Roof Cleaning dangers and benefits


Roof Cleaning is not only cosmetically necessary, but also has health advantages. Roof Cleaning helps combat certain fungus. algae, mold and mildews that can grow and build up on roof tops.

Asphalt Roofing Manufactures Association (ARMA) top five Roof Dangers:

Algae: Effects wood, shake, metal, tile and asphalt shingles. Lowers property value and can deteriorate your roof. Algae can thrive in humidity and shaded areas.

Lichen: Effects wood, shake, metal, tile and asphalt shingles. May lead to increased shingle degradation leading to costly repairs or replacement. Lichen thrives in moist/humid conditions.

Moss: Effects wood, shake, metal, tile and asphalt shingles. May lead to roof rot and compromise the integrity of the area of the roof effected leading to costly repairs or replacement. Moss also thrives in humid conditions.

Mold: Effects wood and drywall. Some molds such as Stachybotrys (commonly known as black mold) can cause serious health risks and respiratory illnesses. Mold is fast growing and compromises the entire structure not only the roof without fast and efficient removal. Mold usually shows up as fuzzy black, green or brown colored spots. Mold can thrive in any region and only needs moisture to form.

Mildew: Effects roofs with poor drainage or where trees may over hang. You can recognize mildew by its green, black, red or pink powdery appearance. Mildew thrives in warm, humid and rainy climates.

Health Benefits of Roof Cleaning

  • Removes contaminants that cause allergies
  • removes contaminants that can lead to asthma attacks
  • Removes bird droppings and dander that can lead to hystoplasmosis

 Did you know?

According to NBC News Channel 2 special report, insurance companies are now canceling or refusing to renew homeowners policies due to dirty roofs in some areas.

Unsightly staining is more often caused by algae and moss. Since both have a tendency to damage roofs to the point of repair or replacement from lack of cleaning, insurance companies are not renewing or are going as far as canceling policies.

In conjunction with your manufactures maintenance recommendations roof cleaning may help to preserve your warranty.  Many warranties state that keeping the roof clean and free of debris is necessary to maintain the warranty and prolong the life of the roof.

 

 

-article originally printed in the UAMCC newletter issue#2

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