Dos and Don’ts of Cleaning a Roof On Your Own

No matter how much we care for them, the roof shingles can get dirty and unattractive. One of the easiest ways to avoid that is to clean your roof regularly. If you don’t do that, your roof might look dark and discolored in some places, and it might even lead to the development of mold and other roofing issues. If you have never cleaned a roof before and need some guidance, read on. Here are the best and worst ways to clean a roof and the do’s and don’t’s associated with cleaning a roof on your own.

Do’s

• Do make sure that you clean the roof on a calm and cloudy day when there is no wind or no threat of precipitation.
• Do clean the roof after determining that you can walk the surface safely. If the slope is too steep, you should not risk your health and well-being.
• Do wear well-fitted shoes with slip-resistant rubber soles to ensure that you don’t slip. Also, wear eye and skin protection to keep yourself safe.
• Do trim the overhanging branches to ensure that your roof is exposed to sunlight. Also, clear debris like branches and leaves by using a leaf blower.
• Do keep the gutters clean to ensure that the roof is as dry as possible.

Don’ts

• Don’t use a pressure washer to clean the roof as it can lead to loosening of shingles and even seriously damage your roof. Instead, you need to use a sprayer that can be attached to the garden hose and ensure that it is filled with equal parts of water and chlorine bleach. It is a highly recommended method for cleaning asphalt shingles. After you are done with spraying, ensure that you let it sit on the surface for 15-20 minutes and then rinse it thoroughly with clean water.
• Don’t ignore the landscape and the surrounding areas, as they can be harmed due to the bleach solution. You should wet the plants and all shrubs thoroughly with plain water and then cover them with plastic when cleaning the roof. After you are done, rinse them with water again to ensure no damage.
• Don’t expect that the solution will instantly remove the growth from your roof. You will need to apply it again. If you have algae on the roof, you need to remember that it will wash away during rainstorms, and moss will loosen so that you can remove it with a leaf blower.

Final Words

Please note that the tips we have mentioned here are ideal for asphalt shingles. The roof cleaning tips vary based on the types of shingles you have added. You should consult the roof manufacturer to be sure that you are adopting the right cleaning method.

Also, if you think that you can’t clean the roof yourself or identify damage during the cleaning process, you should hire roofing experts like RSH Roofing to lend you a hand. We are experienced and skilled people who will care for all your roofing needs and ensure 100% results. Contact us and see for yourself.