If you’ve recently noticed some dirt-looking black stuff up along your roof, you’re probably wondering what it is and how it got there. Is there a way to clean it off to keep your roof looking good as new? In this article, we are going to give you a guide on how and why you should clean your roof! Follow along.

EXTEND ROOF LIFE

Did you know that asphalt shingles typically have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years? However, that is conditional on several factors such as climate, installation, and maintenance. Or in other words, keeping your roof clean! In Oklahoma where we experience intense heat and severe storms, wear and tear can occur earlier. The mysterious dirt-looking sludge you find on your roof is most likely algae growing wherever moisture or water collects.

Algae itself doesn’t hurt your shingles, but moss can be as it can make the edges of the shingles curl upward leaving them vulnerable to windy weather.

CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS

If your gutters or downspouts are clogged, you aren’t doing your roof any favors. This affects the ability and function of proper drainage, and leads to water backup. As mentioned earlier, wherever water collects it is the perfect environment for moss, algae or mold to grow. Be sure to remove debris like leaves, twigs and dirt regularly so that the water can flow off your roof effectively. At Bailey’s we suggest gutter guards, as these can help to prevent debris building up in your gutters and downspouts in the future. 

IMPROVE YOUR ENERGY EFFICACY

If you’re looking for ways to save on your energy bills, looking at your roof is a good start. When your roof is covered in dark dirty algae or moss, it is prone to absorb more heat. The more heat absorbs, the hotter your attic becomes, therefore spiking your energy use as your A/C will turn on more frequently.

Look out for these problems, and call Bailey’s Roofing and Construction for help fixing them! Our licensed professionals at Bailey’s are readily available to tackle any project. If you need any type of home work done such as roofing or windows or you just want an estimate, contact Bailey’s Roofing in Ada and Sulphur, Oklahoma, at (405) 343-8847 today! Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for more information.