Different Types of Roofing

Different Types of Roofing: Maintenance, Durability and Costs

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Nowadays, the average roof can last anywhere from 20-50 years if maintained properly. Even so, the best of roofs will eventually need to be replaced. If your roof is starting to cause problems, there’s a good chance you need a roof replacement. One of the biggest choices you’ll need to make when replacing your roof is deciding what type of roofing to use. Different types of roofing materials offer distinct advantages and disadvantages. The type of roofing that’s best for you will depend on your budget, environmental factors and durability.

There’s Never Been More Different Types of Roofing

Not long ago, homeowners were much more limited in terms of roofing choices. Modern technology has allowed for a much broader range of roofing materials to choose from.

The great thing is that roofing is more exciting that ever, with an almost endless choice of colors materials and styles. Homeowners can literally choose to go from a flat roof to a pitched roof, and vice versa.

Even when looking at different roofing materials available for flat vs pitched roofs, homeowners are spoilt for choice.

So, if you’re in the market for a new roof, the good news is that you can get almost anything you please these days!

Different Types of Roofing Shingles

Roof shingles are a popular choice for pitched roofs. The benefit of having a pitched roof is that water and debris naturally runs off, making it a practical choice. Most roof shingles are available is a broad variety of colors.

Although not always the best option, roof shingles can also be painted to match the color you like best. However, if the shingles you want are available in your preferred color, it’s better to avoid painting them.

Asphalt Roof Shingles

Asphalt roof shingles are the most common kind of roofing material used in the US for homes. They come in any common roofing color, such as terracotta, brown, black, grey, dark green and blue.

The benefit of asphalt shingles is that they’re relatively inexpensive when compared to some options. As far as durability is concerned, the average asphalt roof lasts about 20-30 years.

When buying asphalt, be sure to ask about the quality rating of the shingles. There are a variety of tests to class the quality of roofing shingles and good ones should pass all of them. Be sure to buy a shingle that’s passed quality tests for durability, impact resistance and wind tests.

Roof maintenance and regular roof cleaning is important with asphalt shingles. Especially in coastal climates, where the humidity is high, asphalt roofs will tend to grow moss and algae. If left unchecked, these growths can cause permanent damage to the roof.

Slate Shingles

Slate shingles are slightly less common than asphalt shingles. They are also more restrictive when it comes to color options.

Almost all slate shingles will be grayish or black in color. The great thing about these colors is that they’re all natural stone colors from the material. This creates a beautifully natural-looking, textured roof.

Because slate shingles are natural, they’re eco-friendly. Although slate is more expensive than asphalt, roofs can last even up to 100 years, as the material is extremely durable. Another benefit of slate is that it’s fireproof, waterproof and highly resistant to mold and fungal growth.

Of course, those benefits don’t necessarily mean you don’t have to worry about chimney fires, roof leaks and roof cleaning. Just like any other roof, a slate roof can develop a leak or get dirty. As for chimney fires – even if your roof is fireproof, the rest of your house isn’t. So make sure to keep the inside of your chimney clean.

One disadvantage to slate is the material isn’t flexible, so it can easily be damaged by hail and forceful impacts.

Concrete and Clay Roof Tiles

In many other countries, most houses aren’t fitted with asphalt. Instead, concrete or clay roof tiles are used.

Clay roof tiles (also called ceramic roof tiles) usually only come in terracotta color types. This includes reddish oranges, browns and sometimes even cream color. However, the color choices are restricted to what colors of clay are available, so they’re all earthy, soil-like colors. This makes clay a good choice if you want a natural look.

Concrete tiles, on the other hand, come in a broad variety of colors. When it comes to concrete tiles, you’ll have a similar selection of colors as you would with asphalt shingles. Concrete roof tiles can also be painted, allowing for an endless variety of color choices.

As far as durability goes, both options are good. Concrete and clay tiles can withstand winds speeds of even up 125 miles per hour. The average lifespan of a roof is approximately 60 years or more – although warrantees will normally expire after 30 years.

The downside of concrete and clay is that it’s more expensive to install and sometimes requires enhanced support structures to hold up the weight of the roof. Furthermore, these materials can easily break when you walk on them.

Wood Shingles

Wood shingles are also a quite popular option. As a roofing material, wood is reasonably eco-friendly and affordable. However, they’re highly flammable compared to most other roofing options.

As far as durability is concerned, wood roofs tend to last about 30-40 years. Apart from this, wood shingles also offer better insulation than most other options.

However, wood roofs must be kept clean of any moss and algae growth. Maintenance can be more difficult and the roof might literally start to rot if it isn’t kept well.

Solar Roof Tiles

Solar roof tiles are an exiting new development in the world of roofing. They’re normally made from a strong glass and they tend to be quite durable.

Depending on the pitch of your roof and the amount of sun exposure it gets, your solar roof might be able to supply 100% of your household energy needs.

That said, solar tiles also have their drawbacks. To start with, they’re much more expensive than almost any other alternative upfront. Luckily they do make up for this in that you might not have to buy electricity anymore. In fact, your solar roof might even allow you to put power back into to grid, which means it could earn you a bit of income on good days.

