Is Roof Cleaning Safe for a Healthy Roof?

The discoloration of roof shingles is caused by algae that feed off the limestone found in your asphalt shingles. The biggest issue that leads most homeowners to want to get a roof cleaning is aesthetics. A discolored roof looks bad. However, a discolored roof could be an indication of a roof coming to the end of life. Roof cleaning can affect a fiberglass asphalt shingle's life span to some degree because it can loosen the protective granules.

Is Roof Cleaning Necessary?

Neither the National Roofing Contractors Association nor the National Roofing Manufacturers Association takes a position on the subject. Their position is that although roof cleaner can clean the algae, the discoloration caused by it will soon return. Get a roof inspection to see if there is any structural damage to the roof that would require a new roof or a roof replacement.

If You Must Clean Your Roof...

In the majority of cases, homeowners clean their roofs for aesthetic reasons. If this is the case, you should clean your roof with a bleach-water solution and a soft brush or sponge. Pressure washers can damage shingles very quickly. Thus you will have to avoid using them on a roof.

Discoloration of a Roof Indicates a Greater Issue

A homeowner seeing discoloration on their roof could be an indication of a problem with its overall longevity. It usually takes the roof 10 to 15 years to develop streaks on the shingles. At that point, replacing the roof should be considered rather than spending money on roof cleaning every year.

Instead of a Roof Cleaning, Get a Roof Inspection

Are you considering a roof cleaning? It may be time for you or purchase a new roof installation using asphalt fiberglass shingles, or maybe even a metal roof installation. Call us at 317-342-4050 or email us at service@bryantroofs.com.