The Importance Of Cleaning Your Asphalt Shingle Roof
Asphalt shingle roofs are some of the most affordable and reliable roofing solutions for homeowners and commercial buildings. Shingles are composed of a fiberglass or organic felt base, coated with a layer of asphalt and topped with mineral granules. Shingles create a durable and weather-resistant barrier that protects the property from the elements. Maintaining asphalt shingle roofs is crucial for maximizing their lifespan and keeping them looking good, asphalt shingle roofs can last at least 25 years in British Colombia if they are cleaned regularly. Regular maintenance not only helps to preserve the shingles' structural integrity but also contributes to improved energy efficiency.
Identifying the Need for Roof Cleaning
Some of the most visible signs that your roof needs cleaning is the presence of algae, moss, and lichen growth, which can cause dark streaks and green patches. Damp climates like British Colombia are ideal for organic growth, we recommend homeowners and commercial properties clean their shingle roof every 3-5 years. Debris left on your roof can trap moisture and cause damage over time.
Moss Removal: Understanding What Causes It
Moss is a non-vascular plant that thrives in damp, shady environments. Moss often grows on surfaces like rocks, tree trunks, and building structures, including roofs. There are at least 12,000 known species of moss, different species have adapted to survive in extreme conditions. Moss can occupy areas that are otherwise uninhabitable such as rocky ledges on mountainside. It may appear harmless, however on shingle roofs it will trap moisture and cause damage over time. It's like having a wet sponge on your roof all the time! Eliminating Moss can be very difficult because it produces spores that become deeply embedded within the shingles. Merely brushing it off will not provide a lasting solution, as the spores will quickly regenerate and produce new growth. To permanently remove moss from a roof, it's essential to use a chemical treatment that will kill all the spores which are impregnated into the shingles. Soft washing is an ideal method for this purpose.
Cleaning Roof Stains: What Causes Them?
Roof streaks are a common issue that hurt the appearance of your shingle roof. The most frequent cause of these ugly streaks is a blue-green algae called Gloeocapsa Magma. Airborne spores of this algae, settle on your asphalt shingle roof because it is a favorable environment for growth. Usually the side of the roof that receives less sunlight will exhibit more streaks, as algae and mold flourish in dark, humid environments like those found in British Columbia. Roof algae streaks don't just look bad, it also damages your shingles by slowly eating away at the limestone filler that is commonly used in the manufacturing process. Over Time this causes the shingles to become brittle and loose granule. If not treated promptly this can greatly reduce the lifespan of the roof. The only safe way to remove roof stains is with a chemical treatment known as soft washing. Our cleaning solutions gently dissolve away algae and other organics without affecting the asphalt shingles.
Soft Wash Roof Cleaning
Our soft wash roof cleaning process is designed to effectively and gently remove moss, algae and any other organics. First we carefully brush away moss and debris, taking care not to damage the shingles. After most of the moss is removed we spray a soft wash treatment onto the shingles. The cleaning solution penetrates deep into the roof and kills any algae and moss spores, preventing regrowth. Any moss that remains on the roof will dry out and flake off after a few weeks. Shingle manufacturers recommend using soft wash as the only recommended method for roof cleaning.
