Which one is the best choice of metal roof vs shingles? Although both metal roofing and shingle roofing are worthwhile options for your investment in the current of future roofing projects, it is essential to note that each has its unique paybacks and drawbacks. Are you questioning which would be the best type of roof between metal roof vs shingles to suit your building or home? Yes, it is essential to understand the benefits and shortcomings of each roofing material type.

What Are The Benefits, Demerits, And Characteristics Of Metal Roofing?

Although metal roofing is a relatively complex roofing option that requires not only experienced but also specific techniques during installation, it is the most common roofing option you can find in places with extreme weather conditions. Besides, metal roofing lasts decades longer than their counterpart shingles roofing, offers the much-needed versatility and a wide variety of options that aren't found in other roofing options. So what are the benefits allied to the metal roofing material?

Pros of metal roofing options

Lightweight. Since metal roofing is quite a lightweight material, it makes it easy for the installers to transport and handle it easily during the installation and roll forming procedure. Besides, it doesn't put unnecessary weight and stress on your building, which would otherwise result in flame damages. It, therefore, means preserving the integrity and durability of your structures.

Durability. Perhaps the main difference between a shingle and metal roofing is the lifespan duration. Metal roofing, for instance, is expected to last for over fifty years before the degradation sighs can emerge. Various metal roofing material such as the combination of zinc and copper is known to last more than 100 decades.

Long-tern low cost. Although metal roofing can be quite expensive in the short term, when it comes to long term cost, metal roofing is less costly for it can last for over 60 years when compared to 15 years in asphalt shingle roofs.

Metal roofs are fire-resistant. Do you know that metal roofing is usually noncombustible and class A-fire resistant material, thus making it impossible for them to catch fire? It, therefore, means it is the best option for places prone to wildfires or other fire-related risks unlike with shingle roofing.

Shortcomings Of Metal Roofing

Higher short term cost. It is a fact that metal roofing is quite expensive in the initial cost when compared to shingle roofing. Besides, the higher prices of metal material could end up escalating the entire roofing cost.

Few qualified contractors are available to undertake such projects. Do you know that finding an experienced and a qualified metal roofing installer or contractor can be quite challenging than even finding materials themselves? It is usually due to high chances of potential problems with metal roof installations.

Metal roofing procedures are more labor-intensive. Remember, even the slightest error in metal roofing can result in huge mistakes, and that is only trained and experienced crafts person are hired.

Advantages Of Shingle Roofing

Cost-effective in the short term. Yes, shingle roofing material is cheaper than their counterpart metal roofing in the short term cost. It cost half the price of metal roofing, and that is why they are the most common roofing among many homeowners.

Easy installation procedures. Shingles roofing generally requires less time and labor during installation and replacement. For instance, shingles are usually readily prepackaged for instant setup with ordinary nailing. Besides, no unnecessary cuts are needed.

Cost-effective repairs. In case of a slight error occurring, shingle roofing is quite more comfortable and cheaper to fix since they can easily be replaced one by one without damaging the entire system.

Shortcomings Of Shingle Roofing

Short life cycle. Shingle roofing material such as fiberglass or asphalt and their coatings can last for a maximum of 25 years of use. Besides, their replacement causes tear-off, thus making them unusable in other functions and need to  maintained it well.  Make your asphalt shingle moss free.

High Long-Term Cost. Although, in the short term, shingle roofing material is cheaper, in the long run, they might end up costing you more when compared to metal roofing. So, you need to clean it regularly and moss free.

Final thought

Honestly, both metal roof vs shingles is excellent options for your roofing project. Still, metal roofing is more advantages than shingles, mainly due to their long term benefits.

In order to effectively eliminate the occurrence of moss in your roof, it is important to first understand what moss are and what causes these substances.

People often mistakenly interchange moss from algae. While these two organisms may share a couple of similar living environments and are both non-vascular plants, moss and algae are actually two distinct species with various different characteristics.

