Email: info@bauerleroofingllc.com Phone: 317-985-2344

Qualify Now for Financing!

Bauerle Roofing
  • Services
    • Roofing Contractor
    • Siding Contractor
    • Gutter Installer
    • Window Replacement
    • Solar Energy Contractor
  • Projects
  • Articles
  • Reviews
  • Contact Us
  • Home
  • -
  • Roofing
  • -
  • How to Properly Clean Your Roof of Leaves, Snow, and Algae

How to Properly Clean Your Roof of Leaves, Snow, and Algae

  • September 14, 2021
  • By Bob Bauerle
Removing Leaves From a Roof

Cleaning your roof is as important as cleaning your bathroom. We’d like to argue it’s more important. Without a roof over your head, what’s the point?

When leaves, branches, snow, and other debris accumulate on your roof, that can mean major problems inside your home. This clutter can damage shingles, clog gutters, and cause leaks. 

Properly cleaning your roof can make the difference between a costly repair and a fully functioning shelter. Here is some advice for properly cleaning your roof that we urge you to heed.

First, BE CAREFUL

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that roofing contractors had a work fatality rate more than 10 times the average rate of work fatalities per year! And we’re professionals. Working on a roof requires the right tools, experience, and safety devices. If you’ve got a roof with high pitches or multiple stories, we’d highly recommend calling a professional!

Removing Leaves, Needles, and Branches from Your Roof

Fall in the Midwest means TONS of leaves. Depending on the number of deciduous trees you have surrounding your home, you should be on the lookout for accumulating leaves. When leaves get wet, they can cause water to pool contributing to roof weakness and leaks. 

  • Leaf Blower – If leaves are dry, you should be able to easily blow them off of your roof using a leaf blower. This is best to do on a ladder so you have more control over the direction the leaves blow. Avoid blowing leaves toward gutters where you’ll have to gather and clean them, too!
  • Roof Rake – If leaves are wet, you may need to purchase a telescoping roof leaf rake, which is similar to a push broom. Standing on a ladder will give you more control, but you can also use many of them from the ground. Some roof rakes will help clear pine needles as well. If you are surrounded by coniferous trees, however, consider investing in a needle rake. 

Broken branches should also be cleared as soon as possible. They can cause damage to shingles, break windows, and fall on people. Clear them from the ground or ladder, but clear them quickly.

Removing Snow from Your Roof

Snow accumulation is bad news for your roof. The added weight and moisture can lead to roof weakness, leaks, and collapse. Never let more than 4 inches of packed snow sit on any roof for more than a day without melting.

A telescoping snow roof rake is the easiest way to remove snow and is a wise investment for Midwestern homeowners. Depending on the height of your roof, you may need to use a ladder to reach the highest points. 

Removing Algae from Your Roof

At first, algae stains and streaks are simply unsightly. But over time, algae wreak havoc on your roof as they slowly feed on limestone and asphalt in your shingles. Many online sources suggest the use of chlorine bleach as the best method for removing algae. Bleach, however, is harmful to the surrounding vegetation and shortens the life of your shingles. 

There are plenty of eco-safe roof washes on the market that will get the job done for a little more money and a lot less damage to your roof, plants, and pets. Also – be sure to use a long, soft-bristle scrub brush rather than a power washer. The intense pressure of a power washer can actually damage and crack your shingles.

Don’t Forget Your Gutters

Regularly cleaning your roof is your number one defense against clogged gutters. If accumulated debris has already begun to create a clog, it’s definitely time to do something. Check out this post for more information on freeing up your gutters. 

Remember, don’t neglect your roof. It’s what makes your home more than just four walls.

Search

Schedule a Free Estimate

Recent Articles

Lawrence Indiana New Roof Gardens Property Protection
Shielding Your Sanctuary: How Bauerle Roofing
Summer Home Maintenance Checklist
Summer Home Inspection Checklist
Beware Of Out-Of-State Roofers
Please Beware of Out-of-Town Roofers After
Wind Storm Damage In Indiana
How to Tell if Your Shingle
Spring Home Checklist
Your Indiana Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

Article Categories

  • Gutters
  • Roofing
  • Siding
  • Solar Energy
  • Windows and Doors

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn

Related Posts

Shielding Your Sanctuary: How Bauerle Roofing Masters the Art of Damage-Free Roof Replacement

Opening an umbrella indoors might be bad luck, but have you ever had a roofer replace your shingles, only to find that your begonias have

Summer Home Maintenance Checklist

Summer Home Inspection Checklist

Summer Home Inspection Checklist Check out this summer home inspection checklist so you can make sure you are ready for the heat! The sun is

Beware of Out-Of-State Roofers

Please Beware of Out-of-Town Roofers After Storms: How to Choose a Trustworthy, Regional Roofing Company

It was a difficult weekend for many Hoosier families and companies as high winds and tornadoes ravaged the region, so much damage that the Governor

Wind Storm Damage in Indiana

How to Tell if Your Shingle Roof Has Wind Damage

We had quite a few wind storms here in central Indiana the last few weeks. Our crews have been out non-stop, helping customers do the

Spring Home Checklist

Your Indiana Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

Spring is just a month away! The snow is melted, the flowers are blooming… And there’s a host of home maintenance tasks to be taken

Footer Logo

Licensed, bonded, insured, and family-owned serving central Indiana families and businesses since 2001.


Home Office: 6524 Turning Leaf Ln
Oaklandon, IN 46236

Telephone: 317-985-2344

Email: info@bauerleroofingllc.com

OUR SERVICES
  • Roofing Contractor Services
  • Siding Contractor Services
  • Gutters Contractor Services
  • Solar Energy Contractor Services
  • Bauerle Roofing Reviews
  • Contact Bauerle Roofing
Search
Recent Posts
Lawrence Indiana New Roof Gardens Property Protection
Shielding Your Sanctuary: How Bauerle Roofing May 30, 2023
Summer Home Maintenance Checklist
Summer Home Inspection Checklist May 8, 2023
Beware Of Out-Of-State Roofers
Please Beware of Out-of-Town Roofers After April 3, 2023
Bauerle Roofing

My family has been serving customers in Anderson, Avon, Carmel, Daleville, Fishers, Greenwood, Indianapolis, Lapel, Lawrence, McCordsville, Muncie, Noblesville, Pendleton, Plainfield, Westfield, Yorktown, and Zionsville since 2001. We offer a 10-year labor warranty in addition to manufacturers’ warranties on all our work. Call today to schedule your free inspection.

Bob Bauerle
© 2021 Bauerle Roofing, LLC, All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Site by Highbridge.