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How Do You Clean Asphalt Shingles?

by David MartineauLast updated on January 30, 2024Home and Garden4 min read
Food Preservation

of laundry strength liquid chlorine bleach and water . This is the best way to clean a roof if you have asphalt shingles. After spraying the roof with the mixture, allow it to sit on the surface for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with clean water.

Is it OK to power wash a shingle roof?

NEVER aim your pressure washer up the roof , as it can push water under the shingles. Spraying water under your shingles can both tear off the shingles and force water under them and into your home. ... You shouldn’t have to pressure wash your roof any more than once every year or two at most.

Can I power wash asphalt shingles?

Yes , it will make it look sparkling clean, but also you’ll end up replacing the roof system sooner rather than later. The damage caused by pressure washing is not immediately noticeable. Pressure washing strips the granules from asphalt shingles. Therefore it strips away years of your roof’s lifespan.

Can you pressure wash an asphalt shingle roof?

It’s generally not necessary to pressure-wash a shingle roof for the purpose of removing ordinary dirt and leaves, and pressure-washing can potentially damage the shingles’ coating of protective grit. ... Scraping is more destructive to shingles, which makes pressure-washing your safest bet.

Should asphalt shingles be cleaned?

In addition to unnecessary wear and tear on your roof tiles from the weather, the number one concern that you should have if you don’t regularly clean your asphalt shingle roof is moss growth . As moss thickens and continues to grow on your roof over time, it can actually raise up the singles in an unnatural way.

Will bleach damage asphalt shingles?

Chlorine bleach / TSP chemical combination can kill plants, and the phosphates hurt the environment. Chlorine bleach also dries out a shingle roof causing curling, and ultimately shortening asphalt roof shingles life.

Does cleaning your roof damage it?

Cleaning your roof is also important for extending your roof’s life and keeping it looking its best. High pressure power washing and chlorine can damage your roof tiles & shingles , damage landscaping, and void manufacturer’s warranties.

Will vinegar damage asphalt shingles?

Vinegar will not hurt roof shingles and is the best way to clean asphalt shingles. Vinegar bough at the store will have different concentrations of acetic acid.

What is the black stuff on my roof?

Answer. Those black streaks on your roof shingles are most likely an algae called gloeocapsa magma , or as it is more commonly referred to, a blue-green or black algae. Algae is a solid deposit of spores and dirt, another form of mold. ... Do NOT pressure wash your roof; one wrong angle and you can damage the shingles.

What is the best way to remove moss from asphalt shingles?

The most effective method of cleaning algae and moss from a roof is with a 50:50 mix of laundry strength liquid chlorine bleach and water . Apply with a sprayer and allow the solution to dwell on the roof surface for 15 to 20 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly with low pressure water.

Is roof washing a good idea?

Consistent washing of a roof will remove wet leaves, twigs, seeds, and other debris that can cause algae, mold, and other contaminants to grow in the first place! Regular power washing can then prevent damage to the roof and ensure it always looks its best.

Should I jet wash my roof?

They have the following advice for homeowners and roofing contractors: The use of high powered jet washes is not recommended as it can damage the surface of the slate or tile, thus reducing its expected life considerably. ... We DO NOT recommend pressure washing your roof covering.

Does Moss damage asphalt shingles?

Moss — which is what shows in the pictures you sent — is more worrisome because it can damage asphalt shingles . A thick growth of moss works like a sponge, keeping the roofing damp for long periods, and it can lift edges of shingles, making them vulnerable to blowing off in a windstorm.

How do I clean my roof myself?

The less expensive solution is to spray wash the roof with a 50 percent mix of water and bleach to get rid of the algae. (No pressure washers, please. They’re likely to damage the shingles.) Just be sure to wet your foundation plantings first, and rinse everything in clean water when you’re done.

David Martineau
Author

David is a home and garden expert who writes about home improvement, gardening, interior design, and property maintenance.

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