Solar roofs typically come with a 25-year warranty. Even if your roof is still intact after this time, there’s a good chance it won’t be giving you the same energy output. So basically, the warranty is on the solar panels, not the roof. It’s estimated that the tiles can maintain their energy output levels for about 30 years. The glass tile itself, however, is believe to last even up to 100 years.

What About Metal Roofing?

Most metal roofing doesn’t come in the form of shingles. Instead, large panels of corrugated metals are used to cover entire sections of the roof. This style of roofing is called a standing seam roof.

The great thing about metal is that it’s one of the cheapest roofing materials available, even cheaper than asphalt shingles. To add to the benefits, metal roofs are very durable, and can last even up to 70 years.

As far as downsides go, metal roofs can rust if not maintained regularly. Especially in coastal areas, you will need to treat your roof regularly to prevent rust. Metal roofs can also be noisy during rain storms and in severe cases, strong winds can lift the entire roof panels.

Overall, however, metal roofing stands out as an excellently durable, highly affordable roofing material. It’s also fireproof and should stay remain waterproof as long as there aren’t any holes.

Conclusion

While asphalt roofs are the most popular, many other materials are arguably better. If you’re looking for the same look of asphalt shingles, but more durability, concrete roofs are an excellent choice. For a cheap roof that will last you a long time, metal and wood are both viable choices. Still, asphalt shingles do retain their own sense of charm.

There are so many different types of roofing to choose from, you’re sure to find a material that suits both your needs and your pocket.

The Average Cost of Roof Cleaning in Florida

The Average Cost of Roof Cleaning in Florida

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When it comes to home maintenance, the roof is one area that doesn’t get enough attention. But roofs need proper care and maintenance just like any other area of the house. Roof cleaning is the process of removing algae, moss, mold and mildew from your roof. It’s important to occasionally clean your roof to keep it looking good and increase its longevity. Here’s why cleaning your roof is something you should be doing, as well as a breakdown of the average cost of roof cleaning.

Is Roof Cleaning Necessary?

Adhering to a regular maintenance plan for your roof is important. Cleaning is one of the most basic tasks to help maintain your roof. Occasional roof cleaning not only keeps your roof looking good, but also increases its longevity.

Your roof bears the brunt when it comes to protecting you against nature. Rain, hail and harsh sunlight are just a few of the things your roof protects you from. Florida is particularly prone to hurricanes, hail, and tropical storms.

Another problem is Florida is the humid coastal weather. High humidity in the air combined with warm temperatures make transform roof shingles into the ideal place for moss to grow. Eventually, this moss, can combine with algae and other fungi to form lichen on roofs. Lichens attract humidity to the roof and can lead to permanent roof damage.

This is why roofs need to receive as much attention as the rest of the house when it comes to cleaning, regular cleaning will keep lichen growths under control and prevent roof damage.

A disintegrating roof can require extensive repairs or even complete replacement, which can cost thousands of dollars. You can avoid all this by simply having your roof cleaned and prevent it from falling apart prematurely.

Roof Cleaning Benefits

Roof cleaning is not only cost effective but also the easiest way to maintain your roof’s appearance and condition. Benefits of roof cleaning include:

  • Increasing curb appeal and resell value: If you intend to sell your house, you need to understand that nobody wants to buy a house with a dirty, damaged roof. You need to have your roof professionally cleaned so that your shingles look brand new. This in turn adds to the overall curb appeal and resell value of your house.
  • Avoid unnecessary costs: A roof that is not properly cleaned periodically will eventually cost you thousands of dollars in the form of extensive repairs and roof replacement. Roof cleaning removes the moss, algae and debris that causes roof disintegration, ensuring you don’t need roof repairs or replacement prematurely.
  • Avoid excessive energy costs: When moss and algae are left uncleaned on your roof, they absorb and retain heat from sunlight, resulting in increased temperature inside your house. Roof cleaning will allow your shingles to reflect sunlight properly, thereby avoiding the need for air conditioning in the warm Florida weather.
  • Avoid insurance policy cancellation: To the surprise of many homeowners, insurance companies in recent years started notifying them that their homeowner insurance policies would be cancelled if they didn’t clean their roofs. This is because moss can damage asphalt shingles and insurers don’t want to pay for a new roof. Replacing a roof costs around $8,000-$12,000. It’s way cheaper to have your roof cleaned than run into costly insurance problems.

The Average Cost of Roof Cleaning in Florida

Although roof cleaning and maintenance is cheaper than replacement, knowing the cost of roof cleaning in Florida can help you compare the costs.

The national average cost of roof cleaning is around $293-$576. In Florida, it’s the average cost is estimated at $444 depending on roof material, square footage and roof pitch. Taller, more complex roofs usually cost more due to the extra safety equipment needed.

Other factors to consider when evaluating your roof cleaning costs include the roof’s coating and age of materials. In Florida, humidity, high temperatures and harsh sunlight can contribute to the deterioration to your roof.

