For homeowners in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, the answer depends on your definition of “regular”, your roof material and the rate of debris accumulation. Despite what some roofers say, annual roof cleaning is often not a requirement for most homes in DFW, but the ideal frequency varies.

If your home’s roof has many valleys and is surrounded by trees that regularly drop leaves, needles and debris, annual roof cleaning might be beneficial. The buildup of detritus on your roof can lead to leaks or algae growth. Certain conditions, like if parts of your roof being shaded for most of the day, can also increase the risk of algae growth. Roofs subject to this type of environment may benefit from more frequent or even annual cleaning. This is doubly true if your home has asphalt shingles with a high limestone content (a low-cost filler used in some asphalt shingles) since roof algae can feed on limestone.

However, a roof with shingles that are formulated to stave off algae (these typically have a higher copper content), optimized drainage, consistent sun exposure and no surrounding trees might only benefit from a maintenance inspection every three to five years and cleaning as needed based on the condition of the roofing material.

The cleaning intervals for metal roofs or tile roofs can be similarly variable. Metal roofs are particularly sturdy. If they’re not subjected to conditions that lead to the buildup of debris, and they are draining properly, metal roofs may only require cleaning once every 10 or so years.

Tile roofs can trap leaves, needles and other debris more easily than some other materials due to their dimensional nature. Many tile roofs will benefit from more frequent cleaning. However, if buildup isn’t a problem, they can potentially go five years or more between cleanings.

It’s also important to note that not all roofing materials should be walked upon by the average homeowner. In addition to the high fall risk, walking on your roof can damage the roofing material and should be avoided as much as possible. If your roof does need cleaning, it’s often best to call an expert.

Factors That May Influence the Frequency of Cleaning

Black streaks on roofs in Dallas–Fort Worth are not signs of dirt or a sooty buildup of caked-on filth. These streaks are a sign of algae growth that commonly appears on asphalt shingle roofs. Algae, mold and mildew don’t just mar the appearance of an otherwise clean and tidy roof – they can accelerate material deterioration and necessitate early replacement.

You shouldn’t approach algae or mildew cleaning the same way you might try to clean mold that shows up in your home.

Asphalt shingles shouldn’t be power washed or treated with harsh chemicals. Power washing can blow off the important granules that help shield your shingles from sun damage, drastically reducing your roof’s lifespan. Power washers may also force water underneath shingles, causing serious leaks and interior water damage.

Although there are cleaning solutions that can help deal with algae, the wrong mix or improper application and scrubbing can still damage your shingles or lead to discoloration. Typically, if your roof does have algae, it’s best to contact a professional roof cleaning company to have it removed safely and properly. The cost of professional roof cleaning is less than having to repair or replace a roof damaged by well-intentioned but improper roof cleaning efforts.



Should You Have Your DFW Roof Inspected?

Unless you can visibly see algae streaking or a buildup of leaves or pine needles in the valleys of your roof, calling a roofing company to schedule cleaning as soon as possible may not be the best course of action. It’s often better to schedule a thorough roof inspection with an experienced roofing company that knows Dallas roofs inside and out.

There’s a reason so many roofers recommend annual cleanings – it’s an extra job they can charge you for, especially during slow seasons when they’re not getting a lot of roof replacement or repair work.

Our roofers are committed to providing honest guidance to homeowners. We would much rather inspect your roof first to ensure the recommendations we make are based on the actual condition of your roof rather than risk our reputation by pressuring you to pay for unnecessary services.

If you want to know if your roof needs cleaning, maintenance or roof repair services, we encourage you to call us at (817) 249-3338.