Posted at: 05/27/2012 6:11 PM
By: Jim Peterson

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Angie's List Report: The Importance Of Cleaning Your Roof

(ABC 6 NEWS) -- For some, the spring cleaning season is underway. Whether you've started your cleaning, or not, you probably have some ideas on what you need to clean inside your home. But what about outside your home, like your roof?

"Roof cleaning can be a great way to improve the curb appeal of your house. If you see algae or moss streaking on your roof, removing that can make your house look a lot better, " said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List.

Sure, cleaning your roof might sound like an easy job for you to do yourself, but this may be a task better left to the professionals.

"Let's face it, you're going to be on the roof, on a ladder, using water and detergent, which can make the roof very slippery, " said Hicks.

When you are considering which company to hire to clean your roof, one of the first things you should consider is the company's cleaning process. Make sure the contractor explains in detail the equipment and the cleansers they use.

"We use a solution that we put on the roof, it's called a soft wash. We spray it from the gutter line, and we have an air compressor on our truck, which runs the pumps that we utilize. They are called off low pumps. We are able to shoot 50 feet from the ladder on the roof itself, " said Michael Spiczenski, a roof cleaning contractor.

Here are a few more factors to consider when you are choosing which roof cleaning company to hire. First, be sure to ask for references. A reputable company should provide references from past clients.

Second, ask about insurance. Any work done on a roof is dangerous, so a company should have proof of insurance and/or workers compensation.

Third, ask the company about their warranty or guarantee. What will they do if the algae/moss streaking comes back after a certain period of time? Finally, inquire about costs.

"Roof cleaning is a lot more affordable than what people think. Generally speaking, I'm usually asked what is the cost of roof cleaning? And I tell people it's anywhere between 3-5% of overall replacement costs, " said Spiczenski.

Another good tip is, if your roof needs to be repaired or replaced, it doesn't make sense to invest in having it cleaned. And if you are not sure whether or not to get it cleaned, have a home inspector come and check it out.