Extras like cleaning gutters and removing moss can be part of the total roof cleaning cost or charged separately. An additional $100-$200 may be requested for moss treatment to delay moss regrowth.

The cost of roof cleaning differs according to the material of the roof. Asphalt shingles range from $300-$575, while roof tiles cost an average of $425.

Best Way to Clean Shingles

Like many homeowners, you might aware that having the shingles on your roof pressure cleaned could lead to damage. Instead of pressure, soft washing offers and alternative where your roof can be cleaned without excessive pressure. Soft washing relies on biodegradable chemicals and low-pressure water beams to clean roofs.

Safe soft washing incorporates low-pressure washing and sustainable chemicals that won’t leave damaging residues on your roof. Often times, even only a garden hose can be used instead of a pressure cleaner.

The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) strongly advises against using pressure washing on shingles, as it causes granule loss and even reduces the longevity of the roof system.

Roof Algae and Moss Removal

Even though algae takes away from the aesthetics of your roof, there’s no scientific evidence that it damages shingles. It does have a negative long-term effect on the effectiveness of highly reflective roofs.

Moss, on the other hand, is quite detrimental to shingles. It can cause the leading edges of the shingles to either lift or curl, increasing the risk of shingle blow-off during windy conditions. At its worst, moss can cause moisture damage to the roof and even leaks.

Moss also clogs gutters and absorbs heat, increasing cooling costs. A soft washing contractor will usually remove it by hand, with water and/or biodegradable cleaning products. Soft washing will protect your roof from any regrowth for even up to a year after removal.

Soft Washing vs Pressure Washing

What’s the difference between soft washing and pressure washing, and why is soft washing a better way of cleaning your roof? Pressure washing uses high pressure equipment that sprays water at a pressure forceful enough to blast away dirt, grime, moss, algae and other forms of debris.

Soft washing uses a garden hose (or a pressure washer on a low setting) with very low pressure and biodegradable chemicals to clean exterior surfaces of your home, including the roof.

Pressure washing can be very effective for cleaning side-walks, drive-ways and garage floors, but can be very damaging for more delicate surfaces like roofs. High pressure washing will damage roofs and should never be used.

Soft washing is designed to safely remove moss, algae, mildew and all forms of dirt from your roof without causing any damage. Soft washing not only preserves the integrity of your roof while cleaning it but is also safe for your plants and all other parts of your property.

Make sure to ask your contractor if the chemicals they use for soft washing are eco-friendly.

Best Time of the Year for Roof Cleaning

Most homeowners have roof cleaning scheduled at least once a year. The time of year you choose to have your roof cleaned can make a huge difference especially in a climate like Florida, where the weather isn’t too kind to asphalt shingles and other roofing materials.

An ideal time of the year for roof cleaning would be during the winter months when there are no scorching temperatures. Chemicals are also less effective during heavy rains, so it’s best to schedule a cleaning when the weather is likely to be clear.

Another ideal time for roof cleaning would be after extreme weather has dirtied your roof and caused debris to accumulate. Removing leaves, sticks and other objects within a short period of time eliminates the possibility of your roof being damaged by them.

Lastly, apart from getting the time of year for roof cleaning right, it’s also important to get the right roof cleaning company to do the job for you. Cleaning your roof is an investment that yields nothing but excellent benefits for your home. It needs to be done properly and by roof cleaning professionals.

soft washing vs power washing: which is best?

Soft Washing vs Power Washing: Cleaning Methods and Applications

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Have you spotted any dirt or grime on your roof, walls or deck? Over time, dirt and other elements such as mildew, salt, mold, dust and grime can build up around your house, leaving it in need of a good clean. If you are new to pressure cleaning, you’re probably not sure which method is best – soft washing vs power washing. Not to worry, this article will outline each method so you can have a much clearer picture before you begin.

Soft Washing vs Power Washing: What’s the difference?

Understanding the difference between soft washing vs power washing can help homeowners decide which is best. The clue in defining each method lies in their names – ‘soft’ and ‘power’. The main difference between the two is that soft washing uses low water pressure and power washing uses high water pressure to remove the dirt and stains when cleaning surfaces.

Is Power Washing the Same as Pressure Washing?

Power washing should not be confused with pressure washing, which is sometimes used interchangeably. They are similar, but still different in that power washing uses a heating element to heat the water to a certain temperature, which makes the cleaning process a lot faster. Pressure washing doesn’t have this feature, water at regular tap temperature is used during pressure cleaning.

Soft Washing and Power Washing Cleaning Methods

Both soft washing and power washing methods use pressurized water in combination with cleaning detergents. However, as previously stated, what differentiates each cleaning method is that power washing uses higher pressure compared to soft washing. This means that power washing is ideal for harder surfaces – which includes sidewalks, driveways, paved patios and many types of stone – while softer surfaces like wooden fences, wooden decks and screens are more suited for soft washing.

Is One Better Than the Other?

