In 2024, it’s more crucial than ever to preserve your home’s durability and aesthetic appeal, so it’s a good idea to clean your asphalt shingles regularly.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of cleaning asphalt shingles and share a step-by-step approach to the best way to clean asphalt shingles using the right cleaning products.
Also Read: What Homeowners Should Know About Asphalt Shingle Roof Installation in 2024
Why Is It Important To Have A Clean Asphalt Shingle Roof?
It’s important to keep your asphalt shingle roof clean for a few reasons. First, cleaning helps get rid of algae, which can damage the shingles. Algae growth can not only affect the appearance of your roof but can also cause energy inefficiency, as dark stains on the shingles absorb more sunlight, leading to increased heat absorption in your home.
Second, cleaning removes moss from the roof surface. Moss can trap moisture on your roof, making a perfect environment for mold growth. Furthermore, both moss and algae growth can lead to the rotting of your roof materials because they stop water from draining properly.
Additionally, cleaning your roof can make it last longer, so you don’t have to spend as much on repairs. The granules on the shingles are what give them color and protect from the roof sun and rain. Over time, these granules wear down naturally, but this process can be accelerated by moss and algae growth.
Also, watch out for granules from your shingles gathering in the gutters. While some granule loss is normal, excessive loss might mean your shingles are getting old and need to be replaced.
Step-by-Step Guide On How To Clean Asphalt Shingles
Protecting your roof is really important to maintain the structure of your home. Let’s delve into understanding how to clean a roof without damaging the shingles:
#1. Gather Necessary Tools and Equipment
Before you begin cleaning, make sure to collect all the tools and equipment you’ll need. This includes a ladder, safety gear, cleaning solution, and a soft-bristle brush.
Be cautious and avoid using harsh cleaning tools like stiff brushes or metal scrapers. These can scratch the shingles, creating openings for water to get in and removing the protective granules. Stick to gentler tools to keep your roof in good shape.
Plus, pick a cloudy, calm day to clean with no wind and no chance of precipitation. Without the possibility of slick surfaces or weather-related disruption, this guarantees a secure and efficient cleaning procedure.
#2. Remove Debris
As for the second step, clearing loose debris, like leaves and branches, from your roof before using cleaning solutions is crucial. With the required tools and safety gear in hand, start by clearing any debris, like leaves or twigs, with a broom to prevent extra shingle damage. Then, use a garden hose to wet the roof before using the cleaning solution to start the cleaning process from the bottom up.
#3. Choose the Right Cleaning Solution
It is important to keep in mind what is recommended to clean asphalt shingles with. Avoid anything abrasive that can damage the shingles. You can consider using white vinegar, which is effective and environmentally friendly. Mix equal amounts of vinegar and water, apply with a soft brush or sprayer, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, and rinse.
A bleach solution is another popular method for cleaning asphalt shingles. But for this, only your roof’s condition can determine the solution’s concentration. You can use a stronger solution with 75% bleach and 25% water for stubborn problems like moss, lichen, and algae, or a 25% bleach and 75% water solution for a milder solution that can work for lighter stains.
#4. Apply the Cleaning Solution
The next step is the most crucial one, which is to follow the provided instructions when applying the selected cleaning solution to your roof, paying extra attention to areas with significant stains or moss growth.
#5. Be Gentle While Scrubbing
Once you’ve applied the cleaning solution and let it sit, use a soft-bristle brush to scrub the shingles gently in a circular motion. This helps remove the loosened debris and biological growth effectively.
#6. Rinse
For the final step, rinse the shingle roof with a garden hose. Make sure there’s no leftover residue after rinsing, leaving the roof clean and free from any cleaning solution.
Top 3 Recommended Cleaning Products For Asphalt Shingles
Reputable brands often offer high-quality cleaning products specifically designed for asphalt shingles. If you do not know what to clean asphalt shingles with, consider these three roof cleaning products to ensure the effective removal of dirt, algae, moss, and other contaminants without causing harm to your shingles.
