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.
Can you pressure wash an asphalt roof?
But while asphalt shingles are made to handle heavy rainfall, raindrops are not quite the same as a concentrated beam of water from a pressure washer. Simply put, unless you have it on a low (and much less effective) setting, cleaning your roof with a pressure washer would likely do much more harm than good.
Does bleach damage asphalt shingles?
Chemical Cleaning
While an occasional cleaning might not harm your roof, repeated use of harsh chemicals, or the erosive effects of pressure washing, can damage or shorten the life of asphalt shingles. … Roof cleaned with oxygen bleach (left) and chlorine bleach (center).
How do you clean a roof without damaging shingles?
Don’t: Use a pressure washer, which can loosen shingles and seriously damage your roof. Do: Use a sprayer attached to garden hose that’s filled with equal parts chlorine bleach and water. of laundry strength liquid chlorine bleach and water. This is the best way to clean a roof if you have asphalt shingles.
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.
What is the best cleaner for roof shingles?
They cut through the dirt, grime, and sludge, revealing your roof’s true colors.
- BEST OVERALL: Wet and Forget Moss, Mold and Mildew Stain Remover.
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Mold Armor E-Z House Wash 64 fl. …
- BEST BLEACH: MOLD ARMOR CLEANER 1 GAL.
- BEST CHEMICAL: Spray & Forget Revolutionary Roof Cleaner Concentrate.
What is better wet and forget or spray and forget?
The concentration that the wet and forget companies use in their products are slow to kill mold, lichen, moss, and fungi. Spray & Forget, on the other hand, uses sodium hypochlorite which is completely a different composition and is also widely popular due to its effectiveness.
Will vinegar damage asphalt shingles?
A: The insurer should have told you that moss on the roof can cause the shingles to decay, but that will take a long, long time. Yes, vinegar will kill the plants, because vinegar is like acid rain, which can damage any green living thing. Bleach will also kill it.
How long does an asphalt roof last?
Vented properly and installed correctly, you should get around 80-85% of the life span out of an asphalt roof. That means you can expect to get about 20-22 years out of your 3-tab shingle roof and 25-28 years out of your dimensional shingles.
What is the black stuff on my roof?
The black streaks running down roofs are actually a hardy algae called Gloeocapsa magma. As the blue-green algae accumulate, they develop a dark, hardened outer coating, which results in the black stains you see. The algae feed on the limestone in shingles.
Does wet and forget really work on roofs?
Roof cleaning can be made easier with a once a year, no-fuss application of Wet & Forget Xtreme Reach™ Hose End. This outdoor cleaner is safe to use on virtually any type of roof and will help to keep your roof free of moss, mold, mildew, and algae all year long. To find a Wet & Forget retailer near you, click here.
How do you clean dirty roof shingles?
Mix the hot water, bleach, and detergent and pour into the garden sprayer. Mix the hot water, bleach, and detergent in the bucket until the soap granules dissolve. Pour the mixture into the garden sprayer. Tip: Clean shingles on a cool, humid, overcast day to ensure that the cleaner doesn’t dry too fast on the roof.
How much does it cost to clean roof?
Cleaning a roof costs $295 and $592, or $432 on average. Expect to pay between $0.20 and $0.60 per square foot. Regular roof cleaning makes it last longer and improves your curb appeal.
How do I get debris off my roof?
One of the most common ways debris is removed is to blow it from the roof, using a leaf blower. Although an attempt is made to control the debris as much as possible, it is not uncommon for the debris to sift into the attic or garage spaces, through skylights or vents, as well as litter the grounds.
Should you have your roof cleaned?
Generally, it is a good idea to get your roof cleaned by professionals once a year. This is often enough to where if problems develop, they can be caught early on. If you have a roof that is in good shape or was just recently installed, then you may only need a roof cleaning once every two years or so.