(Photo : Jaël Vallée via Unsplash)

Most homeowners overlook the importance of regular roof cleaning, often opting to keep other parts of their homes and property tidy. Even though cleaning the roof might be your last priority, roof cleaning is important to protect the roof and the house from damage. It also improves curb appeal for a better resale value.

For homeowners to achieve these benefits, this process should be left to Bellevue roof cleaning professionals. The frequency of roof cleaning varies depending on several factors, but roofs should be cleaned within five years of installation and every two or three years after.

Homes close to the beach, production industries, busy roads, airports, or tropical areas should adjust their cleaning schedule accordingly. Below are factors that influence how often your roof should be cleaned.

1.  Age of the Roof

The age of your roof will determine the cleaning frequency. Most homeowners often assume that new roofs need minimal maintenance. However, this isn't advisable for new and old roofs. Unlike other parts of your home, you should take a proactive approach when dealing with roof maintenance instead of dealing with unexpected problems, such as leaks at night following heavy rains.

If your roof is more than five years old, annual cleaning removes growing mold and mildew and improves the appearance of your roof. Clean roofs are also easy to inspect, and you can assess their true condition. On the other hand, roofs that are more than 10 years old should be cleaned and inspected twice annually. Signs of roof damage, such as cracked, loose, or missing roofing materials, should be noted during the inspection.

2.  Type of Roof Material

Several materials can be used in roofing. The material used in your roof also determines how frequently it should be cleaned. Your contractor may choose concrete or slate tiles with a rough finish, barrel tile, asphalt shingles, and other roofing materials, depending on your location. Some roofing materials, such as shake, cedar, and asphalt, take longer before drying when wet.

Roofs made of cedar, shake, and asphalt shingles can tolerate weather conditions well. These materials hide dirt and grime better and thus don't need frequent cleaning. You should consider cleaning them once every year. On the other hand, roofs made from metal or tiles easily show dust, dirt, grime, and mildew, requiring frequent cleanup.

3.  Climate and Surroundings

The prevailing climate and surroundings also have a major influence on roof cleaning frequency. If leafy trees and shrubs surround your property, debris from leaves, twigs, and branches can easily land on your roof. Regular cleaning is required to clear your roof to prevent this debris from rotting on the roof.

As for the climate, roofs in areas receiving a lot of rain, snow, and winds also require regular cleaning to remove leaves and branches carried by these weather elements. Note that leaving debris to accumulate on your roof can clog the gutters.

Endnote

You shouldn't wait until signs of discoloration are visible from your roof to initiate roof cleaning. While roofs have a long lifespan, depending on the material type, ignoring roof maintenance can shorten the lifespan of your roof. Regular cleaning is important to preserve your roof and improve curb appeal.