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While spotting a bit of algae on your roof may not bother you at first glance, it is certainly bothering your roof shingles. The presence of algae can cause decay and shorten the lifespan of your roof’s shingles, which can lead to much bigger problems down the road. While this issue may seem cosmetic at first glance, it goes much deeper than that.

Clay tile roofs require minimal maintenance, as they stand up very well to the elements and often won’t fade in direct sunlight. They also don’t need sealing. Concrete tiles are also relatively low maintenance, but you will need more maintenance than with clay. You’ll need to seal concrete every few years to improve water resistance, and the color will fade a bit more quickly than with clay.

An improper DIY roof cleaning could cause leaks by damaging the roofing material. Things like using too much water pressure on the shingles or applying a harsh cleaning solution could cause damage. If you do enough damage, you could harm the ability of the shingles or other roof materials to keep water out of your home.

Other than it looking like a dirty car, there are some other signs you need to clean your roof. Moss growth, algae (often black streaks), grime buildup, buildup under shingles, and leaf buildup are all classic signs a cleaning is overdue. If you have neighbors, take a look around. If your roof appears different in any way, that’s another sign to call a pro to have it cleaned.