Moss belongs to a higher group of plants that are primarily characterized by their water conducting tissues. Unlike most plants, mosses have thin root-like cells called "rhizoids." Mosses are often characterized as clumpy green plants that can cause moisture damage on the exterior surface of your roof. Furthermore, these organisms can also degrade any surface of your roofing material, as it eventually shortens its overall lifespan.

Algae on the other hand, are the visible black-green discoloration that are often present in the roofs of different countries such as Canada and the United States. These discolorations often start as small dark patches, then eventually transform into widespread streaks on the surface of your roof after some period of time.

Unlike algae, the occurrence of moss can be harmful to the exterior surface of your asphalt shingle. The edges of your asphalt may be curled or lifted, which can make your roof vulnerable to strong winds events. In other cases that involve severe moss build-up, moisture damage that has occurred on the roof deck may lead to the risk of wood rot and water leaks.


How To Remove Moss From Asphalt Shingles

Materials and tools that you'll be needing:

• Water
• Safety rope
• Spray bottle
• Garden hose
• Rubber gloves
• Chlorine bleach
• Extension ladder
• Soft-bristle brush

The best perceivable way to remove moss from your asphalt shingles is to mix a 50:50 ratio of water and chlorine bleach in a spray-type container. This solution should be sprayed and gently scrubbed using a soft-bristle brush on the exterior surface of your asphalt shingles for 15-20 minutes before you rinse it thoroughly with water. It is important to be extra careful in scrubbing the mixture on the surface of your roof, make sure that you do not pound, scour, or scrape the surface of the asphalt shingles.

In rinsing your asphalt shingles, it is important to be mindful of the water pressure, since high pressure water can bring more harm than good to the finish of your asphalt shingles. High pressured water can remove the sandy granules on the surface of your roof deck, which will lead to an inefficient roof system. So it is advisable to use a garden hose instead of a high pressure one.

Here are some alternative D.I.Y. moss removal options:

• water + oxygen bleach
• water + distilled vinegar
• water + dish washing soap

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Whichever moss removal option you choose, it is important to wet the exterior surface of your roof deck first before you begin with the application of your D.I.Y. moss removal solution on your asphalt shingles. You may also want to trim nearby trees, in order to allow the sun to directly reach the surface of your roof--which is very helpful for moss prevention.

Roof cleaning is an integral part of exterior maintenance. The answer behind this question lies on what type of roof you have, because different types of roof have different maintenance and cleaning requirements. Furthermore, you should also take into consideration the environmental factors such as weather, lifetime of your roof, condition of your roof, as well as the trees and plants surrounding your house.

According to roofing contractors, it is advisable to clean your roof every 3-5 years. However, it is important to keep in mind that when you wet concrete tile roofs with barrel, brushed, s-tile or flat rough finish, the surface of your roof may take quite some time before it completely dries. As a result, concrete types of roofs may require cleaning every 2-3 years, unlike new tiles which would only require cleaning after 5 years.

TIP: be careful with using pressure washing because it may erode the surface of your roof, which would require you to clean your roof more often.

As for the fragile asphalt shingle type of roof, they would only require cleaning after every seven (7) years. Moreover, these asphalt shingles tend to dry faster compared to the latter type of roof. However, one perceivable downside of this type of roof is that high or low pressure washing may destroy their fragile surface, and remove its sandy gravel exterior finish. This will result in the exposure of tar paper under the heat of the sun, which will only make it more brittle and dry after some period of time.

According to the Roof Cleaning Institute of America, instead of using pressuring washing for your roof--which can cause more harm than good to your roof and to your wallet--it is advisable to use a spray-type biodegradable solution in cleaning your roof. These biodegradable solutions are made to adhere with the surface of the roof, in order to minimize the runoff.


Importance of Cleaning Your Roof

Dirt and natural elements:

• Moss
• Algae
• Lichen/fungus

The appearance of green and dark stains are the result of these substances. The growth and spread of these substances can shorten the overall lifespan of your roof.

Moreover, these organisms can cause damage to your roof as it eats up the material of the surface of your roof. With proper cleaning and maintenance, you can avoid roof repairs and unnecessary expenses from piling up, as a result of insect invasion and various organisms on your roof.

