Asphalt Roof Cleaning and Maintenance: The Do’s and Don’ts

Asphalt roofing is one of the most popular roofing materials available on the market, thanks to its affordability and long lifespan. However, your roof doesn’t last long without proper care, and this is where roof cleaning and maintenance comes into play. Asphalt roofing can be a bit delicate, however, so there are a few things you need to keep in mind if you want to properly maintain your roofing system.

Do: Clean Your Gutters

When it comes to maintaining your asphalt roof, cleaning your gutters and downspouts is one of the steps you should take. This is because it’ll prevent the gutter system from being blocked and overflowing water, allowing your roof to remain dry after a rainy day.

Don’t: Use A Pressure Washer

As much as possible, tell your roofer not to use a pressure washer when cleaning your roof. This is because the water from pressure washers can exceed 200 miles per hour, which is faster than any recorded hurricane. This can loosen, uplift or tear your shingles and remove their protective granules.

Do: Use Eco-Friendly Materials

If you want to take proper care of your roofing system, make sure that the person you hired to clean your roof only uses environmentally friendly cleaners to get the job done.

Don’t: Use Harsh Chemicals

Some roofing professionals will use harsh chemicals like bleach as shortcuts to cleaning your entire roof. While bleach will kill any moss or algae that grows on your roof, it can affect your roof in a negative manner. This is because bleach can cause the metal parts of your roofing system to corrode, including the flashing, boots and gutters.

Do: Trim Your Trees

If your property has any trees with overgrown branches, have them cut as soon as possible to help keep debris away from your roof during a normal day or whenever wind-driven storms occur. It’ll also allow more sunlight onto your roof to prevent the growth of organisms.

Don’t: DIY

Experts will never recommend that you climb up your roof to clean or maintain it on your own. Not only is it hazardous for you, but it can also result in costly mistakes. Instead, hire a licensed professional for a quick yet thorough job.

Turn to Quality Assurance Roofing for your home improvement needs. We are your number one provider of roof repair and commercial roofing services. Give us call at (479) 279-8500, or fill out our contact form to get a free quote. We serve homeowners in Fayetteville, AR, and other nearby areas.