If moss, algae or related unattractive stains are a problem, most roofs can be gently cleaned with a biodegradable chemical cleaner to discourage moss growth and help extend the life of asphalt shingles. They can be cleaned by the homeowner using regular household items.
Should roofs be 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.
Can I clean my roof myself?
While technically you can clean your own roof, it’s not recommended. From personal injury to property damage, there are plenty of compelling reasons to leave roof cleaning to the professionals. Before you go grab your ladder and head out on the roof, consider why cleaning your own roof might not be a great idea.
Is it safe to power wash your 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. A light sweeping or a rinse with the garden hose is usually sufficient, and most roofs don’t even need that.
What do you use to wash roof?
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.
How long does a roof cleaning last?
Cleaning a roof takes 2 to 5 hours, depending on the size and condition.
Should you clean moss off your roof?
To avoid expensive repairs, moss should be removed from your roof tiles quickly if it is covering a significant area of your roof. Avoid pressure washing your roof to remove moss, as this could cause damage to the tiles and lead to the drenching of your roof interior.
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.
What’s the best roof cleaner?
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 kills moss on roofs?
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.
How can I make my roof look new?
Here are five tips to help make your roof look younger and better this spring!
- Clean Away Debris. Gutters full of needles and shingles covered with leaves don’t impress anyone. …
- Get Rid of Algae and Mildew. …
- Install New Gutters. …
- Repairing Edges and Eaves. …
- Replace Shingles with Better Colors.
Will bleach damage asphalt shingles?
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).
Which is better spray and forget or wet 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.
How do you clean a roof without bleach?
A revolutionary way to dissolve these damaging stains and streaks without ruining the integrity of your roof or landscaping is a new product called Spray & Forget™. It is a proven chemical that is non-corrosive and biodegradable. Unlike other roof cleaning products, Spray & Forget™ does not contain any bleach.