How to Clean Asphalt Shingles: Follow These 5 Proven Steps

Welcome to another exciting chapter of Fiddler Roof Cleaning’s weekly blog. Just last week, we tackled a common topic that many of our readers inquired about: how to clean metal roofs. This time around, we are focusing on a topic that a lot more of our readers can identify with as we focus on getting rid of dirt and grime on asphalt shingles. Not only is this roof type incredibly popular in South Florida, but it is in other parts of the country as well. If you’ve been bothered by your dirty roof for far too long, there’s no doubt that this comprehensive list of 5 proven steps should be able to help you. Are you ready to get started? Let’s go!

Understand Your Roof

Before you can begin to clean your roof the right way, you should first try to understand the dynamics of a roof with asphalt shingles. Can you use bleach on your roof? Should you just grab a scrubbing brush and get to work? While different roofers take different approaches, any experienced company will tell you that taking a low pressure, delicate approach is the way to go. Asphalt shingle attract mold, mildew and lichen easily. This is especially true for those of you who live in remarkably humid areas. It is also important to understand what your roof is made of. Did you know that asphalt shingle manufacturers use limestone as a filler? Decades ago, these manufacturers needed to include a component that will help the asphalt shingles meet the minimum weight requirements for mass production. While limestone did the job, it just happened to be the perfect source for algae to feed and grow on. This is one of the main reasons why this roof type is often covered in algae after a year or so.

Timing Is Everything

Regardless of whether you hire a professional roof cleaning company or you opt to take on a do-it-yourself project, it is important to remember that it’s best to clean your roof when it’s cool. No we are not suggesting that you should wait for a rain storm but an overcast sky will give you the ideal conditions for cleaning your asphalt shingles. When you apply the cleaning solution to your roof, it needs to soak there for at least 30-35 minutes before you wash it off. Unfortunately, on an extremely sunny day, the cleaning solution is bound to evaporate long before it makes a major impact and frees your roof of all the algae and moss that has been dragging it down.

Cleaner Decisions

The idea that bleach and items found at your local hardware store are the only options for cleaning your asphalt shingles is an antiquated one. Believe it or not, there are hundreds of cleaners on the market. If you are serious about getting your roof cleaned then you should do some research before you make a rash decision. If you hire a seasoned company like Fiddler Roof Cleaning, you will be able to take advantage of Eco Roof™, a powerful environmentally friendly cleaner that does wonders for all roof types. When you use a cleaner that is engineered to get your roof clean without causing any damage to your home, lawn or roof, you can be confident that you will be thrilled with the results. This type of cleaning solution is also equipped with a time released function. In other words, even after the company you hire leaves or after you step down from your roof, the solution will kick into action to fight off dirt and mold when your roof needs it most. So as you purchase a cleaner or build a cleaning solution of your own, remember to consider two things: the potency and effectiveness of the cleaner and the impact it will have on your roof and the environment.

Don’t Forget the Gutters

If you’re going to be cleaning your asphalt shingles, you might as well factor gutter cleaning into your plans as well. When you hire a professional roof cleaning company, they should use the proper tools to flush out our gutter before, during and after your roof is cleaned. Just think about it for a second. After applying the cleaning solution and washing it off, that dirty water will drain from your roof. Where do you think a lot of this undesirable water will end up? That’s right, it will flow right into your gutter. So if you are looking to hire a crew to clean your roof for you, ask about therir gutter cleaning services as well.

Apply Low Pressure

Any avid follower of our weekly blog would tell you that we always preach one thing when it comes to roof cleaning … the lower the pressure the better the results. The days of power washing and aggressively scrubbing a roof to get it clean are long gone. With the right equipment and the proper cleaning solution, a low pressure technique will get your roof clean without causing damage in the process. Just because your roof is a large structure, it doesn’t mean that your asphalt shingles are not delicate. Be careful so you can avoid costly roof repairs.

With these steps, you will have all the knowledge you need to make your asphalt shingles sparkle again.

Posted: September 3, 2014