Q: What are signs I need a professional roof cleaning?

• <div>Even though you don&rsquo;t look at your roof often, there are some telltale signs that you should have your roof professionally cleaned. It&rsquo;s best to hire a professional roof cleaner as soon as you notice signs of wear and tear to preserve the essential feature&rsquo;s longevity. Some indicators to look out for include:<ul><li><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/why-gutter-cleaning-so-important.htm">Leaf buildup in gutters</a></li><li>Dirt and grime buildup</li><li>Moss or black algae growth</li><li>Dirt buildup under shingles</li><li>Shifting roof shingles</li><li>Plant growth</li></ul></div>

Question 1

Does shoveling your roof prevent ice dams?

Accepted Answer

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Removing snow from your roof can help prevent ice dams, but the best thing to do is address insulation issues in your attic. If you do decide to remove the snow manually, you should always use a roof rake rather than a shovel. You shouldn’t climb your snowy roof in any circumstance, and roof rake allows you to remove the snow from the ground or a ladder. For the best results, remove snow as soon as possible after it falls.

Question 2

Can moss damage my roof?

Accepted Answer

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Yes, moss can be dangerous for your roof if left in place to grow without treatment. The moss soaks up and holds moisture. Having a constantly damp roof could lead to problems with rot for the parts of the roof that consist of wood. Additionally, a patch of thick moss may draw insects and birds, which could damage the roof. Thick moss could block the roof’s drainage system. Water then may back up after a rainstorm and cause further damage that could eventually lead to roof repair expenses or the cost of roof replacement.

Question 3

How do you prevent moss from growing on a roof?

Accepted Answer

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You may become so frustrated with the look of moss on your roof that you contemplate whether to clean or replace your roof. Fortunately, you don’t have to go as far as replacing it. After cleaning the moss, you can use a chemical solution to keep it away. For further protection, trim branches that overhang the roof, as fallen seed pods and leaves on the roof allow moisture to collect, encouraging moss growth. Consider adding zinc-coated flashing to the roof, too. As rain washes across the zinc, it leaves zinc particles behind that inhibit moss growth.

Question 4

What are signs I need a professional roof cleaning?

Accepted Answer

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Even though you don’t look at your roof often, there are some telltale signs that you should have your roof professionally cleaned. It’s best to hire a professional roof cleaner as soon as you notice signs of wear and tear to preserve the essential feature’s longevity. Some indicators to look out for include:

Leaf buildup in gutters
Dirt and grime buildup
Moss or black algae growth
Dirt buildup under shingles
Shifting roof shingles
Plant growth

Question 5

Can you remove moss from a metal roof?

Accepted Answer

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Moss grows in dark areas of roofs, including in corners and gutters. If left alone, it can grow under roofing and cause permanent damage. Here’s how to remove moss from metal roofs:

Soak the moss to soften it
Scrub it away with a soft-bristled brush, or pick it off with your hands (be sure to wear gloves)
Use a moss remover that’s compatible with metal roofing, following the manufacturer’s directions
Remove dead moss and rinse the roof thoroughly
Prevent future moss growth by trimming branches, cleaning gutters, and attaching zinc strips to moss-prone areas