The roof is an essential component to maintain comfort and protect your home. So, the best care and management are paramount to maintaining a longer roof life. Rubber/EPDM roofs require low maintenance, but a little care goes a long way to keep your roof healthy.

Discover four efficient tips to maintain your rubber roof.

1. Clean Frequently

Clean your rubber roof four times a year with soap, water, and a soft or medium bristle brush. First, sweep off the debris. Then add soap to the water, and pour it on your roof, rubbing gently to clear dirt and debris. Finally, leave your roof to dry.

Rubber roofs are less resistant to oil and solvent. So, avoid citric-based soap, petroleum distillates, petroleum distillates, or mineral oils. Some producers make products specifically for rubber, so use rubber-specific cleaners.

If you can't get up on your roof for safety concerns or other reasons, hire a reputable cleaner. If you are busy, you save a lot of time when you hire a roof professional to handle the work. Besides, some expert cleaners inspect your roof for any underlying problems as an added service.

2. Remove Mold and Mildew

Atmospheric dirt and moisture contribute to the growth of mold and mildew on your rubber roof. With time, the growth forms spots of various colors, notably white, yellow, and pink. Since rubber doesn't absorb enough heat to remove the growth, you must get rid of the spots. Also, whereas mold and mildew don't attack the membrane, the appearance is unpleasant and forms stains.

Regular cleaning isn't enough to remove mold and mildew, so you must take further measures. For example, you could use vinegar or bleach to remove the growth. While bleach takes only a few minutes, your roof might discolor. Vinegar takes a few hours, but you can retain your roof color. Always rinse your roof with water after you use vinegar or bleach to remove mold and mildew.

Furthermore, areas of your rubber roof next to gutters, corners, and windows are more prone to mold and mildew growth. Install mildew squares around high-risk areas to prevent frequent growth.

3. Use Protective Replacement

Your rubber roof should serve you for about 40-50 years with adequate care. Nonetheless, tree removal, storms, and harsh weather reduce your rubber roof's lifespan. In addition, the above factors can cause rubber roof membranes to split or wear out and damage your roof's protection.

Always patch up the exposed area whenever you notice damage on your roof. Otherwise, the more you wait, the worse the tear and the repair costlier. Since you can't see a rip on every part of your roof, frequent inspection is vital to catch splits early. Also, if the break is found on multiple roof parts or happens frequently, a total replacement of the protective layer will solve the problem.

4. Remove Chalking

Manufacturers add pigments to give rubber roofs various colors. When your roof is exposed to the elements, the pigments naturally fade in a process called chalking. Your roof is still okay even when the pigments shade off, so you shouldn't worry about chalking.

Residues from the rubber appear as white or gray powder on your roof. Clean your roof with a strong solution to remove the powdery substance. Sometimes, the chalk lands on your glass windows, in which case you should use an oxidation solution to clean your glass.

Rubber roofs boast durability, excellent weather resistance, and other desirable features. Nevertheless, you can only enjoy maximum benefits if you take good care of your roof. Also, get your rubber roof from a reliable seller and have a professional install your roof. Finally, if you have other questions or need roofing services, don't hesitate to contact us at Ratliff Enterprises.