Are your roof shingles dirty and giving your home a dull look? Cleaning them may be the answer to your problems. While you may need to carry out a roof inspection and roof repair to avoid leaks during cleaning, learn about the best way to clean your roof shingles here.
Roofs are a versatile installation that protects the indoor space from the hazards of weather elements. When properly maintained, your roof can add to your property’s curb appeal and appearance while also contributing to your property’s overall value. Routine maintenance becomes necessary when you take the cost of a new roof and the many advantages of a roof into consideration. Many homeowners have been able to keep their roofs in great shape for years by maintaining them properly.
Roof maintenance goes beyond calling your roofing contractor for a roof inspection or roof repair service. It often includes roof cleaning to get rid of the roof’s dust, cleaning aged copper shingles, growth, and debris. Leaving organic matter to thrive on your roof exposes it to further deterioration. Organic matter, including mold, mildew, and moss, thrives on the materials that make your roof strong. Leaving them in place further compromises your roof’s quality and lifespan.
Cleaning roof shingles can be done using DIY methods or preferably by contacting a professional roof cleaning company. It is often advised to contact a professional because of the risks associated with this task. However, here’s a guide on how to clean shingles.
Roof Shingle Cleaning Using a Pressure Washer
Cleaning roof shingles with a pressure washer is one of the most effective ways to get the job done. You can either contact a professional pressure washing company or buy or rent a pressure washer to get the job done.
It is important to note that pressure washers have different pressure settings, some of which may be hard on your roof. Therefore, it is best to test the water pressure against a wall at an angle before directing the jet of water to your roof.
Directing a heavy pressure stream of water at your roof may damage it. Some common damages include dislodged shingles, missing shingles, cracks that may cause leaks, and more. High-pressure water may also speed up the roof’s aging process, cause the granules to come off, or damage the roof gutters.
If you’re unfamiliar with using a pressure washer to clean anything, including roof shingles, you’re better off calling a professional.
Warning for Pressure Washing Asphalt Shingles
DIY roof cleaners must know that their asphalt shingles are delicate and can damage easily. Per manufacturer instructions, most asphalt shingles cannot withstand a pressure over 70psi (obtainable using the normal garden hose). So, if you must contact a professional pressure washer or use the equipment, be sure to know how to clean shingles without damaging them.
Ensure the pressure washing machine is set at low pressure and tested on a wall or other solid surfaces before spraying on your roof. Also, ensure that only an angle of your roof is sprayed as a test site before the cleaning process starts.
Cleaning Your Roof Shingles with Bleach
Using bleach or pool shock is the best way to clean roof shingles. While this method requires professional experience, it can also be done using DIY methods. But, before cleaning your roof using bleach, you need to be aware of the common safety practices around chemicals.
It is recommended that you wear safety vests, boots, and goggles. You should also ensure that you have safety gloves on to prevent contamination or food poisoning at the end of the task. Make sure to take great care and avoid destroying any landscaping with bleach.
Once you’re sure and ready to start, inspect your rain gutters and ensure that there are no cracks. You should also ensure they aren’t blocked to prevent the bleach from pooling in them.
Mix your cleaning supply in the following proportion;
1 cup of liquid chlorine bleach + 1 cup of powdered laundry detergent + 1 gallon of hot water.
Make the mixture in a bucket and get a garden hose to go with it. Other supplies needed to get the job done include;
- A ladder
- A pump sprayer
- A stiff-bristle broom
- Stir stick
Use the stir stick to stir the mixture in the bucket and ensure that the mixture is carefully poured into the pump sprayer. Set your ladder the right way and ensure you have a second pair of hands to hold the ladder steady as you work atop it.
Please note that cleaning should be done on a cloudy day to prevent exhaustion and quick drying of the bleach.
Once sprayed, leave the cleaner on the section of your roof for about 15 minutes before washing it off.
Dos and Don’ts When Washing Shingle Roofing
You can remove mold from roof shingles through proper cleaning. Roof cleaning can be done using a calculated mix of bleach, warm water, and washing detergent. Mix them together, apply them to the super roof surface, and wash off the mold.
How to Remove Roof Shingles
Ideally, you should contact a roofing professional to remove your roof shingles. The roof is stripped, the damaged shingle is removed, and a replacement is installed in the affected area.
How to Clean Mold Off Roof Shingles
Mold can be cleaned off roof shingles using the appropriate mix of pool shock, detergent, and warm water. You can also contact a pressure washing professional to get the job done.
Wegner Roofing and solar offers full-service roofing solutions, including roof repairs, installations, replacements, and cleaning. Save time and money by contacting us to address your roofing needs.
