Your home’s roof is on the frontline of defending it against the ravages of the elements. But this role makes your roof vulnerable to deterioration – and replacing it can cost you thousands. Prolong your roof’s by scheduling a roof cleaning: here are five signs it’s time to do so.

You may notice black streaks, particularly on the cooler, damper north-facing side. A type of bacteria known as cyanobacteria or blue-green algae causes this.

These black streaks look unsightly on any roofing, and as they spread, your home’s ability to reflect heat diminishes, raising cooling costs. However, if your home is crowned with asphalt shingles, there is another danger: this organism dissolves the limestone in the shingles, weakening them.

Clumps of velvety green moss may look romantic, but moss traps moisture that, over time, weakens the integrity of your shingles. This buildup of moisture also promotes the growth of mold in your home, which is a significant health risk. Soft pressure washing removes moss without damaging the shingles.

Roof cleaning removes accumulated dirt and grime that tarnishes its appearance and diminishes curb appeal, restoring the aesthetics of your home.

As water drains off your roof into the gutters, dirt and leaves can accumulate, causing them to clog up, leading to problems such as broken gutters, mold in the walls, and even foundational weakening.

Your insurance company’s assessors may give the condition of your roof a low score or insist you replace it. Roof cleaning can improve its condition enough to satisfy them for years. In humid, sub-tropical climates, you should schedule roof cleaning regularly, preferably annually.

If you notice any warning signs that your roof is deteriorating, don’t panic, but don’t put things off. Schedule an appointment for it to be cleaned by soft pressure washing – contact Lightning Pressure Washing today.