Your house is not just a place where you live, but also serves as your haven and one of your most important pieces of wealth. As an owner, it is very easy to forget maintenance chores that are of great importance. Cleaning of siding and roofs are the most commonly neglected tasks. They are very important to keep up though, as failure to perform them can lead to far greater problems than you may first assume. It is better to check the hidden dangers of neglecting your roof & siding cleaning before its too late.
The Dangers of Neglecting Your Roof & Siding Cleaning
As with many tasks, cleaning roofs and siding is often ignored. This post explores the hidden dangers of neglecting your roof & siding cleaning. From healthcare to financial burdens, we have it all addressed.
Accelerated Structural Damage
The elements, such as dirt, mold, and algae, can build up on the surfaces, trapping moisture and weakening the building materials, such as the roof and siding, due to rot and decay. Minor damage can soon transform into severe structural issues, which will cost you a hefty amount of money.
Keeping a roof cleaning is essential, as it can easily get damaged due to mold or algae overgrowth. Algae and moss eat away at shingles and, if left unchecked, will lead to cracks, warping, or leaks in the siding. Cleaning now can save a lot of expense in replacements in the future.
Increased Energy Costs
Moss and algae on roofs and grime on sidings increase energy consumption. This is because roofs afflicted with dark algae stains are force to retain additional heat. As a result, it becomes more difficult for the air conditioning system to efficiently cool your home, which increases energy costs.
Additionally, your home’s siding assists in refraction and insulation. When water and grime collect, it becomes more difficult to cool and maintain energy efficiency for extended periods. Regular cleaning of your home’s siding and roof will help you save money over the long term by preventing inefficient energy use.
Health Risks for Your Family
Aside from the structural and fiscal issues, dusty siding and filthy roofs pose health threats to your home. Mildew, mold, and algae do not only deteriorate building materials, but also release spores into the air. When combined with certain allergens, over time, this can worsen respiratory challenges, especially for younger children as well as for older people with conditions.
Besides, cleaning untidy surfaces makes room for rodent colonies and bird droppings. This results in the presence of harmful pathogens and disease-causing germs. Hence, frequent washing is critical to ensure that the family lives in a healthy environment instead of focusing on just the outward appearance.
Reduced Curb Appeal and Property Value
Your home creates an impression the very first time you renovate or clean it. Roofs with streaky marks and stained sidings can be a huge turnoff for many buyers, which lowers the value of your property. For someone who is hoping to sell their house, unsightly roofs and dirty siding can pose major issues when trying to sell the house because it displays a lack of maintenance and care.
Moreover, no one wants to step into a neglected house with walls that are unusable. Taking the effort to regularly wash down the exterior boosts one’s value and self-appreciation when residing in the house. Incremental polishing can help maintain the facade of the property, which increases its value throughout the year.
Warranty Voids on Roofing and Siding
A lot of homeowners don’t realize that avoiding cleaning responsibilities can lead to a loss of warranty in roofing and siding materials, which is a common issue. Usually, manufacturers set maintenance routines to guarantee that their products function as expected. A dirty roof or siding can cost you when it comes to receiving coverage in the case of damage, which isn’t ideal.
One of the simplest methods to protect your investment is cleaning the product, which ensures mechanical repairs or replacements are done at little or no cost. When you follow the guidelines set by manufacturers and obtain professional pressure washing services, their warranties become intact.
Increased Risk of Pest Infestations
Moss and algae growing on the roof not only make your home unattractive but also become a nourishing ground for rodents and insects. Dirty house sidings attract ants and termites. Such pests can over time make your home their holiday resort and infest different areas, resulting in breakdowns that require costly extermination.
Your roof and siding need regular cleaning to eliminate possible nesting areas before they escalate and result in hassle. Moreover, preventative maintenance is more budget-friendly than dealing with an infestation and the destruction it can bring to your home.
Potential Legal Issues with HOA Regulations
Those who reside in an area managed by a homeowner’s association (HOA) risk incurring some violation penalties for failing to attend to the condition of their roof and siding, which can be issued as warnings or capped fines. HOAs frequently possess particular maintenance policies for residential houses designed to improve and retain the aesthetic and monetary value of the area.
Besides the disputes that arise with the HOA, there is a possibility for further legal recourse if these policies are not follow over a longer period. Compliance with these policies can alleviate future frustration with uncomplicated maintenance such as cleaning the roof and the side of the house.
Conclusion
Roofs and siding not only beautify your house but also offer protection against natural elements like weather, insects, and even damage. If left uncleaned, it can pose a risk to your property, your money, and even your family’s health.
To protect the structure of your property and energy requirements and improve its appearance, schedule regular roof and siding cleaning sessions. If you decide to go the DIY route, or hire professionals, either way, you will save money, and hassle in the long run.
