If you're beginning to notice discoloration or darkened areas on your roof, there is no need to be alarmed. Rarely does this alone mean it's time to replace the whole roof. Particularly in the more humid parts of the country, the blackening of your shingles is more often caused by Gloeocapsa magma, a common species of algae.

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This type of growth has become more and more prevalent over the past 20 years. There are other benefits to regular roof cleaning, but getting rid of algae and mold is the most prevalent. With Brava Roof Tile, you virtually never have to clean your roof! In this article, we'll help answer some common questions regarding cleaning your roof.

Will mold and algae harm my roof?

There is no scientific reasoning behind the belief that the algae are harmful to your roof shingles or the lifespan of your roofing. Although industry professionals agree that it should be dealt with as soon as possible, this is for aesthetic purposes.

According to the Mold Remediation Pro's, if done improperly, the act of cleaning the roof can be more stressful to the shingles than the algae itself. However, for those looking to sell their property, a clean roof can dramatically increase the aesthetic appeal and value of a home.

How do I know when it's time to clean my roof?

How often you'll want to clean your roof primarily depends on the material of your roof shingles. Algae are attracted to and breed in the different materials at varying speeds. You may even notice that areas of the roof with metal in them may be devoid of algae growth completely; this is due to metal – and in particular, copper – being toxic to the algae. If you have a metal-shingled roof, cleaning may be completely unnecessary, which is one of the massive benefits of metal shingling.

The most common shingles used in roofing are made of asphalt, and unsurprisingly, they are also the material which will require the most frequent cleaning. Other materials such as wood, fiberglass, and slate will also gradually build up algae as they are exposed to the elements. A cursory visual examination of your roofing will always be the best way to identify when it is in need of a cleaning.

How should I clean my roof?

When it comes to the cleaning itself, you have two options: clean it yourself or hire in a professional. Which avenue you choose to take is up to you, but shingles should NEVER be pressure washed. The stress that this causes on the shingles is not worth a cleaner appearance. Pressure cleaning will strip the protective layering and cause much more damage than the algae or other cleaning methods ever could. If a roof cleaning company offers this, find another one.

When looking to clean the roof yourself, a simple 50/50 combination of water and bleach is best. Be sure to protect your garden and friendly flora from any overspill and accidental runoff. Also, make sure to get the right equipment for the job, such as safety ropes and slip resistant shoes. Working on roofs is obviously a dangerous endeavor.

The answer to how often a roof should be cleaned varies from home to home and area to area. There is no definitive answer, but it's ultimately an aesthetic treatment that can dramatically increase the curbside appeal of your property. If you are interested in a maintenance free roof, contact Brava Roof Tile today.