No. There is no method that’s better than the other. The best method would depend on your specific requirements. Some people may think that power washing is less desirable since it can cause some damage. This, however, is not entirely true. There are some instances where power washing is more favorable; the key is to know how and when to use it so that there is no damage done. Yes, power washing can chip pieces of paint or wood off more delicate surfaces, but not all surfaces are equally delicate. Power washing for cleaning larger areas like, for example, a long driveway is completely acceptable and even preferable over soft washing.

So basically, different surfaces and stains will require different cleaning methods. All you have to do is make sure you pick the right cleaning method for the surface you want to clean, not just because you want to ensure your surface gets cleaned thoroughly, but also because you want to avoid any damage to the surface.

Soft vs Power Washing Techniques

How Soft Washing Works

Where power washing favors pressure, soft washing favors chemicals to do all the work in the cleaning process. The only pressure needed is the pressure that applies the chemicals onto the surface. So the cleaning solution (or detergents) used are more important, as well as the ‘dwell time’. Dwell time simply refers to the amount of time a cleaning solution is required to sit on a surface for the chemicals to break down the grime, stains and other buildup effectively. Once the needed dwell time has passed, the surface is then rinsed off using low pressure and the results are a smooth, clean surface that leaves your home looking brand new.

How Power Washing Works?

Power washing, on the other hand, uses a combination of pressurized water and heat to clean surfaces. The high pressure and heated water are what makes power washing very good at getting rid of stubborn dirt like chewing gum and grease off from sidewalks, driveways and garage floors. This isn’t only because of the water pressure that literally hammers down onto the dirt, but because the heated water makes it easier to clean surfaces since it provides a more effective, thorough and faster clean.

What Is Meant by High and Low Pressure?

What exactly does high and low pressure mean in terms of pressure cleaning? Well, numerically speaking, the rate at which water is released by a pressure cleaning machine is measured by what is known as pounds per square inch (PSI). In the case of power washing, a machine releases water at a PSI of around 2500 and above, while soft washing releases around 1000 PSI or less. The higher the PSI used for pressure cleaning, the higher the water pressure will be.

Soft Washing A House

What’s great about soft washing is that it allows you to clean a surface without leaving behind damage to the area. This is what makes soft washing suitable for any surface around your house or property. Use it to clean your roof, deck or fence without destroying any paint or materials.

While power washing can be great for driveways and other hard surfaces, soft washing is generally preferable for more delicate surfaces, like house sidings, roofs and wooden decks and patios.

Soft Washing vs Power Washing Equipment

Before you can even start thinking about what equipment to use, you first need to figure out what type of surface you want to clean. This is because different surfaces have different requirements for cleaning, which includes different chemicals, pressure, machine nozzle sizes and cleaning technique.

What Equipment You’ll Need?

There’s a variety of different equipment available for soft and power washing; however, the basic equipment consists of a tank, a pump, a hose and a spray gun. If you’re looking for more options or want to create more cleaning solutions, you can find a machine that is configured to your needs. For soft washing, one thing to look out for is to make sure that the spray gun has a low-pressure nozzle. For power washing, since it uses a lot of power while cleaning, it’s no surprise then that the machine needed is one that is powerful enough to handle the job.

If you’re not sure which equipment you should get, speak to a professional so that they can guide you in choosing the right one. Alternatively, hire a professional company to do the cleaning for you. Professionals have years of experience cleaning various surfaces. Power cleaning can be especially dangerous if done by an inexperienced homeowner and getting up on a roof to soft clean it yourself isn’t advised.

Different Cleaning Solutions for Soft and Power Washing

Choose the Right Solution for the Right Surface

Soft wash treatments tend to last longer than power wash treatments because the solutions used in soft washing will offer a deeper clean, going beyond the surface into the structure and cleaning from inside out. It literally gives a deeper clean. There are a variety of different solutions you can use for a soft wash treatment. Essentially, it comes down to knowing which solutions to use for different types of stains or dirt and how long they can dwell before they need to be washed off. Also, because every surface is different, you need to understand which solution can be used on the surface you want to treat.

So, if you’re not a professional, you should buy premixed solutions that are specially formulated for cleaning the kind of surface you’re looking to clean. Remember, when it comes to detergents, you have to make sure that you use the right one.

Don’t Forget to Care for the Environment

A key factor to keep in mind is the chemicals you use when soft washing. The chemicals can be very strong, which is why you should always opt to use biodegradable chemicals that won’t be harmful to the environment.

If you plan to do the cleaning yourself, be sure to cover all your plants in plastic wrap before you start cleaning. A lot of chemicals used during both pressure cleaning and soft cleaning can be quite harmful to plants.

 

Which Pressure Cleaning Method Is Best?

Recap

Both cleaning methods have advantages and disadvantages. What you have to do is choose the one that suits the surface you want cleaned. Some surfaces can take more pressure while others are too delicate and need a gentler approach.

Still Not Sure? Speak to A Professional

Simply hire a professional who will let you know which method will work best for your needs. Even if you think you can do it yourself, it’s always better to call in a pro in case you accidentally damage the surface you are trying to clean or injure yourself. The machines can be dangerous in the hands of an untrained user. Because of this, it’s better to get someone who’s skilled and who will get your home cleaned the first time round without any hassle!

