Put Roof Cleaning on Your Spring To Do List
Chelsea O'Donnell
A roof covered in black, streaky stains or moss growth could be much more than just cosmetically displeasing. It can also be a sign that your house can’t breathe properly.
Algae spores get carried by the elements and once they get enough light, heat, and moisture, they begin to grow and spread. Homes that aren’t properly insulated and ventilated are most susceptible to the problem because they hold onto moisture a lot more easily than houses with proper airflow. Once algae begin to grow on a home, it will spread very fast, resulting in black streaky staining or thick moss.
If you have one of these problems, the first thing you want to do is find out if your issue is cosmetic or something more serious. Ideally, a homeowner should get a roof inspection at least once a year and late spring is one of the best times to do it. During an inspection, a roofing professional will check the entire surface area for shingle deterioration or damage, and cracking around the flashing. They will also ensure that water is draining properly through the gutters and downspouts. Something as simple as debris build-up can void the roof warranty, so it’s well worth having an expert come and take a look. They will be able to tell you if your stains are something that can be taken care of with simple cleaning or if there is a more significant issue.
If your staining is cosmetic, a roof cleaning takes a few hours depending on the size of the area and one application does the job without the need for pressure washing which can damage the shingles. A roofing expert will use a professional cleaner that adheres to the growth but doesn’t harm the roof or any vegetation below it. Working on a roof is a very dangerous job and I never recommend for a homeowner to do a task like this themselves unless they are very comfortable on a ladder and with heights. No home maintenance task is worth a trip to the emergency room.
If your roof staining is showing up in the attic, your home is one of many in this area that doesn’t have the right airflow and you may want to discuss insulation and ventilation with a qualified roofing professional. Mold and algae in the attic can easily start to affect the air quality in your home, which is especially worrisome for elderly adults, young children, and anyone with respiratory issues. If you think your home might be affected, don’t put this problem on the back burner. Talk to an expert right away.
Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.