Tip-top roofs reflect the resident’s persona and improve your property’s aesthetics. Unfortunately, if they’re uncleaned and have a musty vibe, it also leaves a bad impression on the neighbors and guests.
Thus, here in this guide, we’ll teach you how to clean your roofs without damaging a shingle and revamp your shingles like brand-new.
How to Clean Roof Without Damaging Shingles?
Below are the strategies to clean your roofs without damaging shingles and achieve an elegant look.
1. Basic Maintenance
First, clear the gutters and visible debris stuck on your roof. You also have to take preventive measures, such as covering plants and greenery with plastic, as if they come into contact with the chemical solution you’ll use on the roof surface, it can damage them.
2. Choose Your Cleaner
The market is flooded with roof cleaners; you can choose a reputable brand or make your own. The solution of 75% sodium hypochlorite and 25% water works best for hearty algae and fire moss accumulation. While 25% sodium hypochlorite and 75% water solution is a good combination for your roof to have for lighter stains on it.
3. Move Top to Bottom
You have to apply the solution to all parts of the roof and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. After that, start rising it vertically from the top to the bottom. Thanks to gravity, this will make your roofing cleaning job easier on a sloped roof. As you spray the water at the top, the liquid drips nicely, leaving no solution on the roof.
4. Treat Affected Spots
While cleaning the roof, you may notice some spots affected by algae. In those areas, reapply the solution and leave it for at least five minutes, then rinse it. The area will be cleared, leaving no clue of previous accumulation.
What is the Ideal Time for Cleaning Roofs?
Summer or winter? What’s the best time to clean the roofs? Well, it depends on the personal preferences and weather conditions. If the temperature in your locality is too cold that it gets freezing as the sun sets, then consider the roof cleaning on a day when the temperature is moderate.
Also, don’t perform this task on a day when it’s too sunny. The ideal time for cleaning roofs is spring and summer in most parts of the U.S. While for residents of Southern regions, the fall or winter can be an ideal time for roof cleaning.
What is the Frequency of Cleaning Your Roof?
Unsure whether you should clean a roof? Do you remember when you cleaned them the last time? Now you know better. If it’s been a long ago, it’s time to clean the roof once again.
Otherwise, if you recently built your roof or upgraded it, you can skip the cleaning. The roof cleaning frequency can vary based on weather conditions, the roof’s material, and the age and condition of the roof. So, it’s better to have a quick glance at your roof in a month or two to better analyses its state and decide if cleaning is required.
How much Does it Cost to Clean a Roof?
If you’re hiring a professional roof cleaning company, the average cleaning cost will be around $0.20-$0.70 per square foot. For instance, if your roof area is around 2,500 square feet, the project cost can be $500 to $1,750 or even more.
That’s why we recommend you get a pre-project quote to avoid the surprises and unclear charges.
Things to Remember While Cleaning Asphalt Shingles
- You can use a sprayer connected to the garden hose that contains equal amounts of water and chlorine bleach.
- Cover the plants with plastic sheets and rinse them before and after cleaning your roof.
- Perform the cleaning job on a cloudy day with moderate temperature and minimal chance of rain.
- Hire a professional for multi-story roofs and let them clean properly.
- Trim all overgrown branches and use a leaf blower to clear the gutters and ensure the roof is dry before cleaning.
Things to Avoid While Cleaning Asphalt Shingles
- Avoid using a pressure washer, as it can damage the roof by causing the shingles to fall off and affecting the integrity of your roof.
- Protect your landscape from the bleach solution as it can damage or discolor it badly.
- Avoid cleaning your roof on a sunny day. Intense sun rays can cause the cleaning solution to evaporate immediately.
- Never climb up your roof without proper safety gear.
- Don’t skip the remediation if the roof is covered with algae or moss.
DIY Vs. Hiring Professional Roof Cleaners
Since not all roof structures are the same, cleaning frequency varies for different homeowners. If your roof is easily accessible from the ground, you can conduct the cleaning task independently.
However, if you lack the equipment and expertise, you should hand over the job to a professional who will save you time, cost, and efforts.
You can also read:
Do I Need a Permit to Replace My Roof Myself?
The Bottom Line
We hope you know how to clean the roof without damaging and displacing the shingles from their spots. If you follow the above steps sequentially, you’ll eliminate the risk of damage and early wear and tear during the cleaning process.
Yet if your roofs are too old and can’t be restored to their aesthetics, you should replace them before they pose a risk to your property. Rockford Coastal Homes is your reliable company for top-notch shingles repair, and roof installation services in Bloomingdale, Georgia. Contact us at +19127241902 and get a bespoke quote today for your roofs.
