Are you wondering how to clean a roof without damaging shingles? Debris, storm, soot, and other residues damage the shingles and shorten their lifespan. Improper power washing also badly affects the shingles, resulting in premature damage. Sometimes it also happens that shingles get blown off the roof cleaning during a pressure wash. Therefore, you must be careful and should know the ways to clean roof shingles without damaging them. Here are some of them.

Tips to Avoid Roof Damages Before Cleaning

• Avoid Using a Pressure Washer

Have you ever thought about why extreme weather conditions damage your roof shingles? The intensity of heavy rainfall and strong winds are enough to break or crack your roof shingles which might need repairs. The same is the case with a pressure washer which is why it is avoided by roof cleaning services in Jacksonville, FL. The use of a pressure washer can weaken your roof shingles due to its high intensity. Therefore, it is recommended to use a garden sprayer that is attached to a hose containing your roof cleaner. Liquid chlorine bleach with detergent and water is normally said to be a perfect roof cleaner. Also, if you have an asphalt roof, this is the best way to clean your roof. After spraying the ceiling with the mixture, let it stand on the surface for 15-20 minutes, and then wash it using clean water. 

• Choose a Cloudy Day

It is very important to recheck the weather forecast in your area when you decide to clean your roof shingles. Experts recommend to and choose a cloudy day over a sunny day. The reason is that on a sunny day, the cleaning solution will evaporate quickly, minimizing the effects of your cleaner. Although, on a cloudy day, you must ensure that there is no wind. This will ensure that while spraying the solution, it will hit directly onto your roof tiles and not your neighbor’s roof. These conditions also make sure that the solution penetrates deep into the shingles without evaporating quickly.

• Take precautions

Roof cleaning services emphasize taking precautions before cleaning the roof. Clean the roof only after you make sure that the area is safe to walk and work. However, if your roof has a steep slope, it is better to hire a professional to clean the roof shingles. If you are climbing on a roof, wear suitable shoes with non-slippery soles. 

• Choose the Right Chemicals and Tools

You can find numerous chemicals in the market that are said to be perfect for cleaning your roofs. However, you must always do a little research as the use of abrasive chemicals can damage roof shingles. Therefore, experts suggest mixing them with certain solutions before using them. Also, you must research the best roof cleaning tools so that you don’t damage your shingles with rough ones. 

Best Way to Clean Roof Shingles

Protect All plants 

Before starting the cleaning of your roof, you must make sure that all the pants are covered. You can also spray water on them because they don’t absorb chemicals when the pants are soaked in water. However, it is better to do this again once you have cleaned the roof and drained the chemical solution.  

Make your Cleaning Solution

After covering the plants, you must make your cleaning solution and add it to the garden sprayer. For most asphalt roofs, starting with a 50/50 mix ensures that your chemistry is good enough to produce high-quality results. 

Start from the Height of the Ceiling 

Roof cleaning services in Jacksonville, FL, recommend evenly applying cleaning solutions from the top of the roof. Some people prefer to mix a 1/4 cup of liquid detergent into their mix. This helps your cleaning solution to stay longer on the roof shingles. 

Spray Chemicals Properly on the Roof

Ensure that the chemical solution you sprayed doesn’t flow across the roof like a river. If a garden sprayer is used, you probably won’t get as much volume out of your sprayer. Hence, the chemicals will be evenly distributed on the roof.  

Treat problem Areas Twice 

If the roof moss remains after applying the chemical, reapply it on the problem areas. Some algae and other roof moss can give you problems because they are a stronger version. Keep spraying until the moss turns white, or spray it again with the hot chemical mixture until it dies.

Remove Branches that Cover your Roof

After cleaning the roof properly, several things can be done to reduce roofing problems significantly. If you have branches touching the roof that block the passage of sunlight, cut them after cleaning the roof. Since you can’t make your way up the roof all the time, this is your best chance to do it. More sunlight means less debris which generally makes a less favorable environment for algae growth.

Be Careful While Coming Down

After you are done with cleaning, make your way down through the ladder from the roof carefully. Make sure all your tools and equipment come down with you at once.  

The best way to clean your roof shingles without damaging them is to call a professional roof washing company in your area. However, if you wish to do this job yourself, use the tips shared above and make sure to take the necessary precautions. This way, you can enjoy a clean and undamaged roof without paying too much to a professional service provider.