Why Roof Maintenance is Important

Why Roof Maintenance is Important

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You see your roof every time you drive into your driveway or when you’re having a relaxing family barbeque in your back yard. But how often do you think about the condition of your roof? Roofs are the one part of our homes that are often neglected, yet they play a major role in protecting us from the elements and keeping our homes safe for us to live in. If you’re wondering why roof maintenance is important, just take a moment to think about what your roof does for you.

What Is Roof Maintenance?

Roof maintenance is the regular inspection and cleaning of your roof in order to keep it dirt-free and in good condition. Although there are things that you can do on your own, it’s always advisable that a professional who knows what to look out for also inspects your roof. Professionals can give you the assurance that your roof is as healthy as it should be.

Why Regular Roof Maintenance Is Important?

Helps Prevent Your Roof from Deteriorating

With time, your roof deteriorates. Constant exposure to varying weather conditions (rainstorms, hail, snow, wind and even the harsh sun, etc.) inevitably causes wear and tear on your roof.

Frequent maintenance can slow down this deterioration and help to increase your roof’s lifespan by keeping it in great condition, eliminating any wear and tear that may have started to occur.

Detect Leakages Early

Early leak detection is one for the advantages of roof maintenance. Roof leaks can cause a lot of damage to the inside of your home. Maintaining your roof and keeping it clean can help you to spot leaks earlier, before any surmountable damage is done.

Save Money

Roofs are expensive. The last thing you want is to have to replace your roof long before you actually need to. Maintaining your roof ensures that you enjoy the full return on your investment. In other words, the money that you spent to install your roof won’t go to waste, since your roof will last as long as it’s expected to. Also, keeping up with your roof maintenance allows you to find damages before they grow into bigger problems that cost a lot more to fix.

Your Roof Stays Healthy

Continuous inspection will give you a clear, functional roof. Removing any fungi and nesting birds or squirrels will help keep your drainage working and also remove any moisture that could lead to serious mold problems.

Protect Your Home’s Insulation

You’ll be able to catch any issues before they spread to your home’s insulation. When this happens, moisture can seep into your home, causing damage and mold. But keeping up with your roof maintenance won’t cost you money to fix your insulation or remove mold that’s developed in your house.

Insurance Benefits

Believe it or not, a well-maintained roof will benefit your standing with your home insurance company. These days insurance companies look at your roof to help them determine how much of a risk you are. They know that a poor roof means damage in your home, which means you’re more likely to file a claim, costing them money. As a result, your policy could be canceled because of a roof that’s in poor condition.

Aesthetic Value

While most people only concern themselves with the inside of their homes, taking care of the exterior matters too. Having a beautiful, clean roof adds to the general aesthetics of your home, which improves its curb appeal.

How Often Should You Clean Your Roof?

Cleaning your roof is an essential part of roof maintenance and is, in fact, the best way to prevent expensive roof repairs or replacements. The four seasons provide an opportunity for fungi, moss, and mildew to grow; while leaves along with other debris can build up as well, weighing down on your roof as time goes by.

When deciding when to clean your roof, look at factors such as the weather conditions in your area, your roof’s condition, how often debris builds up, and what type of roof you have.

In short, you should clean your roof as often as necessary, which means you have to check your roof regularly for stains and dirt to not miss anything. Sometimes you can do the cleaning yourself, but because of the safety hazard involved and the possibility of you missing something, it’s often better to hire a professional to do the job.

Signs of Roof Damage

Another reason why roof maintenance is important is because of the consequences that come if you don’t do it. Just about anything can cause damage to your roof. Greenery, weather elements, and even a tree branch falling onto your roof. However, even though some damages can be fixed, some cannot, and it’s important to know the difference. Call in a professional roofing expert to assist you.

Leaks

Any sign of a leak is a strong indicator that your roof is no longer in good condition. If it’s not too severe, you can solve this by replacing some flashing. Otherwise, a roof replacement is your best bet.

A Sagging Roof Deck

The deck should always be straight. If you start to notice sagging, you should get your roof inspected ASAP. Sagging decks, which are caused by leaking moisture, can be solved by replacing the affected parts of the deck.

Daylight Entering Your Attic

Damaged shingles cause holes that allow exterior light to shine through into your attic. Although light is harmless, you should be concerned water and debris entering through the openings.

An Increased Energy Bill

An increased energy bill can mean that the warm or cool air from your air conditioner or heater is escaping through the roof. This causes your appliances to use more energy to maintain temperatures in your home. So if you notice a spike on your bill, be sure to check if your damaged roof isn’t the culprit.

Signs You Need a New Roof

Curled or Cracked Shingles

If most of the shingles on your roof are curled at the edges, cracked, or missing, it might be time for a roof replacement.

