The fall foliage around Atlanta can take your breath away, but once the leaves start to drop and fill your roof gutters, it's time to say goodbye to these colorful signs of the season. Cleaning the leaves from your gutters should be a top priority for any homeowner who wants to prevent water damage and avoid expensive roof repairs.
How Do Leaves In Atlanta Gutters Create Problems?
If your Atlanta gutters are clogged with leaves, it's obvious that water will not be able to flow through them and into the downspouts. But why does this matter?
The problem occurs when the leaves, sticks and other debris get high enough to form a dam. Then, water starts backing up and pooling on your roof. Any standing water on your roof is bad news, as it doesn't take long for that water to start seeping in below your roof shingles.
Once this happens, water damage and wood rot can follow. Many areas of your home, such as those listed below, can be damaged by water that has accumulated on your roof due to clogged gutters.
- Roof deck
- Trusses/rafters and soffits
- Ceilings and walls
Most people place cleaning out the gutters far down on their ‰ÛÏTo Do‰Û list, somewhere behind taking the kids to soccer, paying bills and watching the Atlanta Falcons. But if avoiding water damage and costly repairs is important to you, inspect and clean your gutters after leaf dropping season is over to make sure they provide a clear path for water drainage.
Clean The Algae From Your Atlanta Roof To Make It Last Longer
After you've cleaned out your gutters, take advantage of the nice fall weather and consider cleaning your roof.
If you have black stains or streaks on your roof, it is probably gloeocapsa magma, a common strain of blue-green algae that loves to grow on Atlanta roofs. Not only is this fungus unsightly, it is potentially damaging, since it tends to hold moisture. Left unchecked, thick areas of algae and/or moss can hold enough moisture to cause rotting that can weaken your roof deck.
A weakened roof deck is more vulnerable to impact damage and carries a higher risk of cracking or breaking. A cracked roof opens the door for water, insects and animals to enter your home. By removing the algae and moss from your roof, you can remove this risk, brighten your home and increase its curb appeal.
How Do I Clean The Algae Off Of My Atlanta Roof?
Removing algae and moss from your roof's shingles requires bleach, water, time and safety. Here are some roof cleaning tips and guidelines.
- Use a mild chlorine bleach and water solution. The concentration should be a maximum of 1 gallon of bleach for every 1 gallon of water. An average roof may require up to 60 gallons of cleaning solution. It is important to be sure your storage and handling equipment is bleach-resistant.
- Use a gentle, no-pressure sprayer to apply the bleach-water solution. Let the solution remain on your roof for approximately 10 minutes, then rinse it away using plain water.
- Wear goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and skin.
- DO NOT use a pressure-washer or any abrasive tools or brooms! Any scrubbing or mechanical action can remove mineral granules from your shingles, which will reduce the life of your roof.
- DO NOT walk on your roof. Instead, perform all cleaning from a ladder or scaffolding. Walking on a roof is dangerous and can also cause structural damage. The bleach-water solution is also extremely slippery, making roof-walking even more hazardous.
Answers For All Of Your Atlanta Roofing Questions
Findlay Roofing has been a premier Atlanta roofing company since 1995, and we are happy to share our experience and knowledge with you.
We invite you to contact us today if you have additional questions about gutters and roofs, or if you would like us to perform a free roof analysis at your home.
