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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

When deciding on which at-home solution to use, bleach and vinegar are both effective at removing moss from driveways. Bleach tends to last longer, keeping moss away for up to a year, while vinegar may need to be applied more frequently. However, vinegar is much gentler on the environment, making it a safer option overall.

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.

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.