Throughout the year, your asphalt shingles are subject to moisture and debris and can eventually show signs of dirt. Cleaning your roof shingles is a great way to maintain your roof’s look and integrity and it only takes a few tools. Here, our roofing experts explain how to clean roof shingles:
- Safety is important, so before you begin your roof cleaning process, make sure you have a pair of rubber gloves and a pair of non-slip shoes. You’ll also want to wear old clothes in case you get any cleaner on them.
- Start by choosing a cool, overcast day that doesn’t call for high winds.
- Then, use your tarps to cover any vegetation that’s underneath your overhang. This will protect them from the cleaner run-off.
- Next, make sure your gutters are clean so that they can drain properly. (For tips on cleaning them, visit our How to Clean Gutters and Downspouts page.)
- Mix your roof cleaner with water according to the instructions and pour the mixture into your pump sprayer.
- After that, set your ladder up so that it sits securely against your roof and climb up.
- Use your garden hose and spray your roof with a coat of water to cool it down and prevent the cleaner from drying too quickly.
- Then, spray your cleaner onto your shingles in a smooth, even coat.
- Wait about 20 minutes, then rinse off the shingles with your garden hose (use the most powerful spray setting available).
- Once you’ve finished cleaning your roof, spray on your stain-blocking roof protectant to help prevent algae growth or regrowth in the future.
- After that, remove your vegetation tarps and clean out your pump sprayer.
*Photo courtesy of commons.wikimedia.org
