Cleaning Roof Shingles

Midwestpro · Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008 6:41 pm Post subject: Cleaning Roof Shingles

There is a major misunderstanding when it comes to asphalt shingle roof cleaning. Most people think that you cannot have your shingles cleaned without causing damage to them. Half of roofs in the Midwest are replaced because of the way they look, not because of the functionality. What does this mean? It means that when roof algae collects on a roof and causes black streaks, half of the time the homeowner will call a roofing contractor, and without much thought, have the roof replaced. You can also be sure that a roofing contractor isn’t going to talk themselves out of a sale by telling the homeowner the roof only needs cleaned, and some roofing contractors don’t realize that roofs can be cleaned without causing damage.

Damage is done to the roof only when too much pressure is applied to the shingles to attempt to blast the algae off the roof. Never use or allow a contractor to use a pressure washer to clean your roof, doing so will lessen the longevity of the shingles by blowing the shingle granules off, which are there to protect the shingle. The major shingle manufacturers have guidelines and recommendations for cleaning roof algae off of asphalt shingles. This method includes the proper cleaners applied with low pressure followed by a light rinsing. No more than garden hose pressure is ever put on to the roof using this method. This is an effective way to kill roof algae and restore your roofs appearance without causing damage to the shingles.

Proper roof cleaning can save you thousands of dollars by not having to prematurely replace shingles that only need cleaned.