Roof Cleaning: Cedar, Asphalt, Tile and Metal Roofs.
Do you think you need a new roof? Many people look up at their roof, no matter whether it’s cedar, asphalt, metal, tile or slate and, when they see what looks like mold, mildew or black stains, they are ready to call for a roof replacement when, most likely, all you need is a good cleaning!
Before you decide to get a new roof, consider contacting a roof cleaning professional to assess the damage.
A cedar roof, for example, can last upwards of eighty years if cared for but it holds moisture so it is a breeding ground for mold, mildew, lichen, algae and brown rot fungi. Tree branches that hang over your roof, release spores that lay on top and, over time, embed deep into the wood shakes.
Black stains on your asphalt roof, or algae, appear on the northern, or shady side of your roof and are heavier towards the bottom and taper towards the ridge. The damage done to your asphalt roof will cause deterioration to the shingles over time, resulting in an earlier-than-needed roof replacement. Many prominent roof associations such as the Asphalt Roof Manufacturer’s Association recommend that power washing, including a low pressure wash setting not be used as it will damage the shingles.
A metal roof should be inspected every four to five years; the years can take their toll through oxidation, a chalky white appearance that makes the roof look dull and faded after prolonged exposure to the elements. Debris and moisture collecting on a metal roof also requires cleaning as organic material will attach itself and excrete fluids, further damaging your roof. A non-pressure process should be used with special detergents as water may force itself into the flashing and channels.
Although mildew and mold can be found on a tile roof, it is usually found attached to the dust and materials, seeping into the pores of the tile. Concrete and clay tiles are very fragile so, although it may be necessary to use a chemical treatment, a non-pressure process will not crack or break the tiles.
Benefits of Maintaining Your Roof
Longevity – Extend the Life Span of Your Roof
Price – Lower than the Replacement Cost on Average to Clean/Treat Roof
Condition – Rids Your Roof of Infestations
Appearance – Enhances Your Home…New life at a fraction of the cost of replacement.
You Agree You Need A Roof Cleaning – What’s Next?
After you have contacted a qualified roof cleaning professional (we hope you keep Sullivan Roof Cleaning in mind), the next step is to ask what type of method is used to clean your roof. If the service professionals tells you they use power washing or pressure washing to clean your roof, say NO THANKS!
Power washing will strip your cedar roof shingles – blasting your roof with power is not the answer – it will only splinter shingles on a wood roof and similarly damage asphalt and tile roofs. Also, check what type of solution they use – it’s probably caustic and dangerous around you, your kids, pets and plants.
Sullivan Roof Cleaning does not use a power washer or pressure washing in our cleaning process and our cleaning solution is non-toxic, safe for children, pets and your landscaping. You will be amazed when you see the true colors of your roof!
Watch this roof cleaning video to understand the process.
Now that you have a better understanding of how a roof is properly cleaned, we hope you will give Sullivan Roof Cleaning a call for a free estimate. Bruce Sullivan is passionate about roof cleaning and is one of the top professionals in his field. Sullivan Roof Cleaning is family owned and operated, maintains a five-star rating with the Better Business Bureau and offers a 100% Satisfaction-Guarantee. If you live in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Waukee, Johnston, Ankeny, Cummings and all of central Iowa contact us.
