Asphalt shingles, one of the most common roofing materials, are susceptible to becoming dirty with age. They can show black streaks and mildew, as well as lichen and moss. It is important to clean your shingles regularly as part of home maintenance. This will help keep the appearance of your house at its best. Our guide will teach you how to maintain and clean roof shingles. It includes information on the best materials to use, the proper way to scrub shingles, and how often to clean your roof. Here are the tips to keep your roof spic and span, but keep in mind, it is!
Roof Cleaning Safety Tips
Only homeowners who are properly equipped should climb ladders or walk on asphalt shingle roofing. By using proper fall protection, you can reduce your risk of serious injury while cleaning your roof.
Stay safe when cleaning your asphalt roof:
- Follow the instructions on cleaning and tools.
- Before beginning any work, ensure that the roof has completely dried.
- Mark your perimeter on the ground.
- Never use a too-short ladder for the job.
- When working on the roof, work with a family member or friend.
- Avoid dizziness by taking a break when you feel tired or hot.
- To hoist supplies and tools to the roof, use a bucket attached to a rope.
- Use a safety harness whenever possible.
- Wear shoes with a rubber sole that is soft and has a good fit.
Necessary Equipment
To clean your roof shingles properly, you'll need a lot more than a hose. Invest in the following:
- Extension ladder
- Long garden hose
- Eye protection and gloves
- Garden or backpack pump sprayer
- Mask that prevents chemical inhalation
- Medium-bristle push broom
- Non-slip shoes
- Roof cleaners that are designed to clean the specific type of roof shingles
- Safety harness
The type of shingles will determine the cleaning products and methods to be used. Asphalt shingles can be cleaned with a special cleaner, while clay and slate tiles are cleaned using a solution of dish soap and water. For wood shingles use a combination of bleach and warm water. To clean cedar shakes, mix water with wood cleaner and water.
Roof Shingle Cleaning Process
Here is a guide that will help you to clean your house safely after you have gathered all the necessary supplies.
Protect Shrubs and Plants
Avoid damaging patio furniture with cleaning solutions by moving it away from the house. Cover landscaping with plastic sheeting or tarps to protect it from the cleaning solution.
Roof Sweeping
Remove all loose debris on the roof with a push broom. The clean surfaces will provide more traction when standing, and they'll also prevent soiling areas that have been previously cleaned. Clear your gutters and drains after you have swept up loose debris to ensure that water can flow through during the washing process.
Mix Your Cleaning Solution
Mix the cleaning agent with water according to the instructions provided by its manufacturer. Be sure to use a cleaner that is designed specifically for your type of roof shingles and the buildup, such as moss or algae.
You can clean asphalt shingles with the following cleaners:
- Household Bleach - Use a mixture of laundry-strength chlorine bleach and water for removing moss or algae.
- Sodium Hypochlorite: To remove algae, you can use a solution of water and sodium chlorite in equal amounts. Use two parts of sodium hypochlorite and one part of water to strengthen this solution.
- White Vinegar: Mix white vinegar with equal parts water to remove dirt and algae. You can avoid harsh chemicals being used on your roof by using this method.
Use a garden hose to mix your cleaner and water and then spray it on the roof. This will loosen the shingles and remove the protective granules.
How to Apply the Cleaning Agent
Be aware of the potential dangers that the chemicals you use can pose, and the slippery surface the roof may become when it's wet. Wear a respiration mask and eye protection before you spray down the roof. Instead of climbing up the roof, use a ladder.
Working your way down the roof, apply the cleaning agent evenly and gradually. Once you have saturated the roof, give the cleaning solution some time to do its job. If necessary, spray areas with dark stains and lots of algae twice. Most cleaning products will begin to work within 15-20 minutes.
Rinse Roof
Rinse the surface after the cleaning solution has had a chance of working. Use a garden hose to remove any excess cleaning product and loosen dirt or grime. Check your gutters and drains again after rinsing to ensure they haven't become clogged.
Some products do not require you to rinse the bleach solution or other cleaning chemicals from your roof. Some instructions tell you to keep the solution on your roof, as it will continue to clean after the initial cleaning.
Resoak Plants
Rinse your plants well to ensure that your cleaning solution doesn't affect them. This simple step will save plants from being accidentally misted.
Roof Shingle Stain Removal
After rinsing, some algae and moss may cling to your roof. However, they will likely wash off within a couple of weeks. Some stubborn roof stains or grime will require additional cleaning.
Roof stains can be caused by dirt, mildew, and algae. Once you have identified the culprit, purchase a roof cleaner that is designed to remove the stains. These types of stains can be scrubbed with a soft-bristled sponge, brush, or cloth.
Do not overuse chemicals to clean your roof. If the stains don't disappear after several attempts, you may want to contact a roofer so that the roof is not damaged.
Roof Shingle Maintenance Tips
After your roof has been cleaned, keep it clean by removing dirt, grime, and mold. Keep your roof clean to improve visibility and identify potential problems before they turn into major issues.
Preventing the buildup of algae and stains on your roof will help you avoid them in the future. To do this, follow the steps below:
- Use a protective treatment. You can buy a treatment to prevent algae growth in your local hardware store or home improvement shop.
- Get your roof cleaned professionally every year. Professional roofers are likely to offer a warranty when they clean your roofing, so you don't need to worry about repeated treatments for stubborn stains. Ask for a protective coat to keep moisture at bay.
- Use zinc or copper strips to stop algae from growing. Copper and zinc are toxic to algal growth. When you install copper and zinc strips on the roof peak, they will release metals as rainwater passes over them.
- Clean your gutters: Regular gutter cleaning will prevent the accumulation of debris and standing water on your roof.
- Remove debris regularly: Wind and rain can cause a build-up of debris. Use a leaf blower to remove leaves, twigs, and other debris.
- Trim trees. Trim trees. Trim back trees to prevent them from creating excessive shade and dropping debris on your roof.
Our Recommendation
Roof shingles can be damaged by mold, algae and moss. This allows moisture to enter your home. Cleaning the roof regularly can improve the curb appeal of your home and extend the life of the roof.
When cleaning your roof shingles, take the necessary safety precautions and only do it if you are comfortable climbing a ladder. Roof cleaning can be done in a number of ways by professionals, but only a soft wash with a low-pressure sprayer is recommended for DIY roof cleaning.
Get the Best Service from A Buff and Above Pressure Washing
Consider hiring A Buff and Beyond Pressure Washing if you are not confident cleaning your roof or simply do not have the time. The professionals have the expertise and experience to safely clean your roof and can guarantee that the job will be done correctly.
Here are some of the benefits of hiring A Buff and Beyond Pressure Washing for your roof cleaning needs:
- Safety: A Buff and Beyond pressure washing is fully insured and its workers are trained on proper safety procedures. You can rest assured that the work will be completed safely and without any risk of injury.
- Experience: A Buff & Beyond Pressure Washing is experienced in cleaning all types of roofs including asphalt shingles and clay tiles. They are familiar with the best cleaning products and methods to use on your roof without damaging it.
- Efficiency: A Buff and Above Pressure Washing is equipped with the right tools to clean your roof efficiently. You will save time and effort.
- Quality: A Buff & Beyond Pressure Washing provides quality service. They will clean your roof thoroughly, leaving it looking great.