The good news is, these substances can be spotted easily. So it is important that once you have noticed any signs of moss, algae, lichen or fungus on your roof, make sure to find a reputable company that offers roof cleaning using a biodegradable solution. Another option would be a do-it-yourself roof cleaning which involves a mixture of bleach and water. However, this method can cause damage to nearby trees and plants.

Helpful Tips:

• Regularly clean your gutters
• Regularly trim the branches of nearby trees
• Clear off the accumulated debris in the surface of your roof

Can you use a pressure washer on a roof? Though most homeowners often remember to clean their home's exterior with a pressure washer, they usually overlook their roofs. According to many folks, pressure washing is not a good way to clean a roof. This is because they believe that pressure washing can cause water to penetrate the space between the roof and cause significant damages.

Others believe that it's not safe to pressure wash a roof, which is because their roofing may have been damaged as a result of irresponsible roof cleaners doing a poor job. However, it is safe to pressure wash your roof provided the process involved is handled right.

How Often to Pressure Wash Your Roof

Over the years, your roof accumulates dirt and moss. These things if left for long can easily damage your roofing, and hence make the entire value of your home to reduce drastically. One of the best ways to maintain a roof is removing dirt and moss with high-pressure water.

For your roof to stand the test of time and service you for many years if not decades, on average, it is recommended to clean it using a pressure washer once every two years. However, if you are in an area that experiences heavy storms more often, you may need to pressure wash your roof at least once per year or more frequently.


Benefits of Pressure Washing a Roof

Keeping your roof in good shape is very important if you want to improve or maintain the value of your property. Several benefits come along with pressure washing your roof including:


1. Higher Property Value

If you are planning to sell your home soon, cleaning your roof with a pressure washer can make a great difference. Pressure washing the roof will give your home curb appeal and make your property attractive to potential buyers.


2. Increasing Your Roof's Life Span

Pressure washing is an incredible way to get rid of debris, leaves, and bacteria that can make your roof wear and tear up quickly. If you pressure wash your roof regularly, it means you are keeping the roof clean and well-maintained to give you more years of service.


3. A Polished Appearance

Pressure washing your roofing is a cost-effective method to give your property a renovation without necessarily spending a lot of money. Cleaning your roof with a pressure washer will transform how your home looks to your neighbors and hence stand out.


4. Avoid or Eliminate Damage

Growth patches and stains caused by mildew, mold, fungus, and algae can wear down a roof through wood rot and shingle deterioration. Both lead to costly repairs but frequently pressure washing your roof can help eliminate or minimize this potential damage.


Wrap Up

Pressure washing a roof also has its negative effects. With some types of roofs, using a pressurized machine to directly apply, super-charged spurts of water is not often a wise decision. Therefore, it is important to consult a pressure washer expert to find out if pressure washing is a good alternative to clean your specific kind of roofing.


The best way to pressure wash your roof is to hire experienced cleaning experts to handle the process involved. This because they know the best washing techniques and are equipped with the right tools.

Some chores seem easy to do by yourself but roof cleaning is definitely not one of them. There are several very good reasons why it is not advisable to act on the question; "Can I clean my roof myself?"

1. You DO NOT want to fall

Assuming that you are not afraid of heights (you wouldn't even try to take this task on if you are deathly afraid of heights!) there is still a very high risk of falling and hurting yourself. Some roofs might not be as solid as they were initially and deterioration can cause an accident. Since cleaning roofs may not be your actual profession, you may not be aware of the precautions to take. Professional cleaners are drilled about safety and precautions before they are hired to work.

Aside from falling, there are other ways that you can hurt yourself up on your roof. If your roof has a slope, the slope can put you off balance and you can twist your ankle, get scrapes or scratches and even hurt your back. Debris on the roof can cause you to slip while protrusions might trip you.

