Maintaining a home or business requires regular cleaning, such as washing windows and sweeping front steps. While many home and business owners are dedicated to property cleanliness, it’s easy to forget about the roof. The following guide explains what to know about roof washing to keep your roof in good condition.

Why Keep Your Roof Clean?

Roofing systems are exposed to the elements. Without routine cleaning, they become vulnerable to environmental damages — leaves begin to clog the roof’s gutter system, forcing rainwater to back up under shingles and into the building. Keeping your roof clean ensures all gutters and drains are clear and operational, preventing water damage, mold, and mildew growth. These issues can contribute to asthma and allergy flare-ups and other health problems. 

Roof washing also contributes to building aesthetics. A roof marred by moss, lichen, and algae decreases curb appeal in residential neighborhoods and can put off potential renters and consumers in commercial settings.

How Often Should You Schedule Roof Washing?

Roofing contractors generally recommend getting a residential or commercial roof cleaned every spring and fall, regardless of roofing material type. However, some materials require cleaning more often than others. For example, a metal roof can usually go longer in between cleanings than concrete tile. The latter takes time to dry, which increases susceptibility to lichen and other unwanted growth.

Roof washing in the fall eliminates dead leaves, twigs, and other debris that clog gutters and cover roofing systems, resulting in trapped moisture and moss, bacteria, and algae growth. As such, fall cleanings are essential if the home or business is surrounded by trees or is in a shady, moisture-prone location.

In addition to removing debris, spring roof cleanings ensure there hasn’t been any severe water damage over the winter. Ice dams on uninsulated roofs contribute to stress and leaks in the attic. Frozen drains can rust, creating leaks that can pool around the building’s foundation and cause basement or crawlspace damage. 

Schedule roof washing with Squeeky Clean Window Washing in Bethesda, MD, to maintain your residential or commercial investment. The company uses purified and deionized water to clean homes and businesses throughout Montgomery County and Northern Virginia to avoid unsightly streaks and paint damage. Call (301) 424-4020 today for a free estimate or get a quote online.