If you are a homeowner, then you know that there are a few basic tasks that you have to do on a regular basis in order to keep your property in good condition. One of these tasks is cleaning the shingles on your roof. Unfortunately, many homeowners do not know how to clean shingles properly, which can lead to costly damage down the road. That is why LA Roofing Co. is a company you should trust in doing this kind of delicate job.

Shingles are an important part of roofing, and they need to be cleaned properly to ensure that they last. There are a few different ways to clean shingles, but the most important thing is to use a gentle detergent and avoid harsh chemicals. You can also use a pressure washer to remove any dirt or debris that is on the shingles.

Just be sure to avoid using too much pressure, as this can damage the shingles. If you have any stubborn stains, you can try using a stiff brush to scrub them away. Once you have cleaned the shingles, be sure to rinse them off with clean water to remove any soap residue.

Cleaning Your Shingles Effectively

1. Check the Weather

If you’re going to clean your roof yourself, it’s a good idea to wait for a calm day so the wind doesn’t blow the water off target. A cool morning with extra cloud cover will ensure that the cleaning solution you use doesn’t evaporate as quickly.

1. Use Safe Practices

You’ll need to use a safety ladder for this job, and make sure you always have a spotter. If you don’t have roofing boots, you can wear hiking boots with rubber outsoles for better traction on your ladder.

Asphalt shingles aren’t meant to be walked on, and even if you step carefully you can damage or dislodge them. It’s also very dangerous, and even experienced professionals will use safety harnesses if they do need to walk across the roof. If this job will require walking on the roof surface, it’s best to hire a roofing contractor.

1. Scrub if You Need to

Have you ever wondered how to remove moss from a roof? If you have big patches of lichen or moss, spraying alone may not be effective. You’ll need to remove growth other debris by scraping it off with a scrub brush with soft bristles. For harder-to-reach spots, you can try a plastic leaf rake. You’ll need to be very gentle to avoid damaging the tiles, and always start from the top and go down to prevent lifting the tiles.

1. Saturate Your Roof

In order to kill any spores or to prevent broken bits of moss and algae from growing back, you’ll need to use a cleaning solution. A lot of people recommended a 50/50 solution of chlorine bleach and water, which will kill the growth but may also damage your roofing tiles. As the bleach solution drains from your roof, it can also kill your lawn. Laundry detergent is another common household item used to control moss, but it isn’t very eco-friendly.

Baking soda is a much milder treatment that won’t kill your lawn or damage your roof. You can make a solution by adding half a cup per gallon. However, you may need to apply it a few times to totally remove the stains. You can also find an environmentally friendly roof cleaning product. Look for ones made from zinc salts or baking soda that won’t kill your lawn or shorten your roof’s lifespan.

1. Prevent Stains

Your roof will stay much cleaner if you keep nearby tree branches trimmed and away from the roof. The less shade that hits your house, the less you’ll have to deal with stains. You also need to clean your gutters out and make sure there is plenty of airflows to keep your roof dry.

Of course, it’s more than aesthetics you have to worry about. Stains caused by plant or fungal growth can hold a lot of water, which can lead to leaks and wood rot. Learning how to find a roof leak is critical to avoid roof leaks turning into a catastrophic repair. Regular roof cleaning can find leaks and eliminate small problems.