Roofs protect you and your home, acting as a shield against the weather’s wear and tear. To clean roof shingles in Utah, you’ll need a gentle cleaning solution, the right tools, and safety materials to carefully remove stains, mold, and algae without damaging your shingles.
Below, we’ll discuss how to clean shingles to enhance your home’s visual appeal and prolong the lifespan of your roof.
Do Roof Shingles Need to Be Cleaned?
Roof shingles require occasional cleaning to remove signs of mold, moss, and debris that can cause water damage and premature deterioration. Regularly cleaning your roof shingles helps preserve the appearance of your home and saves you money on costly repairs.
When Should You Clean Your Roof?
You should clean your roof once every one to three years, depending on climate, roof age, and nearby trees. Roofs should also be cleaned if you notice moss and algae growth or when leaves and debris have collected on your roof.
What Can I Use to Clean My Roof Singles?
There are several roof cleaning materials you can use for cleaning roof shingles. These include:
- Water
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Bleach
- Oxygen bleach
- TSP or sodium hydroxide
- Sodium hypochlorite
Roof Cleaning Materials
There are several types of solutions you can use for cleaning roof shingles. These include
- Water
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Bleach
- Oxygen bleach
- TSP or sodium hydroxide
- Sodium hypochlorite
How to Make Roof Shingles Look Like New
If you want to know how to clean your roof and make your shingles look like new, follow these steps for the best results.
1. Check the roof for damage: Assess the material of your shingles and check for any missing granules or cracks on your roof. (You may need to use a ladder to get a better view.)
2. Get the right cleaning tools. Before cleaning, make sure you have the proper tools, supplies, and safety equipment. You’ll need:
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- Safety gloves, eye protection, and a hat.
- A tarp or cover to protect your plants and landscaping.
- A leaf blower to remove any leaves.
- A bucket and a soft brush
3. Choose a cleaning solution. Select a cleaning solution based on your roofing materials and the type of cleaning you’ll be doing. For example, if you’re just removing dirt and grime, you’ll want a 50:50 mix of water and white vinegar. If you’re removing mold and algae, create a cleaning solution by mixing 50% water and 50% laundry bleach.
4. Clean out your gutters. Before cleaning your roof, carefully remove debris such as dry leaves or dust from your gutters so that water can flow freely.
5. Apply the solution from the top to the bottom. Work carefully from the top of your roof to the bottom to ensure everything gets clean by spraying the roof with cleaning solution. Leave the cleaning solution on for 15 minutes, then gently brush the area.
6. Rinse thoroughly: After gently brushing the affected area of your roof with the cleaning solution, use a garden hose to rinse off with water. Be sure to also wash off any solution that may drip on the ground to protect your plants.
7.Let the roof dry: Ensure your roof is completely dry before stepping on it to prevent any damage.
8. Double treat. Consider double treatment on stubborn stains or areas with significant buildup.
How Do You Remove Mold and Algae From Roof Shingles?
Spray a 50:50 mix of water and bleach onto your shingles and let it sit for about 15 minutes. After sufficient time has passed, gently rinse the cleaning solution off with a garden hose to remove mold and algae from your roof shingles.
Mistakes to Avoid While Roof Cleaning
When it comes to cleaning roof shingles, there are a few common mistakes that can lead to long-term damage or injury. Avoid doing any of these to protect yourself and your home.
- Cleaning with a pressure washer. Pressure washers can ruin shingles and lead to water infiltration.
- Working without proper safety equipment. Prioritize safety by wearing appropriate gear, including gloves, safety glasses, and non-slip shoes.
- Using abrasive cleaning brushes. Choose soft-bristle brushes to prevent shingle damage.
- Spraying plants and trees with cleaner solutions. Protect surrounding vegetation, as cleaning solutions can harm plants and trees.
- Waiting until the last minute. Procrastinating can lead to more extensive damage. Regular cleaning is preventive maintenance.
- Clean on a cloudy day: Prevent quick evaporation of your cleaning solution by cleaning your roof shingles on an overcast day, rather than a sunny one.
How Long Does It Take to Clean Roof Shingles?
The time it takes to clean will depend on the roof’s materials, size, and washing method. However, many professional roofing experts can clean most roofs in two to five hours.
Benefits of Cleaning Roof Shingles
- Protects your shingle warranty
- Prolongs the lifespan of your roof
- Enhances your home’s visual appeal
- Prevents roof damage caused by moss or algae growth
- Prevents costly repairs, leading to long-term savings
- Enables early detection of potential issues to avoid future expensive problems
The Best Time of Year to Clean Roof Shingles
The best time to clean your roof in Utah is spring and fall. However, if you notice a buildup of debris or see moss or algae growing on your roof, you should clean it before major damage occurs.
Should I Clean My Roof Myself?
It depends on how easy it is to safely get on your roof, how tall your home is, and how comfortable you are doing the work on your own. Cleaning your roof shingles comes with many risks for yourself and your home. It’s safer to contact a roofing professional.
What Is the Cost of Roof Cleaning?
On average, the cost of cleaning a roof is between 20 cents and 70 cents per square foot. That means a typical 1,700-square-foot roof will cost between $340 and $1,190 to clean.
Professional Roof Cleaning Services
With the steps above, you now know how to clean roof shingles effectively. However, if you decide to clean your roof on your own, make sure you understand the risks. You need to choose a chemical solution that won’t damage your roof, ensure your trees and shrubs are covered, and make a dangerous climb to your roof.
If you decide to hire a professional, consider working with M&M Gutters. We provide expert roof cleaning services tailored to your needs. You can sit back and relax while we take care of the cleaning. Contact us today to learn more!
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