Roof Cleaning: Do I Need to Clean My Roof Every Year?

Is Annual Roof Cleaning Necessary?

When it comes to power washing the exterior of a home, most people agree that washing once a year is sufficient to maintain the cleanliness as well as the integrity of the house. Wood, brick and vinyl siding are all susceptible to build-ups of dirt, mildew, moss and mold if not regularly cleaned, but an annual power washing will keep any build-ups from becoming too damaging or dirty. When it comes to roof cleaning however, things aren’t quite as straightforward. Some roofs can certainly benefit from an annual cleaning, while some may require a lot more attention than a yearly visit from the roof cleaning professionals at Lil Squirt. If you live in Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, or elsewhere in Southern BC, you may be familiar with the ways the climate in this region can affect your roof. Factors like weather, the type of roof you have and even the amount of shade it gets all contribute to how often you need to clean your roof.

Climate

Southern BC, along with the rest of the Pacific Northwest is known for the amount of regular precipitation it receives, especially in the spring and fall months. While this does a lot to contribute to the large amounts of green spaces and tall, lush forests we all enjoy, heavy rainfall and the accumulation of water on your roof can lead to a buildup of moss, mold and fungus which not only looks bad, it will eventually damage the roof. Rather than letting dirt and damage build up over time, which will lead to expensive repairs in the near future, it is a good idea to keep an eye on your roof after months with frequent precipitation, and have the roof professionally cleaned if you notice any buildup of dirt, mold or other harmful organic materials.

Trees and Foliage

As we mentioned, places like Maple Ridge, Coquitlam and other cities in Southern BC are fortunate to find themselves in an area with so much green space and mature trees. While the trees in the area do provide nice shade in the hot summer months, and can add value to your property, they aren’t always the best thing for your roof. As the wind blows leaves and other debris on your roof covering the shingles, this can quickly lead to a weakened or damaged roof as moisture gets trapped against the shingles. Combined with the shade that the trees provide, which makes it harder for water to evaporate off your roof, debris and water can wreak havoc over time if not properly cleaned by a professional. If you live in an area with a number of trees surrounding your property, always be sure to keep an eye open for any concentration of leaves or debris on your roof.

Type of Roof

The type of roof you have over your home is a major factor when it comes to deciding how often you should clean it. Shingled roofs require different cleaning methods compared to cedar shake roofs, and often show less dirt over a short amount of time due to their darker colour. Each type of roof show different signs as to when they require a cleaning. Shingled roofs will sometimes warp if exposed to moisture and debris, while cedar shake roofs will quickly become discoloured if exposed to moss, mildew, etc. Unless they are particularly dirty, metal roofs can go a while without cleaning as long as they are properly treated to prevent any buildups of damaging organic materials. At Lil Squirt Power Washing we have all the correct tools and cleaning materials to handle any type of roof, and will always be sure to provide you with the most effective solutions when it comes to cleaning and maintaining your roof. For a free estimate, or if you have any questions about cleaning your roof, be sure to give us a call!