Your roof’s asphalt shingles look great when they’re first installed, but after a few years of protecting your home from wind, rain, snow, and various flying debris, they can start to look a bit grimy. Some of the materials that build up on roof shingles include dirt, moss, and algae.
A dirty roof may seem like more of an aesthetic concern than a functional one. However, larger debris like tree branches can start to accumulate, and that can become a problem if wet rot begins to develop underneath.
Keeping your asphalt roof clean is an essential part of proper maintenance that helps to extend its lifespan. You won’t have to replace your roof as soon, which means you’ll get a better return on your investment.
The good news is that cleaning your roof shingles can make a big difference to your home’s curb appeal. It also gives you the chance to inspect your whole roof for problems like damaged or lifting shingles, damaged flashing, and other issues that you’ll be able to see from the vantage point of your ladder.
In this article, we’ll explain how to clean roof shingles in 5 simple steps. The process involves:
- Taking safety precautions
- Clearing off any debris
- Applying your cleaning solution
- Rinsing the roof
- Repeating the process as needed
Keep reading for more details on each step to learn how to clean your roof shingles effectively.
In This Article
Step 1: Take Safety Precautions
While cleaning a roof isn’t a difficult project, it should only be attempted if you’re comfortable working at height and have the right tools. If you’re not comfortable working on a ladder or potentially walking on your roof to remove larger debris, you might consider hiring a professional to clean your roof.
However, if you are comfortable, you’ll need to take some safety precautions. Always prioritize safety when working on your roof. First, wear the appropriate protective equipment, including gloves, safety goggles, and, perhaps most importantly, sturdy, non-skid shoes.
Follow good ladder safety practices: make sure the ladder is positioned on stable ground, use the right type of ladder for the height of your roof, and secure the ladder to the roof.
Choose a day to clean your roof when it’s not raining, snowing, or windy. Since you’ll be working from a ladder, you’ll want a nice day without much wind to make falls less likely.
Finally, be sure there’s another adult in the vicinity, either outside with you or in the house in a place where they can hear you if you need help.
Step 2: Clear Off Any Debris
Before you can get started with the actual cleaning, you’ll need to remove loose debris like leaves and twigs. For this part of the job, you can use a broom to sweep it away, or you can use a garden hose with a spray attachment.
The important thing to keep in mind here is to avoid damaging the shingles. Don’t use a pressure washer or a heavy broom you can’t easily control. Just sweep or spray off the leaves and other small debris gently.
Step 3: Apply Your Cleaner
You have several options when it comes to choosing the best cleaner for your roof shingles. Here are three of the more commonly used methods:
- Mix your own household bleach and water solution. Do not use straight bleach on your roof. If it’s not very dirty, you should use one part bleach to three parts water. However, if you have a lot of moss or algae on the roof, you may want to use three parts bleach to one part water.
- Pool shock is another chlorine-based cleaner you can use on your roof. Use one pound of pool shock per gallon of water.
- Hydrogen peroxide. If you want a less toxic alternative to bleach, you could use hydrogen peroxide, but it will probably require more applications than bleach.
Once you’ve chosen your cleaner and mixed it as directed, it’s time to apply it. The easiest way is to use a garden sprayer attached to a hose. This allows you to apply the cleaner evenly to the roof’s surface.
It’s best to start at the bottom and move upward; this prevents stains from the top from dripping down onto the dry surface of the bottom and causing streaking. Don’t go onto the roof for this; just move the ladder around the house as needed.
Let the solution sit on the roof for 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 4: Rinse the Roof
Once the solution has sat for a short period, rinse the roof. This time, you’ll start at the top and rinse down toward the bottom, moving the ladder around the house as needed, just as you did before.
As you rinse, water any plants that are being splashed to prevent the solution from sitting on them.
Step 5: Repeat If Necessary
Take a look at your roof from the ground and also from the ladder. If you still see streaking or spots with algae or moss, repeat the cleaning and rinsing.
You can also use a broom to reach any areas and gently rub them. Don’t apply too much pressure, as you don’t want to scrub or otherwise potentially dislodge or peel away any of the shingles. This is also a good time to closely inspect your roof to determine if any areas require sealants or other repairs.
Once you’re satisfied with how your roof looks, you can take down the ladder, rinse any plants in the drip lines, and put away any leftover chemicals and equipment.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your asphalt shingle roof isn’t difficult, but it can be messy and take a while. If you don’t want to dedicate several hours to this chore, consider hiring a professional roof cleaner.
If you’ve found any missing or damaged shingles, or if you realize your roof has seen better days, please contact us for a free consultation. Our team of experts will help you decide whether a repair is best or whether installing a new asphalt shingle or metal roof is in order.
Our roofs are backed by a limited lifetime transferable warranty (30 years for asphalt roofs and 50 years for metal roofs), and we also offer convenient and affordable financing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my roof?
Depending on where you live, the climate, and whether trees leave debris on your roof, you may have to clean it as often as every two years, or you may be able to wait five years. Inspect your roof each year to determine if it needs to be cleaned.
What is the best cleaner for roof shingles?
The best cleaner for roof shingles depends on the type of shingles and the specific issues you’re addressing (like moss, mold, or general dirt). For most roof types, a solution of water and mild detergent is effective for general cleaning.
For tougher problems like moss or mold, products containing bleach or sodium hydroxide can be used, but must be handled with care to avoid damaging the shingles or surrounding plant life. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific shingle type before using any cleaner. There are also non-toxic, eco-friendly options like vinegar or oxygen bleach that can be effective.
Can I use a pressure washer to clean my roof?
No, we don’t recommend using a pressure washer to clean your roof. A pressure washer can easily dislodge or damage shingles. Stick to a garden hose with a spray attachment.
What time of year should I clean my roof?
The best time to clean a roof is in the spring after the flowers have bloomed on the trees. This will give you the best chance of removing pollen, moss, and fallen blossoms. It will also be warm enough so you won’t need to worry about ice forming.
Should I walk on my roof while cleaning it?
No, we don’t recommend walking on your roof—certainly not when it is wet—unless you’re experienced in doing this type of work and take all the necessary safety precautions. Moss and algae are slippery, so it’s best to stay off the roof altogether.