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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.

There are several ways to remove snow from your roof: using a snow rake, salting the roof with calcium chloride, using a rope (cautiously), and using heating cables. It’s important to mention that pretty, fluffy, sparkling snow weighs a great deal, and when physically removing snow from a roof, you should be aware of large snow slabs breaking off. These can weigh hundreds of pounds and are a real danger, so be extremely careful anytime you’re doing this type of work.

In most cases, it is best to leave icicles on your roof and allow them to melt naturally. You should only remove them if they are heavy enough to cause damage to your home or pose a safety risk to people below. Attempting to remove icicles yourself can be dangerous, so if you are concerned about immediate damage, it is recommended to hire a professional. To prevent icicles from recurring, you should address the underlying cause, which is often poor insulation. Long-term solutions include improving your home's insulation or installing roof heating coils.

Roof cleaning can damage shingles if it’s done incorrectly—like with a high-power power washer—but it likely won’t damage your roof if you pay to have an expert do the work. A professional roof cleaner will use a gentle cleaning solution and a cleaning method that matches your roof material to ensure the process doesn’t damage the roof. Some homeowners worry that roof cleaning will shorten the life of their roof by removing shingle particles or protective coatings, but it often extends roof life by removing plants that cause damage and improves your home’s curb appeal simultaneously.