Maintenance of the roof is an integral element of being a homeowner. Roof repairs or replacements are among the most expensive and essential home maintenance tasks. Location and roofing material both affect how long a roof will last. While some homeowners choose to replace their roofs as they reach the end of their estimated lifespan, others prefer to fix them after severe storm damage. There are, however, steps you can take to ensure that your roof lasts as long as possible without being replaced. Do all in your power to keep your roof in good condition for as long as possible. In this blog, we'll be going over roof cleaning tips every homeowner needs.

Take the time to check your roof shingles regularly 

Shingles are responsible for keeping water out of your home, but they can easily be blown off by strong winds or blown away in a hailstorm. Even though it might not appear serious initially, a missing shingle can lead to severe problems if not addressed. There's no need to climb a ladder to check the condition of your roof. You only need a good set of binoculars to spot any potential problems. Keep an eye out for missing or cracked shingles, granules, and peeling flashing for your roof inspection. According to professionals from Peak Services Las Vegas, any of the following signs of deterioration should prompt an immediate inspection, preferably by a qualified roofing contractor who can make the necessary repairs in a risk-free manner.

Remove any tree litter

To keep your roof in good shape, you should routinely clear it of leaves and other tree debris. Dead sticks, twigs, branches, and rotten leaves that have found their way into crevices, must be removed. Leaving it there might degrade the shingles over time.

Most lawns have a tree of some description. Beautiful trees might cause damage to your roof if they are too close to your house. If possible, it's best to keep tree branches from growing into the house, although this isn't always possible. It would be best if you trimmed the tree limbs, so they do not touch the house.

Keeping your roof clear of leaves and other tree debris saves your roof from damage. Instead of climbing a ladder and taking the risk of falling, we recommend getting a roof rake and brush combination. They're efficient, and you can use them to clean your roof while standing safely on the ground. They cost about $35,and you can buy them on Amazon. The best rakes are rubber varieties that resemble push brooms.

Do not attempt to pressure wash your roof unless you are an expert

One of the roof cleaning tips we can give you is not to pressure wash it yourself. A series of individual tiles or shingles that are held together by a sophisticated system ensures your roof's integrity. That's why installing a new roof takes so long and costs so much.

Roofers need to take their time and conduct a thorough job to ensure that your roof is secure and does not leak or develop any weak spots. If you use a power washer, you risk breaking your tiles. High-pressure water may harm the shingles or tiles on your roof, and remove any protective coatings that prevent the shingles from doing their job.

When a home relies on solar panels as a source of electricity, pressure washing the roof may be a significant hassle. If you want to avoid problems with installation or cleaning, your best bet is to have experts take care of your problems. 

There are several reasons why it's advisable to hire roof pressure washing professionals for the task. Roof pressure washing involves working at heights, which can be dangerous if not performed by trained professionals. Roofing professionals are experienced in working on rooftops and have the necessary safety equipment to ensure their well-being. They are trained to navigate steep angles, slippery surfaces, and potential hazards, minimizing the risk of accidents or injuries.

Roof pressure washing requires specialized equipment, including high-pressure washers, extension wands, and cleaning solutions. Professional roof pressure washing companies have access to these tools and know how to use them effectively and safely. They understand the appropriate pressure levels and techniques to clean different roofing materials without causing damage.

Clean the gutters at least twice a year

To talk about roof maintenance without also talking about gutter maintenance is to talk about two things that are inextricably linked. Though it's preferable to do nothing, most people only clean their gutters once a year. If you've ever done this, you know how quickly the gutters can fill up.

Clogged gutters prevent water from flowing efficiently through the gutters and into the downspouts. In its place, water may pool, soak through the leaves, leading to rot and fungus, and even impede the gutters, causing water to flow over the edge onto the roof and the side of your property. Maintain proper operation by cleaning your gutters regularly. It's best to visit once every few months and twice in the fall when they're busiest.

Don't pile too much on your roof

One of the roof cleaning tips is not to overburden the roof. Like any other part of your home, your roof should not be overloaded with unnecessary items. It might cave in, needing costly repairs or perhaps replacement. Also, the unnecessary stuff will just get in your way when cleaning. You shouldn't put too much weight on your roof by putting items like plants and decorations up there. Don't climb up onto your roof, either. However, before cleaning your roof, make sure to declutter it first. You should know how a clean roof can impress potential buyers and boosts home value. The fact that it can hold your weight doesn't mean you shouldn't worry about causing harm and requiring costly repairs down the road.

Clear out the downspout using a snake or the handle of a broom

Leaves, dirt, and other debris can build up in downspouts and cause them to get blocked. Your roof's downspout is a crucial part of your water management system, and you need rainwater to drain safely into the concrete "catch" you've installed. If your downspout is clogged and you have tried knocking on it without success, a plumber's snake is the tool you need. Without a plumber's snake, you may use the end of a broom handle to latch onto the drain and push debris up from the bottom.

Avoid cleaning your roof during scorching weather

One of the best roof cleaning tips we can give you is to avoid washing your room when it’s hot. When cleaning on a bright day, the cleaning solution may evaporate too quickly, causing the cleaning to be less effective. Roof cleaning solutions tend to accumulate and dry out if the job is attempted while the temperature is too high or the sun is too intense. Do not attempt to clean your roof if the weather conditions are less than ideal; wait until the best time to do so has presented itself.

Guest Contributor: Sophia Perry