Shingles Are Dark, Wet, and Dirty

When shingles are wet, it means they are trapping in moisture, which means that they are no longer functioning. Wet shingles can lead to other problems in your home, like mold growth that extends into the wall structures. Because of this, it’s always best to replace wet shingles as soon as possible to prevent mold from spreading.

Shingle Are Starting to Shed

If you start seeing shingle granules (which resemble black, coarse sand) in your gutters, it’s a sign that the shingles are in a bad condition and they should be replaced.

Discoloration on Your Walls or Ceiling

Discoloration (water stains) on your interior walls or ceiling is another sign that your roof needs to be replaced.

Shingles Are Just Too Old

As with many things, age does take its toll on your roof. Although many shingles are built to be durable, several factors can accelerate their aging process, leaving your roof looking old and worn out. Usually, your roof is meant to last for about 20 years before it needs to get replaced. The closer it is to its expiry date, the higher the chance for a replacement.

Your Neighbors Are Getting New Roofs

If you start noticing that your neighbors are getting new roofs, it’s probably time that you do the same. If your home and theirs were built around the same time, it means that you’ve experienced the same kind of weather conditions, so your roof should also need a replacement at more or less the same time.

Roof Maintenance Costs

We mentioned earlier that saving money is one of the reasons why roof maintenance is important, but exactly how much could you have to spend? If you don’t get on top of damages the moment they develop, your repairs will be more costly. Failing to maintain your roof can force you to part with anything from a few hundred dollars to a couple thousand. The more the damage, the more you have to pay.

  • Roof cleaning costs range from $293 – $576, with an average of $418
  • Roof repair costs range from $351 – $1,366, with an average of $843
  • Roof replacement costs range from $ 5,347 – $10,539, with an average of $7,797

These figures (according to HomeAdvisor) can be higher or lower depending on factors like your area and the size of your roof. Only settle on a price once you’ve compared at least three quotes and keep in mind that experience is also important.

Be Proactive

Unfortunately, most homeowners only act once the problem has progressed to a point that the only solution that’s left is a roof replacement. Your roof is just as important as any other part of your home, and it should be treated as such. Damages can go from bad to worse very quickly, so regular maintenance and taking care of problems as they arise is the best way to go.

How to Clean Rust on Roofs

How to Clean Rust on Roofs

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Although rust on roofs is more common on metal, it can also affect some shingle roofs. Rust stains on shingle roofs aren’t from your roofing material though – not unless you have shingles that contain metal at least. Most often, rust stain on shingle roofs are from a nearby metal object, such as your chimney flashing or metal drainage pipes. When these structures start to rust, the brownish red color can bleed onto the surrounding areas of your shingle roof.

Regardless of whether you have a metal or shingle roof, rust stains are unsightly and will take away from your home’s curb appeal. Rust is a more common problem on metal roofs, as the roofing itself can develop rusty spots over time. Especially in Florida, where humid weather conditions worsen the rust on your roof. The fact that the ocean releases salt water particles into the air, means that metal objects are even more prone to rust near the coastline.

What Causes Rust?

The scientific term for rust is iron oxide (III). The term “oxide” is commonly used in chemistry to refer to a compound consisting of oxygen and another chemical element. Thus, iron oxide is formed when iron atoms bond with oxygen atoms, but what causes this to happen?

The Science Behind Rust

Before looking at how iron bonds with oxygen, consider carbon and oxygen.

Carbon dioxide is a naturally occurring compound consisting of a single atom of carbon and two oxygen atoms. As a compound, carbon dioxide naturally occurs in the air we breathe and is even expelled from our lungs when we exhale.

However, carbon atoms can combine with oxygen atoms to form other compounds as well. Carbon monoxide is an example of this, as it consists of one carbon atom and one oxygen atom.

But on an atomic level, even small differences in composition have a large impact on the compound that’s formed. Carbon monoxide is also a compound consisting of carbon and oxygen. But unlike carbon monoxide, only one atom of oxygen is present in each molecule rather than two. As a result, carbon monoxide is hazardous to breathe in and can even lead to death if too much is inhaled.

Similarly, rust is a chemical compound consisting of two iron atoms bonded with three oxygen atoms. Just like with carbon, iron can bond with oxygen in different ways. For example, iron oxide can consist of a single atom of iron and oxygen each, but this isn’t rust. When this happens, the resulting compound is referred to as iron oxide (II), but this isn’t rust. The only ratio of iron to oxygen atoms that will produce rust is two iron atoms to three oxygen atoms, forming iron oxide (III).

The reason why rust naturally is because iron and oxygen have opposite charges. This causes oxygen and iron atoms to form bonds to neutralize their respective charges.

Why Does Your Roof Rust?

As you might’ve guessed, your metal roof or chimney flashing contains iron. When the iron atoms in your roof bond with oxygen atoms, it causes a process called oxidation. As the iron oxidizes, the metal in the roof converts to iron oxide (III), or rust.

The process of rust formation happens specifically when water is present. Water helps iron to react with oxygen, which is why it’s necessary. Salt water further accelerates rust formation. But metal objects don’t have to be submerged in water for rust to form. Water vapor present in the air can be enough to facilitate rusting.