#1. Wash Safe™ ROOF WASH Eco-Safe and Organic Roof Cleaner
The first option is Wash Safe™ ROOF WASH, which is an eco-friendly and organic roof cleaner that is a popular choice for cleaning asphalt shingle roofs. As an oxygen-based cleaner, it is bleach-free and safe for pets, plants, and people. This product has a short active life of 4-6 hours before it biodegrades, making it one of the safest roof cleaning methods on the market.
This product is effective against mildew, lichen, moss, and black algae, especially if the staining isn’t too severe. Trusted by thousands of roofing contractors, 3 pounds of this professional-strength formula can clean up to 3,000 square feet with its concentrated powder solution.
#2. Spray & Forget Super Concentrated Revolutionary Roof Cleaner
To bring life back to your roof, you can go with Spray & Forget Super Concentrated Revolutionary Roof Cleaner. This cleaner quickly removes stains from algae, mold, and mildew, giving you results in minutes. It is suitable for various shingle types like asphalt, wood, slate, clay, and tile. Available in a handy hose-end bottle, 1 quart of the solution covers 400 to 600 square feet.
#3. TrucleanEX Deck & Roof Cleaner
The last on our list is TrucleanEX Deck & Roof Cleaner, which is a strong cleaning solution made to tackle various issues like pollen, mildew, algae, weathering stains, and grease on asphalt shingle roofs, refreshing the appearance of your home. It’s a popular choice for homeowners, as it is bleach-free and does not require scrubbing. This cleaner comes in a concentrated formula that you can mix with water based on your cleaning needs. It is suitable for both decks and roofs, making it the perfect solution for different parts of your home.
Precautions and Best Practices For Cleaning Asphalt Shingles
Cleaning asphalt shingles is crucial for keeping your roof strong and long-lasting. For an effective and safe cleaning process, follow these precautions and best practices.
#1. Avoid Pressure Washers:
Steer clear of pressure washers as they can harm asphalt shingles, potentially causing serious roof damage. The high pressure might dislodge the shingles, jeopardizing the roof’s structure. Instead, go for a gentle, low-pressure sprayer or even a garden hose with a sprayer attached for effective yet non-damaging cleaning, ensuring the roof’s durability.
#2. Choose Non-Abrasive Brushes:
Ensure a safe and gentle cleaning process for asphalt shingles by using non-abrasive tools like a soft-bristle brush. Hard brushes can scratch shingles, removing their protective granules. Employing a soft-bristle brush guarantees thorough cleaning without causing damage, preserving the roof’s longevity.
#3. Protect Plants and Vegetation:
Protecting your plants and vegetation is essential to the cleaning procedure. To protect them from any harm caused by cleaning solutions, soak them in water before, during, and after cleaning.
#4. Use Proper Safety Equipment:
Prioritize personal safety during roof cleaning by wearing slip-resistant shoes, safety goggles, long sleeves, and pants. This measure reduces the risk of accidents or injuries, allowing you to clean asphalt shingles safely and effectively without compromising your well-being.
#5. Timely Cleaning:
Regularly cleaning asphalt shingles is vital for maintaining the roof’s appearance and longevity. By removing algae, dirt, and debris and extending the roof’s lifespan, you can prevent costly repairs. Timely cleaning preserves the roof’s structure and energy efficiency, ultimately saving homeowners from potential damage and extra expenses.
Conclusion
To extend the life of your roof, it’s crucial to perform regular maintenance on your asphalt shingles and use appropriate cleaning products. Following the steps mentioned in this blog post and adhering to precautions and best practices will help you effectively clean your asphalt shingles in 2024. With a little effort and the right tools, you can keep your roof in excellent condition for years to come.
Want To Have A Clean Roof For 2024?
When it comes to having a clean roof in Memphis, TN, look no further than Miller Roofing and Renovations. As the premier roofing company, we offer services for both commercial and residential roofs. Our experienced team is skilled in cleaning not only asphalt shingles but also many other kinds of roofing materials.
Committed to delivering top-notch workmanship at competitive prices, we use only the finest materials to ensure the longevity of your roof. Trust Miller Roofing and Renovations for excellent services, and contact us today at (901) 457-9405 to schedule a consultation.
