurance companies want to know that your property is well taken care of and are beginning to drop homeowners who do not have clean roofs. That is why it is crucial for homeowners to be aware of this and clean their roofs at least once a year to keep insurance companies at bay.
4. Maximized Home Value
This is particularly important to people who might want to sell their home. Occasionally, a roof accounts for a large percentage of a home’s curb appeal (almost 40%). Therefore, a roof covered with algae or dirty with black stains says bad things about the overall care of the property and makes potential buyers suspicious. This can be easily avoided by having the roof power washed and getting rid of the dirt and mold before putting your home in the market.
5. Ensure the Health of the People Inside
Power washing your roof can have a significant impact on the health of the people who live inside your home. When a roof is neglected, the mold and algae growth on it can become excessive, and spread from your roof and into the attic area. This can raise health concerns by causing allergies to the people living there. Also, these organisms can interfere with your air conditioning system and the toxins created by them can easily be breathed in causing respiratory problems. Furthermore, the build-up of fallen leaves, dust, and dirt can attract insects and rodents that can make their way into your home through loose roof shingles.
