Factors That Determine the Frequency of Roof Cleaning

Many homeowners understand the benefit of a clean roof. For example, clean roofs dry fast, contribute to energy efficiency, and don't attract pests. However, many homeowners don't know how often they need to clean their roofs. The confusion probably exists because there is no definite frequency for roof cleaning.

Below are the major factors that determine how often you should clean your roof.

Climate

The local weather and climate play a critical role in how fast your roof gets dirty. The intensity of debris on your roof determines how often you should clean it. Below are several aspects of the weather that affect your roof's cleanliness.

Humidity and Precipitation

Humidity refers to the level of moisture in the air. Moisture encourages moss, mold, and algae growth on the roof. These organisms break down roofing materials and cause premature roof failure. Thus, you might need frequent roof cleaning in hot and humid environments. Precipitation, in all its forms, such as snowfall and rainfall, also encourages things to grow on the roof.

Storms

While storms often carry the precipitation that affects your roof, windstorms also carry debris, break tree branches, and blow leaves. Some of these may end up on your roof and necessitate frequent cleaning.

Vegetation

Vegetation in your neighborhood affects your roof's rate of cleaning in two main ways. First, tall trees around your house might shed their leaves, twigs, fruits, and seeds on your roof. Secondly, pollen from plants in nearby open fields might also end up on your roof.

Neighborhood Nature and Activities

The activities in your neighborhood determine how much dust and dirt end up in the air and on your roof. For example, your roof might get dirty quickly if your home is near:

• Construction zones
• Busy roads, especially gravel roads
• Quarries or any form of open mines

In such cases, frequent cleaning might be necessary until the neighborhood changes or the activities end.

Roof Age

Your roof's age does not determine how much debris ends up on it. However, the roof's age does determine the damage that debris might have on it. For example, debris on an aging roof might:

• Cover up damaged areas
• Retain moisture and trigger leaks
• Accelerate the materials' degradation

Thus, an aging roof might require frequent cleaning to minimize debris-related damages.

Roof Color

A clean roof has multiple benefits, including enhanced curb appeal, since many people find dirty roofs unattractive. However, the roof's color determines how much dirty it looks. That is why light-colored roofs require frequent cleaning to keep them looking clean. You might get away with infrequent cleaning of dark-colored roofs since they better hide their grime.

Roof Pitch

You won't always have to clean the debris that falls on your roof. Some of the debris will slide off the roof due to the force of gravity. However, the roof's pitch determines how debris can slide down without your input. Thus, flat roofs require more frequent cleaning than high-pitched roofs since the former can shed no debris while the latter can shed most of its debris.

Roofing Materials

Lastly, the roofing material also determines how much debris can hurt your roof. For example:

• Materials that take a long time to dry, such as wood, require frequent cleaning to clear debris that can retain moisture.
• Materials that discourage moss and lichen growth may require less frequent cleaning than those that encourage such growth.

A roofing contractor can help you understand how well your roofing materials stand up to debris and moisture damage. CB Chandler Roofing can help you with all aspects of roof maintenance. We can also install and repair your roof. Contact us for quotes on all roofing services you need.