If you’re a Florida native or long-time resident, you know that the Sunshine State’s climate makes unique demands upon exterior home maintenance. Add to the fact that Central Florida’s subtropical climate is different from South Florida’s true tropical climate, as well as from North Florida’s more temperate climate, which brings the region colder winter temperatures. And if you are among the many new residents we’ve welcomed, you may be unfamiliar with how to keep your property at its best.
To be fair, however, even those who think they know all about Central Florida living may not know as much as they assume, so let’s take it from the top – your home’s roof, that is! Keeping it clean is the first line of defense against the roofing material breaking down, thereby shortening the life of your roof. No roofing material is immune to damage allowed to progress because of lack of cleaning as needed, so our roof cleaning professionals at The Paint Manager bring you the following facts.
Roof Stains Aren’t Dirt
Trails of dark stains running down your roof aren’t dirt – they’re algae – Gloeocapsa magma, to be exact. Also known as blue green algae, it protects itself from the sun’s ultraviolet rays by producing a dark pigmented sheath. As our blog post – “Why Cleaning Your Roof is Important” – notes, the algae discoloration typically begins as small spots, then quickly transforms into streaks on the roof plane. By the time the algae is visible, it likely has been present for several months or longer.
Algae is a problem because it retains moisture. According to Long Home Products, “This means they don’t allow the shingles to dry out, which quickly causes deterioration in your shingles, and can eventually cause rot, which leaves the door wide open to mold and mildew growth.” Florida’s long rainy season that produces almost daily afternoon thunderstorms June through early September sets up the ideal conditions for this issue.
Then, there’s moss. This is a non-vascular plant that lacks a root system, obtaining water through its leaves. Moss must therefore have a moist environment to survive. It tends to grow on north-facing roof planes that receive less direct sunlight and stay damp longer than south- facing planes. The moss spores get down between the shingles or other roofing materials. They can harm the structural integrity of your roof long before you notice the moss growing if you are just looking at your roof from the ground. Overhanging tree branches provide additional shade and drop debris on the roof, which further holds in moisture and acts as a food source for moss.
Types of Roofing Materials and the Types of Algae/Moss Growth They Attract
As mentioned earlier, every type of roofing material used in Florida is susceptible to algae, moss, mold and mildew taking hold. Here is a look at each:
Asphalt shingle – This is the most common roofing material in Central Florida. It provides a good environment for blue green algae because of its composition, which includes calcium-based limestone. “Unfortunately, over the years the manufacturing process has changed,” writes Best Roofing Shingles. “There is more calcium based limestone and fillers in roof systems today. Algae and moss … feed on these calcium based additives. Whenever you see those black streaks growing on your roof it’s typically algae and moss that you are seeing.”
Long-term damage to asphalt shingle roofs includes the following:
- Wood rot and leaks from constant dampness.
- Losing granules on shingles.
- Lifting up the edges of shingles as algae and moss grow.
- Water damage in your home. Moss attracts birds that use it for nesting material. Their repeated pecking on shingles to remove it eventually creates holes, causing leaks.
Barrel tile – This roof style is popular for Mediterranean style homes. Tiles can be made of concrete or clay. According to City Roofing and Remodeling, concrete is an energy efficient roof material, but is heavy. Clay tiles can last longer than concrete under normal weather conditions. Algae doesn’t grow directly on the tiles, but in between the tiles – from which it then spreads to cover various surfaces of the roof. It is the build-up of dust, dirt and other materials coupled with exposure to moisture and sunlight that allow the spores of algae and mold to sprout and grow.
Long-term damage to barrel tile roofs includes the following:
- Roof leaks – Algae and mold retain moisture, which can lead to roof leaks by creating gaps/holes in your roof which, over time, can cause your roof to rot. According to ABC Roofing Corp., “Where there is algae and mold, it is most likely that Lichen, among other organisms, is present. Which over time can cause separation of roof materials and eventually roof leaks.”
- Can shorten the useful life of tiles – Algae growth causes tiles to absorb heat unevenly, which means they don’t last as long as they would otherwise. Moreover, if the roof doesn’t absorb heat evenly, it can increase the indoor temperature – thereby making your air conditioner run longer and work harder, in turn potentially also shortening its useful life.
Metal – This type of roof is becoming increasingly popular in Central Florida as a low-maintenance alternative to shingle. However, algae can grow due to the inevitable accumulation of dust and dirt. As with other roofing materials, algae growth may eventually result in mold and lichen.
In addition, metal roofs are coated with a paint system. If not cleaned and maintained, the paint system’s resin begins to break down and degrade from prolonged exposure to sunlight, UV rays and pollutants. According to Sheffield Metals International, the resin loses its adhesion to the surface, turning white – a process called chalking. As most metal roofing paint warranties don’t cover excessive chalking in the presence of pollutants, it’s important to regularly clean your roof.
Why Roof Cleaning Isn’t a DIY Job
Now that you know why cleaning your roof is essential to maintaining its integrity, here is why it’s a job better left to the professionals. While some of our readers may not even consider tackling this job, others might believe they can save money by taking the DIY approach. As we at The Paint Manager always warn, YouTube videos often make the task look easier than it is. You don’t want to start this project without the right equipment, cleaning products, protective gear, experience and physical ability. Pressure washing can be dangerous for the inexperienced, and even low-powered machines can be a risk to your life and property.
If you’re thinking about cleaning your roof yourself, think about the following:
- Rental pressure washing equipment is messy and heavy. You may also need to hire a truck to transport it to your home.
- Rental pressure washing equipment may malfunction due to improper maintenance.
- Standard high-pressure washers can damage asphalt shingles and crack barrel tiles; pressure washing pros have special equipment that doesn’t harm roofing material.
- Undiluted or incorrectly mixed cleaning chemicals can burn your skin, irritate your eyes and respiratory tract, and harm landscaping and pets.
- You could fall off the roof. When you combine a steep roof with water and slippery cleaning agents, you have a recipe for disaster.
- Professional roof cleaners will provide you with longer-lasting and higher-quality results, as they use commercial-grade equipment and have years of experience.
- Professional roof cleaners will complete the job within a few hours, whereas you may end up taking days.
- Professional roof cleaners will make sure to protect your plants from detergent run-off.
- Professional roof cleaners are insured, licensed and guarantee their work.
Our team at The Paint Manager has over 20 years of experience in cleaning every type of roofing material for both residential and commercial properties to provide the best possible results. Visit our website to learn about the many other services we provide – including quality residential and commercial painting services, popcorn ceiling removal and stump removal. Become a member of The Paint Manager to receive a 15% year-‘round member’s discount. Contact us to learn more about our services and membership discount offer. We look forward to meeting you!