What’s Making Your Asphalt Shingle Roof Dirty?

A dirty roof creates an eyesore that drags down your home’s curb appeal. While asphalt shingle roofing systems have many advantages, they are prone to collecting dirt over time, which can make your home look unappealing.

In this article, Gulf Coast Roofing discusses the main causes of a dirty asphalt shingle roof and shares tips on how to address the problem.

Main Culprits

Roof shingles don’t just become dirty overnight. The change is gradual and subtle. Here are the main causes of dirty roofs:

Debris from trees.

Leaves, twigs and branches that fall on your roof give your property a cluttered, unkempt appearance. This type of debris is more than just an eyesore though; when it accumulates, it becomes difficult for rainwater to flow off the roof. This results in standing water, which creates a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests.

How to clean it: You can clean tree debris off your shingle or metal roof by hand. You can also use a leaf blower or a non-abrasive broom or brush. If you’re not comfortable climbing a ladder onto your roof, don’t hesitate to call a professional.

Algae

Algae manifests as dark stains marring the surface of asphalt shingle roofs. While algae stains are more of a cosmetic issue than a serious threat to your roofing system,the problem still needs to be addressed.

How to clean it:  Some homeowners swear by DIY cleaning solutions, but it’s still best to consult your roofing manufacturer to ensure you don’t damage your roof. It’s best not to use a power washer, but if you must, put it on the lowest setting. You can also consider algae-resistant shingles for your next roof replacement.

If you’re looking for a quality roof that will look good all year round, look no further than Gulf Coast Roofing. We offer a wide range of roofing products and services for asphalt shingle or metal systems. Call us today at (850) 465-7663 to request a quote.