Get matched with top chimney sweeps in East Helena, MT

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.

For most people, summer is the best season to clean roof shingles. You want a day with dry weather and comfortable temperatures. In hot climates, late spring may work better for washing shingles. Avoid cleaning roof shingles at any time where ice could form from applying water in low temperatures.

Roof raking helps clear snowfall from your roof and, in turn, you hope that this prevents ice dams. But can roof raking actually cause them? Generally, no, it cannot. But you should note that while, in some cases, you might successfully prevent ice dams from forming near the edge of your roof by keeping it cleared with a roof rake, they could still form higher up on the roof, where you are unable to reach. This may leave you wondering: Does roof raking prevent ice dams? While it is not a 100% guaranteed way to prevent them, it does help.

Roof cleaning isn’t a necessity, but it can drastically improve your home’s curb appeal and even prolong the life of your roof, so it’s often a great investment. It’s especially a good idea if shaded parts of your roof experience algae or moss growth, which can damage the shingles and hold water against them, increasing the risk of a roof leak.