How to Clean Roof Shingles

No matter how beautifully your house has been constructed, a dirty and stained roof can completely ruin its beauty and elegance. As roofs are daily exposed to harsh environmental conditions, like rain, heat and sunlight, they easily become discolored. Discoloration coupled with mold, mildew and algal growth, can really create an unsightly appearance and make your house look worn out and tattered. Therefore, your roof requires regular cleaning to retain its new look, just like any other part of your house. Here are some tips on how to clean roof shingles.

How to Clean Roof Shingles
To clean the roofing shingles, first of all you have to get on the roof. You will basically require a pressure washer to clean the roof shingles thoroughly. Cleaning roof shingles is not so hard, but you have to be very cautious not to slip or fall while doing it. It is better to have someone, a friend or a family member nearby, in case if you need any kind of help. Once you are ready to start with the cleaning session, just hold the pressure washer a few inches above the roof and then spray it to remove all dirt and algae that have accumulated so far. Also use a broom to scrub the dirtier areas of the roof.

If you have rain gutter installed on your roof, then push these dirt and debris to the gutter with the help of the pressure washer. But, if you have not installed a rain gutter till now, then deposit the debris at one end of the roof and then dispose them on the ground. If your roof shingles are not heavily stained, then water would be enough for cleaning them. However, if stubborn stains have developed on them, then you may need the help of some cleaning products.

Chlorine Bleach to Clean Roof Shingles
Chlorine bleach is an effective cleaner, especially for mildews and mold removal. So, you can use this product to get rid of mildew and mold stains from your roof shingles. Just mix some bleach in a bucket of water and then spray this solution on the roof. Leave it for sometime, about 15 to 20 minutes, after which rinse it with clean water using a hose. Do not forget to rinse the roof properly, as chlorine bleach if left for a long time can damage the shingles.

Copper Sulfate to Clean Roof Shingles
Like chlorine bleach, copper sulfate can also be used for cleaning roof shingles. Mix a small amount of copper sulfate in a gallon of water and spray on the areas covered by mildews. Let it sit for sometime. When you will notice that the mildews are turning brown, remove them with a broom. Now, rinse the area with clean water. While cleaning roof shingles, always keep in mind to inspect the condition of the roof in the first place. If you observe any damage, then immediately repair it before cleaning the roof.

Hope these simple and easy tips on how to clean roof shingles would help to keep your roof free of dirt and those ugly mold and mildew stains. Nowadays, many commercial cleaning products are also available for cleaning roof shingles and other roofing materials. Always follow the instructions mentioned on the label of the products. Apart from cleaning products, certain chemicals are available, which if applied on the roof once or twice a year, have been found to considerably reduce the growth of mold and mildews. Many people have also benefited, by installing zinc strips on their roof for preventing the development of mold and mildews. So, you can either opt for these products or do simple regular cleaning, in order to maintain a clean and stain free look of your roof.