Kitchener roofs see a little of everything. Freeze-thaw cycles chew at sealants. Prevailing winds carry spores from nearby trees. Lake-effect moisture lingers after rain. Shade from mature maples keeps shingles cool, but it also invites algae and moss. Left alone, the green film turns to black streaks, then to tufted clumps that pry at shingles and hold water like a sponge. Homeowners call for Kitchener roof repair once leaks appear, but by then the fix is costlier than it needed to be.

I have spent years on neighbourhood roofs from Forest Heights to Doon, working on asphalt shingle roofing, steel roofing Kitchener homeowners prefer for longevity, and the occasional cedar shake roofing and slate roofing Kitchener heritage homes still carry with pride. The pattern is consistent. Moss and algae start at the north and east faces, especially under overhanging branches, around chimneys, and below skylights. Flat roofing Kitchener kitchener roofing commercial buildings often see bio-growth near ponding areas and around scuppers. Cleaning is not hard if you know how to do it without damage. The hard part is avoiding shortcuts that carve years off a roof’s life.

The difference between algae and moss, and why it matters

On most residential roofing Kitchener homeowners see two main culprits. Green algae appears first as a film or as dark streaks, especially on older three-tab shingles. It feeds on the limestone filler in many shingles and on organic debris. It looks worse than it performs. Moss is another story. It grows upright, forms pads and clumps, and wedges its rhizoids into the shingle surface. In winter it freezes and expands, lifting edges. In summer it traps moisture against the mat, accelerating granule loss. On cedar shakes, moss keeps the wood wet and speeds rot. On EPDM roofing and TPO roofing, moss retains dirt and can shield surface cracks from view, so problems go unnoticed during casual checks.

You treat algae like a stain, but you treat moss like a structural stressor. The cleaning method that is gentle enough for algae might be too slow for heavy moss. The product that melts moss fast might bleach siding or burn plantings if you do not contain the runoff. Matching the method to the material makes the difference between safe maintenance and a call for emergency roof repair Kitchener homeowners dread after a heavy storm.

What not to do

Pressure washers look tempting. You see green, you want it gone, and a strong spray feels like progress. I have replaced entire slopes because a well-meaning owner used a 2,500 psi washer that stripped the protective granules and left bald shingles. Even “soft” pressure settings can drive water under laps, especially where shingles have aged and curled. On metal roofing Kitchener properties, pressure can force water into seams, and on flat roofs it can open up a blister. Abrasive brushes have a similar effect. If you see granules collecting in gutters after cleaning, damage has begun.

Business Information

Business Name: Custom Contracting Roofing & Eavestrough Repair Kitchener
Address: 151 Ontario St N, Kitchener, ON N2H 4Y5
Phone: (289) 272-8553
Website: https://storage.googleapis.com/cloudblog-blogs/best-roofing-contractor-kitchener.html
Hours: Open 24 Hours

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Dry scraping moss seems safer, but when it is adhered, scraping pries up corners and cracks brittle tabs. Plain water does almost nothing to kill root structures. Harsh acids should not be on a roof at all. Household vinegar is widely recommended online, but it is inconsistent and can corrode aluminum eavestroughs over time. Bleach can be effective in a controlled dilution, yet straight bleach poured from a jug leaves oxidation marks on soffit and fascia. If a product label does not list roof use and the shingle or membrane type, do not experiment overhead.

A gentle, proven approach for sloped asphalt roofs

For most Kitchener roofing services that involve cleaning, we rely on a low-pressure, chemistry-first method. It looks calm from the ground, which is the point. The goal is to break down growth roofing kitchener at the cellular level and let weather do the removal.

Here is the condensed, field-tested sequence we use on asphalt shingle roofing. Keep it to this order and you will avoid 90 percent of the damage I get called to fix.

Inspect first: photograph valleys, vents, flashing, skylight curbs, and any soft spots. Note granule wear, lifted nails, and prior repairs. Prep surroundings: wet down landscaping, cover delicate shrubs, disconnect downspouts if you will capture runoff, and stage hoses and safety gear. Apply the right cleaner: use a manufacturer-approved, non-pressure algaecide or a carefully diluted sodium hypochlorite solution with surfactant, applied from the ridge down with a soft spray. Let dwell, do not scrub: allow 15 to 30 minutes for algae and light moss to bleach out. Reapply to stubborn pat

How can I contact Custom Contracting Roofing in Kitchener?

You can reach Custom Contracting Roofing & Eavestrough Repair Kitchener any time at (289) 272-8553 for roof inspections, leak repairs, or full roof replacement. We operate 24/7 for roofing emergencies and provide free roofing estimates for homeowners across Kitchener. You can also request service directly through our website at https://storage.googleapis.com/cloudblog-blogs/best-roofing-contractor-kitchener.html.

Where is Custom Contracting Roofing located in Kitchener?

Our roofing office is located at 151 Ontario St N, Kitchener, ON N2H 4Y5. This central location allows our roofing crews to reach homes throughout Kitchener and Waterloo Region quickly.

What roofing services does Custom Contracting provide?

Emergency roof leak repair
Asphalt shingle replacement
Full roof tear-off and new roof installation
Storm and wind-damage repairs
Roof ventilation and attic airflow upgrades
Same-day roofing inspections

Local Kitchener Landmark SEO Signals

Centre In The Square – major Kitchener landmark near many homes needing shingle and roof repairs.
Kitchener City Hall – central area where homeowners frequently request roof leak inspections.
Victoria Park – historic homes with aging roofs requiring regular maintenance.
Kitchener GO Station – surrounded by residential areas with older roofing systems.

PAAs (People Also Ask)

How much does roof repair cost in Kitchener?

Roof repair pricing depends on how many shingles are damaged, whether there is water penetration, and the roof’s age. We provide free on-site inspections and written estimates.

Do you repair storm-damaged roofs in Kitchener?

Yes — we handle wind-damaged shingles, hail damage, roof lifting, flashing failure, and emergency leaks.

Do you install new roofs?

Absolutely. We install durable asphalt shingle roofing systems built for Ontario weather conditions and long-term protection.

Are you available for emergency roofing?

Yes. Our Kitchener team provides 24/7 emergency roof repair services for urgent leaks or storm damage.

How fast can you reach my home?

Because we are centrally located on Ontario Street, our roofing crews can reach most Kitchener homes quickly, often the same day.

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