A dirty roof can really bring down the overall aesthetic of your home. Curbside appeal and a clean roof are important for many reasons. First, it’s your home! You should take pride in the way it looks. Second, a dirty roof can lead to a damaged roof. A damaged roof can be harmful to the overall integrity of your home and can lead to some serious damage to the interior. Your roof is the first line of defense against storms, so make sure to take care of it.
A dirty roof can also make it harmful to sell your home if you’re looking to move. Imagine a potential buyer comes to your home, and the first thing they see is unsightly marks and blemishes on the roof from dirt and grime and other nasty stuff. That’s not a good look, and you can be certain that it’ll turn many prospective buyers away.
So, to help ensure that your roof is clean for safety and aesthetic reasons, here are 3 simple steps to take to clean your roof shingles.
How to Clean your Roof Shingles
Whether you have dirt and grime build-up or moldy stains, here are the tools you’ll need for the job.
- Full-body safety harness
- Garden hose
- Garden spray nozzle
- Lye or other non-toxic roof cleaner
- Water pump
- Roofing rinsing tool
We recommend using a full-body harness, as getting up on your roof can be dangerous if you’re not a professional. If you have any reservations about getting up on your roof, seek out a professional roof cleaner to get the job done. Sure, it might cost you a little more than doing it on your own, but it’s better to let an experienced pro handle it and get the job done right than fall and break your arm.
In addition, make sure to choose the right roof cleaner. Some are definitely better than others. To help you choose the right cleaning solution based on your roof, check out our list of the best roof cleaners on the market today.
Step 1: Soaking the Shingles
With your harness on and starting from the bottom row and working your way up, soak a large area of the shingles with the cleaner. Keep spraying until the cleaning solution begins to run off your roof (or as otherwise directed by the instructions). If areas of the roof dry out, continue to spray them.
It’s also important to note that you should (obviously) fix any holes or damage in your roof prior to soaking the shingles. If you believe that you may have damage to your roof or aren’t sure but want to make sure, reach out to a local professional roofer for an inspection. If you’re a homeowner in Houston, give Eagle Eye Roofing a call.
Step 2: Rinsing Off Gunk
Using a rinsing tool, drag it back and forth, up and down your roof. Think of it like you’re vacuuming. If you have mold or algae, this will help get rid of it.
You may be able to rinse off the cleaning solution with a garden hose. But, regardless of what you’re using, make sure to go slowly and use even strokes. IF you are uneven with how you clean your roof, you’ll end up with patches where some areas were cleaned well, and others weren’t. If your roof is really dirty, then make sure to use the rinsing tool that we linked above.
Preventing Regrowth of Algae
If you’ve had a lot of algae on your roof, it’s important to be proactive and try and prevent it from regrowing. One of the best ways to do this is to use a stain-blocking solution.
In addition, here are some other helpful tips for limiting the possibility of moss and algae growth on your roof:
- Make sure to trim tree branches back to allow sunlight to reach your roof. This will help minimize debris accumulation on your roof, which can make it harder for algae and moss to grow.
- Anytime a big storm blows through or in the fall when leaves are falling on your roof, make sure to clean all that off consistently. Don’t give it the chance to accumulate and build-up. Otherwise, you’re putting your roof in danger of moss and algae growth.
- Airflow should be directed down the slope to avoid driving debris under the edges of the shingles.
- Keep gutters clean to promote proper water drainage. Don’t allow gutters from an upper roof to drain directly on a lower roof.
As you can see, preventative measures are key to ensuring your roof stays clean. Taking some time out of your day every few weekends to treat your roof will go a long way towards ensuring that your roof is strong and sturdy and looks good for years to come.If you live in the Houston area and are in need of roof repairs or a roof replacement, make sure to reach out to Eagle Eye Roofing! We have years of experience in helping Texas homeowners keep their roofs in tip-top shape. Our process keeps things simple, and we’ll be in and out of your property before you know it, leaving you with a beautiful roof.