2. You Could Damage Your Roof

You could damage your roof and this can turn out more expensive than hiring a professional roof cleaning service. Older roofs may have deteriorated or termites might have compromised the integrity of the wooden structure holding up the roof. Stepping on the wrong place might result in damaging the roof or, worse, you falling through and creating a hole.

3. Equipment Rental

Roof cleaning equipment and materials are sometimes specialized for efficiency and safety. You may have to rent expensive equipment and buy expensive materials to clean your roof on your own. Professional cleaners already have their equipment and materials to serve your needs.

4. Time Consuming

You might not realize this but the roof is wider than you might think. It takes time to clean it especially if you are meticulous and thorough. Roof cleaners who are experienced and experts at this chore are likely to be more efficient than you when it comes to cleaning. You will save time if you hire professionals for the job.

5. Insects and Animals

One of the more dangerous risks that could happen to you if you opt to clean the roof is encountering animals and insects that have made your roof or parts of it their home. Small animals and insects do not appreciate being disturbed and might attack you causing you harm. In your haste to retreat, you might have an accident. You might encounter the following on the roof:

• bees
• wasps
• raccoons
• squirrels
• rats
• chipmunks
• opossums
• birds
• bats???

6. Expertise and Experience

Professionals in the business have the experience and expertise since they clean several roofs in a month. Nothing beats experience when it comes to a professional cleaning service. Some services also require their workers to go through various seminars and workshops to enhance their knowledge. They should be well-versed in updated methods and techniques to deal with any issues that come with cleaning roofs. Roof cleaning is one of the chores that should be left to the professionals.

Checkout this related article about, taking good care of your roof 2020.

The best practices of gutter cleanings involve removing and clearing of debris from the roof and gutters, flushing gutters, and replacing missing gutter hardware. Also, adjusting hangers and straps as well as testing gutters for proper flow ensures they are clean. There are various practices of cleaning gutters that offer the best experience. The following are some of the best methods for clean house gutters.

Gutter cleaning by hand

It is one of the best practices for cleaning-out gutters since it does not require any unusual equipment or skill. All that is needed is a stepladder to get you up, a vessel to put the muck from the gutters, and strong or handy gloves that protect your hand while you are cleaning the gutters. It is a simple method that only needs you up the roof and pulls out anything that blocks the rain gutters. Some of the kinds of stuff you find on the gutters are disgusting because it is a combination of dead insects and animals, tree leaves, dirt, and many more things. Besides, the method of cleaning is labor-intensive. However, it is a more accessible and affordable way of cleaning out gutter for everyone who owns a house. On top of that, it is easy to spot potential problems or damages on the gutters and corrective measures adopted to avoid costly repairs. 

Use of blower to clean gutters

It is an alternative way of cleaning gutters for individuals who dislike hand cleaning. Blowers are fitted with pressure gadgets and thus release air at a very high pressure that usually works well with jobs such as gutter cleaning. The method is simple and very effective on less sticky and moist mucks on the gutters. Frequent blowing help to maintain clean gutters because the leaves and other light debris will be brownout and prevent gutters blockage. The method is time-saving, less risky, and can be used to clean out the blockage. However, blowers could not best suit to clean gutters with excess sticky and wet debris.

Gutter cleaning with a power washer

A power washer is the easiest way to clean gutters. It uses a high powered stream of water to remove debris and dirt from the gutters. It is an ideal option because when used on a gutter, a power washer removes anything in its path. Unlike other cleaning practices, power washer removes every bit of muck regardless of their nature and reducing any chance of blockage. The method is effective and guarantees clear and clean gutters, thus increasing their lifespan.
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Utilizing robots to clean out gutters

Cleaning robots is one of the options that some people consider. Gutter cleanings robots are real and work perfectly through ensuring the gutters are clean without the involvement of human labor. The robot is programmed to clean out, brush off the debris, and ensure no dirt is left on the gutters. It is an expensive option but an effective way to ensure your gutters are clean regularly without struggles. However, robots do not detect any damage or potential problems on the gutters that require immediate attention and thus may lead to unexpected and expensive repairs.

