Dirty Roof Shingles: Common Causes and How to Clean Them

As a homeowner, it's basically an instinct to want your entire home to be as clean as possible, especially the exterior. After all, a clean and well-put-together exterior is what drives your home's curb appeal and property values up. Unfortunately, dirt can't be avoided forever and dirt on the roof is something that you'll want to deal with as soon as possible.

Here, the roofing and gutter installation experts of Colorado Roof Toppers reveal what usually causes dirty roof shingles and how you can clean them, beginning with:

Moss

If you live in a moist or humid environment with ample amounts of shade, then moss is one of the common causes of dirty roofs and the one that you'll want to remove immediately, as they can cause moisture damage to the system and the overall structure of your home. To remove moss from your roof, there are a few roof cleaners you can buy at the store to clean the roof. However, avoid doing this on your own as much as possible and enlist the services of a professional instead.

Falling Debris

Regardless of where you live, fallen debris such as pine needles, acorns, leaves, and branches can be the reason why your roofing shingles are dirty. These kinds of debris can cause problems for your roof as they can easily block your gutters, preventing water from being directed away from your home. Once the water builds up, they can backup beneath your shingles, causing leaks and compromising your home's interior.

While it's possible to free the roof from debris, either by hand or by blower, it's still best that you get a residential roofing contractor to clean the roof for you as doing it on your own can prove hazardous for yourself and the roof.

Algae

Compared to moss, algae won't damage your roof but it can still impact your home's aesthetic appeal in a negative way. To clean your algae-infested roof, you'll need to apply the right cleaning solutions such as bleach, hot water, soap or even other chemicals before rinsing them off with water. However, using these cleaning solutions on your own can void your shingle warranty so avoid DIY-ing the cleaning process as much as possible and call a professional to get the job done instead.

Planning to install a new roof or seamless gutters in your home? Don't hesitate to turn to Colorado Roof Toppers, the number one professionals to approach for your roofing requirements. Give us a call at (303) 622-0305 or fill out our contact form to request an estimate. We serve homeowners in Longmont, CO, and other nearby areas.

by Denise Bart November 21, 2019
Gutters    Roofing