Seeing as Florida is by the ocean, a lot of water particles are present in the air. Salt water vapor is also common in areas right next to the shore, meaning rust is a persisting problem in the sunshine state.

How to Clean Rust on Your Roof

To clean rust from your roof, you can book a professional roof cleaning from a Florida roof cleaner. Your roof cleaning service will most likely use a solution of oxalic acid to clean the rust from your roof. They’ll also use special equipment, such as pressure washing machines to thoroughly clean your roof and leave it looking spotless.

When dealing with rust stains on your roof, professional help is a must. The chemicals and equipment used to remove rust stains from your roof can be dangerous if you don’t know how to work with them.

Some organic rust converters are available on the market. These products are safer to use than acid, as they simply convert the rust into other harmful chemicals by means of chemical reaction. However, rust converters won’t necessarily be effective at removing all the staining on your roof, as it’s most effective on areas that are highly rusted. If certain areas on your roof are very rusted, a rust converter might be a good choice to reduce the problem though.

Repaint Your Rusty Roof after Cleaning It

While cleaning rust stains from your roof will already improve its appearance, it won’t prevent your roof from rusting again. Once your roof is clean, you’ll need to investigate it to find the areas where the rust is forming. These areas will need to be treated to prevent rust from forming again.

To get rid of the rust once and for all, you’ll need to use a wire brush or sanding tool to remove the rust. After thoroughly cleaning your roof and all the rusted spot, it must be repainted as soon as possible to minimize exposure to air and moisture.

If you don’t repaint a metal roof after cleaning it, your roof will look better for a while. But once rust starts to form again, it will likely be at a more rapid pace. By cleaning the roof, you’ll remove some paint and exposing the rusted areas more. Because of this, repainting with a water resistant, weather proof coating is essential.

Before applying the paint you chose for your metal roof, you must treat it with a steel primer. Applying a primer will is one of the best ways to prevent rust from forming again.

How Rust on Roofs Can Be Prevented

It’s better to prevent rust from forming on your roof than to treat it once it forms. New metal roofs and chimney flashings are often covered in a rust resistant coating. Even slate and asphalt shingles are coated for protection. Over time, this rust resistant coating will wear off, however.

For metal roofs, the best way to prevent rust is to ensure the roof is always coated in water resistant coating. Be sure the repaint your roof every few years. If the paint starts to look old and faded, your roof could benefit from repainting.

When you do maintenance on your roof, don’t forget to check every component f your roof. It can be easy to forget to check nails or rivets and focus only on the roofing panels, but rusty nails can cause rust stains to bleed from the affected area. Any roofing components that are rusted must either be replaced or cleaned and treated for rust.

If you a chimney flashing or similar metal fixture on your roof, you can also have it cleaned so that you can treat it for rust. When applying primer and paint to a chimney, opt for high heat paints. The chimney area is often exposed to high temperatures which normal finishes can’t withstand. For the best results, your paint and primer should be rated to withstand approximately 250 degrees Fahrenheit. A paint that’s rated for 250 degrees might not require a primer if you’re using it on your chimney, so you can ask your local hardware store assistance for help in choosing the right product.

Conclusion

Maintaining your metal roof is the best way of preventing rust. Even with the best maintenance, the coastal weather can still take its toll on your roof. Working with expert roof cleaners and maintenance contractors can help you restore your roof to its former beauty!

how to clean roof shingles

How to Clean Roof Shingles: Best Methods to Protect Your Roof

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Roof shingles aren’t all the same. Different types of roof shingles are made with a variety of materials. However, when it comes to cleaning your roof shingles, the cleaning methods you use will be similar regardless of what material your shingles are made from. It’s important to know how to clean roof shingles the right way. Even if you plan on hiring a roof cleaning service, learning about proper roof cleaning techniques will help you choose the right people for the job.

What Are Roof Shingles?

Not all homeowners are familiar with different roofing materials. Perhaps you aren’t even sure whether you have a shingle roof. Luckily shingle roofs are easy to spot.

Shingles are used as a roofing material for sloped roofs, so if your roof is flat, you can already know it’s not made with shingles.

Although shingle roofing is the most common choice of material in the U.S, sloped roofs can also be built with other materials. Other popular materials for sloped roofing include:

  • Corrugated metal
  • Thatching
  • Roof tiles

Corrugated metal and thatching are easy to distinguish from shingles. Metal roofs don’t consist of individual tiles or shingles. Instead, each section of the roof will consist of one large sheet of metal. Thatching is also easy to tell apart, as thatched roofs are made from straw or reeds.

roof tiles look similar to shingles, but they're not entirely the sameThe only roofing material that can be a bit tricky to distinguish from shingles is tiles. With both shingles and roofing tiles, the roof will have a tiled appearance. The roof will consist of various tiles or shingles that overlap at the edges. Because of this, many people consider roof tiles to be a form of shingle. What distinguishes roof tiles from regular shingles is the material they’re made from.