Moss severely damages the structural integrity of any roof they grow on. Moss is a flowerless plant that grows in a blanket in a natural environment, especially on trees. Moss canopy is beautiful, depending on the circumstances or the surface it occupies. Moss that grows on the rooftop is considered a threat and is no longer lovely. This is because moss thrives in a damp environment and starts to establish roots on the roof and begin to degrade it, eventually lead to holes on your roof. Since moss on the roof reduces its lifespan, it is essential to take some of the following steps to prevent moss growth on your roof.

Trim or prune trees

Shade from overhanging tree branches creates a perfect condition for the growth of moss because it covers it from intense sun rays. Also, trees often drop debris on the roof, which decays and gives moss the right nutrient and texture to grow. Therefore, regular inspection and trimming of trees around your compound will help create a harsh environment for moss plants to grow or survive.

Clean gutters on your roof regularly

It is unfortunate that regardless of regular tree pruning, debris that is airlifted by wind may get stuck on the roof and later in the gutters. Without a regular check, gutters block and water levels rise, which creates a conducive environment for the growth of moss. Cleaning ensures the gutters are clear from clogging, and thus moss growth is ultimately prevented.

Use anti-moss strips

Copper and zinc elements contained in anti-moss pieces disrupt the ideal conditions or environment that moss thrives. To eliminate or prevent moss growth, cut zinc or copper into strips and nail them on the roof. Over time, when the raindrops zinc or copper residues coats the roof, and this prevents the growth of moss and other organisms such as algae. Anti-moss strips work best when it is fixed before the moss starts to grow.

Kill existing moss using a cleaning mixture

Spraying a mixture of bleach and water help kill any moss on the roof and prevent further growth. The blend creates a harsh condition that is not favorable for their growth, leaving a pristine roof.

Painting your roof
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Paints are made from chemicals which do not allow the growth of moss. The paint coating protects the roof through reacting with the moss roots, and eventually, it dries up. It is a long-lasting solution that does also prevents corrosion and rust stain formation. Paints work best when it is applied in a moss-free roof.

Keep your roof clean
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The clean environment does not create any chance for the growth of moss. The use of high-pressure cleaning ensures the roof is well-scrubbed and thus removes or damages any moss that may be forming or growing. Also, both use of chemical cleaning methods continues to disrupt any growth of moss. Regular roof cleaning is the best method to prevent moss growth on the roof because it is cheap and affordable for everyone. It is essential to understand that moss growth should be prevented from further growth at its early stages. It is easy to avoid its growth than to remove overgrown moss because it is hectic, labor-intensive, and costly. 

Now that you know how to maintain your roof you can do it yourself. But if you want to save time, and hire a professional roof cleaning company.

Regular roof maintenance is very important. Think of the roof as a protector of everything in your house, a crucial task that deserves a lot of respect. Take care of your roof and eventually, it will take care of you and your possessions. It is expensive to repair or replace a roof for most of us to afford. However, spending a few hours to carry out scheduled roof maintenance can catch and solve roof problems before they spiral out of control. Some of the roof care tips to ensure you maintain its healthy look for decades or as long as possible include;

Regular general roof inspection

A well-maintained roof can serve you for decades. Therefore, regular roof checkup is aimed at ensuring everything is in order. Also, inspection is important because it tells if the roof requires repair and saves the roof from unnoticed damages or problems.

Securing shingles

Scouting on your roof help detect damaged, missing or loose shingles. Damaged or missing shingles should be replaced immediately and the secure loose ones with a bit of roof cement.

Related Article: METAL ROOF VS SHINGLE ROOF: PROS & CONS


Prune tree branches that hang or touch your house roof

Tree pruning keeps climbing animals away from your roof and prevents future damage in case it falls on the roof. Besides, falling leaves stain the roof and make it weak through rotting. If the situation remains unsolved for a long time it causes severe damage to the entire roof structure.

Remove rust stains on the roof

Regular roof checks help detects any corrosion or rust formation on the metallic parts. It is important to remove rust through scrubbing and paint the affected areas to increase their durability. This prevents further rusting and eventually secures the roof from gradual damages.

