By SUNG BIN PARK
If you are a homeowner, you may already know replacing a roof is one of the more costly repairs to the home. By doing an annual check on the condition of your roof, you could save yourself some problems before they get worse.
A little cleaning and maintanance now can help to avoid costly damages later.
Brian Stuart, owner of Stuart & Co., LLC, a company that specializes in roofs and remodeling, said that you should be doing an inspection on and around your roof area. Especially “gutters need to be cleaned annually, so they don’t back up on the roof edge and cause ice dams in the wintertime.” Gutters can be easily neglected but it is a chore that needs to be kept up in the fall and spring annually to prevent clogs and water from entering into the foundation and home.
Other culprits of moisture include moss, mold, and lichen on roofs. They thrive on areas that are damp and shady, so it is important to take notice of them and remove them before they do real damage. Zinc strips are also an option to add to old and new roofs that have rainwater runoff down the roof, to help keep moss, algae and fungus at bay. Mr. Stuart recommended a very light power-washing with specialized roof cleaners for mold and lichen. “Depending on the amount of trees around and shade on the roof, you might need to do it only every five years or so, if needed,” Mr. Stuart added. But call the professionals if you are unable to safely do so.
Inspect for trees touching the shingles or any debris on the roof and cut back any overhanging branches that could be retaining moisture. In the winter check for fallen branches and other materials on the roof. You should also check for any loose, curling or damaged shingles every year and watch for unusual discoloration or streaks on the roof.
Marcos Da Silva, owner of Top Quality Painting and Beyond, provides power-washing services and said homeowners should consider calling a professional when they are concerned about unsightly black stains or if they see mildew or moss, especially if you live in a humid area. Black streaks can often appear on asphalt shingles on the side of the roof that is shady and doesn’t get much sun. These are most likely algae stains and could lead to problems down the line.
“Cleaning will prevent the wood underneath from rotting because mold will keep the roof constantly wet,” Mr. Da Silva commented, “The roof needs to breathe” or moisture will be kept inside the house. If there are too many trees, cleaning should be done every two years or so in some cases. Pollen, too, can become troublesome if it just sits there, so clearing your roof of pollen and other debris in the spring is also important for roof care.
“People don’t realize washing is very important” when it is needed to get the most of their roof, Mr. Da Silva noted. There are some do-it-yourself cleaner options for very gentle, low-pressure washing for homeowners, such as Jomax (one that Mr. Da Silva recommended). Jomax or other specialized roof cleaners should always be used according to directions, he added, “Do not wash on a sunny day. Cloudy is better to keep it wet, and I prefer even a light rain, so it doesn’t dry out too quickly and set for at least 20 minutes or so before rinsing off.” Homeowners could use a garden hose to rinse off if they are concerned about too much pressure from pressure washing. Areas such as landscaping around the house should always be considered when washing your roof. Mr. Da Silva cautioned against using corrosive cleaners and said, “Don’t throw straight bleach on it. It will kill your plants and don’t do it on a sunny day because plants are most sensitive.”
When it comes to general roof care and maintenance, an ounce of prevention is key if you want to stay on top of your roof, so to speak. Mr. Da Silva remarked, “Prevent and make it easier and more affordable for you now, or it can cost more in the long run.”