Florida is a state that can experience a wide range of temperatures throughout the year. For those in northern Florida, they may experience mild temperatures similar to other southern states in the U.S. However, those in southern Florida may experience tropical temperatures most of the year. No matter where you live in Florida, your roof may be subject to moisture issues, build-up of salt, and various other problems. This could lead to premature roof replacement if you don’t keep your roof clean regularly. Now may be a good time for you to get soft-wash roof cleaning in Florida. Here’s why you should.
One of the biggest culprits you may face on your roof is the buildup of moss. Moss is a green, plant-like substance that may grow on your roof if moisture is present. While some homeowners may think that moss is harmless, it isn't the cute little green patch that it seems to be.
Like all plants and vegetation, moss has root systems that will need to anchor into something and allow it to continue to grow and get nutrients. Unfortunately, it is this anchoring that causes problems on your roof. As the moss shoots its roots into the roof, it may start to loosen shingles. As a result, this could lead to water getting in between the roofing shingles and roof sheathing.
If moss continues to grow and spread its roots, the roofing shingles will start to lift even more and allow even more moisture as it rains. Before long, you may notice that there are leaks in the interior of your home. Also, there could be wood rot developing and shingles breaking off, exposing more of the roof.
Bottom line: if you see moss forming on your roof, even a small portion of it, it is a good idea to get a soft-wash roof cleaning for your Florida home to prevent further damage. According to Forbes, minor roof repairs could cost between $150 and $1,500. However, if the roof needs replacement, it could cost about $8,000. And if there is structural damage from wood rot, this could drive up costs even higher to fix the framing and decking before adding the shingles.
Another problem could be black streaks on the roof. You may conclude that you have a dirty roof, and a little dirt won't hurt it. Unfortunately, these streets aren't dirt. They are actually another living organism known formally as Gloeocapsa Magma. This living organism is black algae that feed on the limestone in the shingles of the roof, especially if they are asphalt shingles. It may not seem like much is happening, but this organism is slowly destroying your roof. Again, this destruction can lead to premature roof replacement because it is destroying the shingles of the home.
This and other organisms can be quite common in moisture-rich areas of Florida. Getting pressure washing at least once a year can keep these microorganisms at bay and return your roof to its original color. However, if your home is situated in a way that trees or other buildings keep the sun from drying out certain areas of your roof, this problem could come back. You may have to install copper strips on your roof to keep these microorganisms from coming back and deteriorating your entire roof.
Although Florida is the land of sunshine most of the year, there are times when vegetation in the state does experience dormancy. As a result, there could be leaves and other dead vegetation that may pile up on the roof and collect on the roof and in the gutters. To keep these items out of the gutter, it is ideal to have a gutter with gutter guards. However, if you have traditional gutters, it is a good idea to get soft washing to clean the gunk out of the gutters.
Gunk can cause blockages in the gutter that could eventually lead to water spilling over near the base of the foundation. The build-up of leaves and other yard debris can also attract pests to your home, particularly the roof area. This debris creates easy access for squirrels, mice, and other pests to climb the gutters and get to the roof easily. When the temperatures cool a bit in Florida, this can be an open invitation for the pests to get into your attic space and create homes for themselves. Ultimately, not cleaning the roof and gutters could lead to creepy critters inhabiting and infesting your home.
Aside from leaves and other debris, there could also be bird poop all over your roof. While this may not seem like a big deal, this can be another culprit that could cause damage to your roof shingles. Bird poop can be quite corrosive and will eat away at roofing material, causing leaks in your home. If your roof has solar shingles, satellites, or other attachments, bird poop could be causing reception issues. This problem and other contaminants are another reason you should get soft wash roof cleaning regularly.
Did you know that your roof is one of the most important ways for you to achieve energy efficiency in your home? A roof covers a large portion of your home, and if there are holes in the roof or other damage, this could be a way for air to get in and start affecting your energy bills.
If it is summer, the heat could put pressure on your AC and increase cooling bills. In winter, the cool air from outside could put pressure on your furnace and cause it to increase heating bills.
Cleaning your roof may not necessarily improve your energy bills. But it will be your first line of defense in knowing something is wrong with your roof. Noticing such minor damage between cleanings can allow you to promptly contact a roofing company to patch up small holes before they turn into significant roof damage.
What’s another way to know you need soft-wash roof cleaning in Florida? It could be something as simple as you just need it. If it’s been a long time since you’ve had your roof cleaned, or you never had it cleaned since you moved in, now is a good time to start. You may be surprised that your present roof color isn’t the true color of your roof. As a result, this could improve your home’s curb appeal, which is really significant if you plan to sell your home in the near future.
Whether you need to protect the structure of your roof or you just want to make your house look better, it is a good idea to get soft-wash roof cleaning. This low-pressure washing technique is much gentler on your roof than other methods. Pressure washing companies that use soft wash roof cleaning techniques apply soft wash chemicals while using a low PSI pressure washer similar to a garden hose to remove dirt and organic matter from your roof gently. This helps clean your roof safely while keeping your roofing materials intact. After applying cleaning agents, they gently remove the cleaner with low-pressure rinsing.
The experts at Largo Pressure Washing are ready to provide you with completely safe roof cleaning solutions. Our technicians work diligently to remove roof dirt, organic material, and other debris, allowing your roof to look its best and last a long time. Call today to schedule your soft wash roof cleaning and get a FREE quote on their soft wash system.