What not to do when cleaning your roof
Most people thing of spring cleaning inside their homes. But you might need to tackle a big spring cleaning job outside, too.
Angie's List, the nation's leading provider of consumer reviews, recommends hiring a professional when it's time to clean your roof.
Homes in wet environments with plenty of shade tend to attract algae growth on the roof. It might look like black or dark green stains. Your roof might also be coated with pine needles and fallen leaves.
While it can be a do-it-yourself job, Angie's List recommends hiring a professional to clean the roof.
"When talking to potential companies about cleaning your roof, things you want to be careful of are anyone that considers pressure-washing or (using) abrasive detergents in order to clean the roof, because they could potentially damage your roof or void your warranty," said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List.
You should also make sure the detergent is environmentally safe and won't damage your lawn or plants below.
Ask to see the contractor's proof of insurance. Roof work is dangerous.
And ask about the cost, which can range from the hundreds to more than a $1,000.
"There is various factors involved in that one is the degree of infestation of the algae, mold, etc," said Michael Spiczenski. "Number two is the size of the roof. Number three: the pitch of the roof. Number four: difficulty of the shot I mean, a one-story home is generally easier to treat than a two- or three-story home."
If your roof needs repairs or perhaps a replacement, it doesn't make sense to invest in a cleaning. If you're not sure, have a home inspector check your roof for you.
Angie's List also says a roof-cleaning company should offer a warranty. Find out if the company will come back if those algae streaks reappear quickly.
Angie's List, the nation's leading provider of consumer reviews, recommends hiring a professional when it's time to clean your roof.
Homes in wet environments with plenty of shade tend to attract algae growth on the roof. It might look like black or dark green stains. Your roof might also be coated with pine needles and fallen leaves.
While it can be a do-it-yourself job, Angie's List recommends hiring a professional to clean the roof.
"When talking to potential companies about cleaning your roof, things you want to be careful of are anyone that considers pressure-washing or (using) abrasive detergents in order to clean the roof, because they could potentially damage your roof or void your warranty," said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List.
You should also make sure the detergent is environmentally safe and won't damage your lawn or plants below.
Ask to see the contractor's proof of insurance. Roof work is dangerous.
And ask about the cost, which can range from the hundreds to more than a $1,000.
"There is various factors involved in that one is the degree of infestation of the algae, mold, etc," said Michael Spiczenski. "Number two is the size of the roof. Number three: the pitch of the roof. Number four: difficulty of the shot I mean, a one-story home is generally easier to treat than a two- or three-story home."
If your roof needs repairs or perhaps a replacement, it doesn't make sense to invest in a cleaning. If you're not sure, have a home inspector check your roof for you.
Angie's List also says a roof-cleaning company should offer a warranty. Find out if the company will come back if those algae streaks reappear quickly.