In America, most roof shingles are made from asphalt. Occasionally, shingles can also be made from slate or even wood. Roof tiles are specifically made from clay. It’s easy to see the difference between asphalt shingles and clay tiles if you know what to look for.

Clay roof tiles are normally much thicker than shingles, creating a more textured look where the tiles overlap. Shingles are normally much thinner than clay tiles, so the areas where asphalt shingles overlap isn’t always as noticeable.

Luckily maintenance and cleaning are similar for clay tile and asphalt shingle roofs.

Should You Pressure Wash Your Roof?

One of the most popular and widely used methods for cleaning roofs is pressure washing. There are some advantages to pressure washing, seeing as it’s a quick way to clean a roof. The powerful pressure washer beams also deep clean the roof surface, getting rid of a lot of algae spores and tough stains.

Unfortunately, there are also some disadvantages to cleaning a roof with a pressure cleaner. Although roof shingles are made to withstand extreme weather conditions and powerful gusts of wind, they aren’t necessarily made to withstand pressure washing.

The beams from most pressure washers are powerful enough to cause injury – any beam that powerful can certainly damage your roof as well. Many people claim that pressure washing blasts away roof shingle granules, stripping away the longevity of your roof one wash at a time.

Another problem with pressure washing is your roofing warranty. If your roof is new, pressure washing could possibly cause you to lose the warranty on your shingles. Check with the supplier where you bought your shingles before having your roof pressure washed.

Is Pressure Washing a Roof Bad?

While the disadvantages of pressure washing seem disastrous, pressure washing a roof might not be all bad. Many homeowner’s insurance companies will require you to pressure clean your roof regularly if you want to claim for any roof damage. This is because removing moss and algae from your roof increases its lifespan and prevents leaks.

As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to decide what’s best for your home. While not everyone agrees that pressure washing is a good way to clean a roof, many people who oppose pressure washing advise not cleaning a roof altogether, insisting that moss and algae growths are simply a cosmetic problem. Others suggest washing roofs with lower pressure, such as with a garden hose or garden sprayer.

How to Clean Roof Shingles without Damaging Your Roof

The safest way to clean your roof is to clean it at a low pressure. Many roof cleaning services focus on cleaning roofs at low pressures. They do this either by using special pressure washing equipment, or by foregoing power cleaning altogether in favor of using a garden hose or sprayer.

To avoid damaging your roof during cleaning, it’s best to hire a roof cleaning expert. There are several benefits to hiring a professional roof cleaning service:

  • You’ll stay safe and prevent serious injury from falling
  • Experts are trained and equipped to stay safe on the job
  • Trained professionals deliver impeccable results while protecting the integrity of your roofing system
  • A reputable company will have the necessary insurance to protect your best interests

Keeping safe and staying out of harm’s way is one of the most important reasons to hire professionals. Walking on a sloped roof that’s wet and possibly even slippery with soap can easily lead to a fall.

According to statistics released by The Center for Construction Research and Training in 2013, falls from roofs accounted for one-third of the fall fatalities in the construction industry between 1992-2009. That’s a significant amount, considering that constructors are legally required to adhere to safety standards that aim at preventing such deaths.

Considering how many deaths occur in the professional sector, it should be clear to see why cleaning your own roof is a risky undertaking.

That said, when hiring a professional, you still want assurance that they’ll do the job the right way. There are some things you can ask to ensure you’re getting a good service.

Questions to Ask Your Roof Cleaning Service

The best way to ensure your roof cleaning service will clean your roof properly is to ask the right questions. Knowing what questions to ask will help you choose a company that will clean your roof in a way that’s safe and effective. Some of the questions you should ask include:

  • What insurance does your company have? In most states, contractors such as roof cleaners are required to have at least some insurance. Ideally, you want to work with a company that has both worker’s compensation cover and general or professional liability insurance. At the very least, a company should have worker’s compensation cover, as it’s a legal requirement in most states.
  • What roof cleaning methods do you use? Simply ask the question without mentioning any concerns you have with pressure washing. A good company will mention that they use soft cleaning methods that aren’t damaging to your roof when answering this question.
  • What cleaning detergents do you use? Most companies will use bleach, as it kills of algae and moss. However, some detergents can be harmful to your garden, so ask what precautions they’ll take to protect your garden.
  • What safety precautions will you take? Even if a company has the necessary insurance, you don’t want someone to get injured while cleaning your roof. Safety precautions are an important part of professionalism in any industry.

Stay away from any company that doesn’t have insurance. Roof cleaning services are required to have insurance in most states, so companies without insurance usually operate illegally. As a result, you might be held accountable if an incident occurs and one of the workers get injured on the job. Additionally, an uninsured cleaner won’t be able to compensate you for any damages to your property as a result of their negligence.

Cleaning your roof keeps it looking brand new. In most cases, getting your roof cleaned on a regular basis will also extend its lifespan. When it comes to how to clean roof shingles, it’s best to hire a professional to ensure your roof doesn’t get damaged during the cleaning process. Just be sure to hire a reputable company that will offer you a premium service at a competitive price.