Have you ever thought about getting Pennington roof cleaning service? Homeowners are expected to keep their homes looking nice. No one wants to come home to a mess, and no one wants to own the house that the neighbors grumble about whenever they drive past it. However, this includes your roof. Not only can a dirty roof ruin your home’s curb appeal, but it can actually damage your roof.
Pennington Roof Cleaning | More than Just Dirt
Your roof is exposed to the elements all day, every day. Dirt and debris will collect on it. Natural rainfall is typically enough to wash off the appearance of most dirt. However, the dark stains and green areas that appear on your roof are caused by other natural elements:
- Algae
- Fungus/Lichen
- Moss
These substances are much trickier than simple dirt and require some explanation.
Roof Cleaning in Pennington | Algae:
Angie’s List explains that the black stains are called gloeocapsa magmaor GM. GM algae is a bacterium that feeds off of both asphalt and limestone roofing in moist, cool and shaded areas of the roof. When there is minimal light, GM forms a blue-green color. The more shaded areas of the roof are more likely to have these algae, which can harbor various types of molds. This explains why some roofs are stained only on one side. A report by the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturing Association (ARMA) notes that these algae spores are transported by wind or animals. They can quickly spread from rooftop to rooftop in neighborhoods of single family homes, townhomes and apartment complexes.
Mercer County Roof Cleaning | Lichens:
Lichens are basically the combination of algae and fungus. ARMA describes lichens as fungus that grow symbiotically with algae. These plant-like organisms form a branching growth of root-like tentacles that penetrate deep into the shingle’s organic, oil base for nourishment. Lichens are tough to remove from the roof and can reappear from humidity and rain.
Roof Cleaning in Central NJ | Moss:
Unlike the algae and lichens, moss is an actual plant. Moss has a shallow root system and requires a lot of moisture to survive. Areas with less sunlight remain damp longer. Overhanging tree branches not only provide more shade, but they also drop debris that serves as a food source for moss. Like algae, moss spores are often transferred by wind or animals and can easily spread throughout neighborhoods.
Pennington Roof Cleaning | How Stains Damage a Roof
The stains and growth patches caused by algae, fungus and moss can damage your roof through shingle deterioration and wood rot. Both lead to expensive repairs and can shorten the life of your roof. A roof cleaning can help minimize or eliminate this damage.
Roof Cleaning Company in Pennington | Shingle Damage:
As mentioned above, GM algae is a bacterium that feeds off of both asphalt and limestone. That means that these organisms are literally eating away at your shingles. Furthermore, according to ARMA, roofs with algae stains absorb heat. This results in an extremely high heat in the attic, which can reduce the lifespan of the shingles by essentially baking them from the inside out.
Lichen colonies can be quite damaging to shingles. The penetrating tentacles create pock marks where they grow and eventually ruin the shingles.
Moss is even more detrimental to roof shingles. Moss can cause the edges of the shingles to lift or curl—often the first sign that a roof replacement is needed. And because moss holds in moisture, it can freeze in the winter, causing even more shingle damage.
Central NJ Roof Cleaning | Wood Rot:
Moss has the ability to hold in moisture and divert water, which makes your roof deck susceptible to wood rot and leaks. Moss tends to grow in the slots between shingles, which is the last place water evaporates from a roof.
Moss growth on your roof is easy to spot. But the signs of wood rot are not always obvious to the average homeowner. You don’t know how much damage is done to your house and you may have a leak without even knowing it. This will cause even more wood damage. Wood rot not only shortens the life of your roof, it can cause mold growth, which can be hazardous to homeowners and their pets.
Looking for the Best Company for Pennington Roof Cleaning?
Bearclaw Home Services has been serving the Mercer County, NJ area for many years. Roof cleanings maintain the integrity of your roof and prevents premature replacement by eliminating algae, moss and other items. You will add instant curb appeal to your home and business. We use an eco-friendly cleaning solution that is safe for people, pets, plants and property. At Bearclaw Home Services, our workers are highly trained to operate our equipment and our equipment is designed to be safe yet effective at cleaning your home. Contact Bearclaw Home Services today to request a risk-free assessment for your business or home. Let’s get your roof looking good as new! For more information, call us today at (609)882-1688 or visit the website.
Bearclaw Home Services Home Page
Other Posts: