If you have a shingled roof that you want to clean, you better know how to clean roof shingles the right way or you can damage your roof. Cleaning this type of roofing material is much more complicated than you might think. That’s why there are certain aspects of cleaning shingled roofs that you must be aware of before you start this task. Once you know the important aspects of shingled roof cleaning, it gives you a much better chance to have a finished roof cleaning project that not only makes your home look better but also did not cause any other problems while it was being done.
Washing a shingled roof is much more time-consuming and difficult than it may seem. It gets even more complicated when you have solar panels installed on your roof. You must take extra precautionary measures to ensure that both your roof and the solar panel system do not get damaged during the process.
That’s why many people pay to have their roof shingles professionally cleaned. If you absolutely insist on washing your own shingled roof, here is some good advice regarding that task.
Avoid Using High Powered Spray
Many people that want to clean their shingled roofs think all they have to do to get the job done is to put an extra-long water hose on their pressure washer, then go up on the roof and blast away on that pressure washer’s highest setting. If you decide to do this also, then make sure you prearrange having a roof inspection done the very next day because using high pressured spray to clean shingles is a big no-no. You can pretty much guarantee that it will damage your roof’s shingles in some way. This can do such things as cause leaks as the high pressure moves your shingles out of place or wear the protective outer coating off of your shingles and shorten their useful life.
Let the Chemicals Do the Work
How can I use low pressure from a garden hose and still get my roof clean? Well, this is one of the best-kept secrets when it comes to knowing how to clean roof shingles. You simply choose a quality roof cleaning chemical and let it do the hardest part of the job. That way you are not using your garden hose to wash the roof but only to rinse the chemicals off once they have worked their magic. A good roof cleaning chemical will not only loosen dirt so it easily washes off your shingle but will also kill moss, mold, and algae too. When applying a chemical on top of your roofing shingles make sure you apply it liberally all over and give it time to work before you spray it off. We highly recommend following the manufacturer’s recommendations on how their product performs the best.
Add Zinc or Copper Strips After the Shingles Have Been Washed
It’s not surprising with as many weather elements that a roof is exposed to that it eventually becomes worn and dull looking and maybe even stained due to mold, moss, and algae growth. These all contribute to shingled roof cleaning often being a painstaking task that no one ever wants to do again. Well, there are ways to make this possible now. Manufacturers have designed strips that can be placed in strategic areas around shingles. The idea behind these strips is when water rolls over them this leaves trace amounts of zinc or copper on top of your shingles and that makes it harder for dirt and dust to stick to them. These special zinc and copper strips will also inhibit mold, algae, and other organic matter growth.
Solar Panel Removal and Reinstall in Palm Coast, FL
You already know the basics on how to clean roof shingles. But if you do have solar panels on your roof, it’s an entirely different story. It is always best to reach out to licensed solar contractors to get help with solar panel removal and reinstall before you clean your roof. If you are located in the Palm Coast, Ormond Beach, New Smyrna Beach, DeLand, Deltona, or any of the surrounding areas, contact Wayne’s Solar for assistance. You may reach us at 386-673-9720 for a free estimate.