Clean, inspect and secure your house gutters

Clogged gutters cause a lot of damage on the roof because accumulated waters find its way underneath the roof structure. Therefore, regular gutter cleaning and replacement of damaged one is very crucial to ensure they serve their intended purpose. Besides, it alleviates any dangers to your roof.

Maintain your house chimney

Inspect and repair any damaged mortars on your chimney immediately. It is critical because mortar holds chimney bricks in place and in case they fall, they cause damage to our roof. For safety measures, always check and fix the seal between the roof and the chimney to maintain their good shape.

Prevent formation of ice dams

Humps of ice stay at the roof edge mostly during the winter and could cause unexpected roof damages. Therefore, insulate your house and roof to maintain a similar temperature as the outside temperature. Also, you can choose to either break the ice hump or use chemicals to melt them out.

Clean off debris on the roof

Leaves, moss, and algae bring a big problem to the roof. Leaves that fall on the roof may cause clogging and removing them daily is a hard task but a rewarding one. Leaf blowers ease the task of removing them since it is not labor intensive. Moss and algae shorten the lifespan of your roof. To be safe, scrub them off or use a moss cleaner that wipes them off. All these debris holds water and cause roof deterioration and cleaning them regularly is the best solution for increased lifespan.

Rust, permanent stains, mold, fungi, lichens among others steal the beauty of a roof and eventually destroy it. The roof staining organisms feed off the organic materials on the roof and if they go untreated they are likely to cause more damage that will lead to complete wear out. The detrimental effects on the roof surface require professional cleaning to get rid of the stains and prevent them from returning any time soon. The most obvious reason for roof cleaning is to increase and maintain the roof appeal and value. Apart from the great appeal, a clean roof is durable thus serving its purpose for a long time. Roofing materials break or wear out if kept unclean. Regardless of the menace affecting your roof, the cost of maintaining a cleaning it pays itself through extending their service time or lifespan and saves unnecessary expenditures on repairs and replacements.

Roof cleaning methods

There are several roof cleaning alternatives or methods. Getting the best service to maintain a unique look of the roof depends on the type of cleaning method utilized. Each method has its strengths and shorting coming depending on their usage. It is therefore important to understand the method of cleaning your roof required and can guarantee no damage will occur on it if applied. Some of the renowned roof cleaning methods in the current world include:

High-Pressure roof cleaning

High-pressure roof cleaning is a method that involves blasting the roof with pressured water. The method is Eco-friendly because it only utilizes water as a natural product. Highly pressurized water sprayed on the roof removes any mold, dirt or algae attached to it. The method is effective and best applicable to metal roofs, ceramic tiles, rubber, and concrete roofs. The method is a relatively easier, convenient and cost-effective method of roof cleaning. However, there are chances of water damaging the shingles by loosening the protective granules.

Chemical roof cleaning

It is a method that is commonly called soft washing where the chemical is the key thing that removes stains or dirt from the roof. This method has two dimensions that include harsh and Eco-friendly roof cleaning.

Harsh roof cleaning is the utilization of chemicals that are considered harsh due to their powerful formulation to get rid of the toughest stains. The chemicals are sprayed on the roof and often they do not need scrubbing or rinsing to ensure the roof is clean. Therefore, harsh chemical roof cleaning is not labor-intensive and the chemicals are cheaper compared to Eco-friendly cleaning products. Due to its abrasive nature, it is recommended to use it on tough roofs such as stones and away from painted surfaces.

Eco-friendly roof cleaning calls for the utilization of chemicals with non-toxic ingredients. The substance can be sprayed or applied on any type of roof regardless of its sensitivity because it is considered environmentally friendly. It is also applicable to cleaning painted roofs since they do not corrode the paints. Despite their friendly nature, they may not apply to stubborn or widespread stains on the roof. Besides, it is an expensive option to take but always gives value for money. Little scrubbing and rinsing are required for this type of cleaning to get the best result.