Pressure Washing Roof Shingles – What You Need to Know Before Washing
Having a roof that looks nice and clean is important for your home. Pressure washing roof shingles is the best way to achieve that. It also protects your investment in your home and is an environmentally friendly process. However, there are some tips that you need to know about before pressure washing your shingles.
Power washing vs pressure washing
Using a high-pressure hose on a roof is a dangerous endeavor. It can damage your roof and gutters. The hose can also rupture the fabric underlayment.
If you have a roof shingle that needs cleaning, you may be tempted to use a high-pressure hose. However, a professional power washing contractor will advise you to use soft wash techniques.
Soft washing uses low pressure to loosen embedded dirt and debris. This method is also less prone to damaging siding or gutters. It’s often a better option than high-pressure rinsing.
The best way to determine which type of cleaning is right for your home is to find out how the surface will respond. For example, roof shingles made of asphalt shingles are more durable and will withstand heavy rainfall. A composite shingle is not as durable and should not be pressure washed.
While high pressure can remove moss and algae from your roof, a low-pressure rinsing is the more effective of the two. It will not damage older, brittle roofing tiles.
Sodium hypochlorite (Pool Shock)
Sodium hypochlorite (Pool Shock) is one of the most common algaecide for professional pressure washing. It is a popular choice among power washing companies because it has light surfactants. It is used for the removal of algae, lichen, and mold. It can be purchased anywhere that stocks chemicals.
In order to use it for roof cleaning, you need to understand how to apply the solution. If you don’t follow the directions, your shingles may be damaged. You may also end up damaging nearby plants. You also have to make sure you don’t over spray the plants.
You’ll need to reapply the solution after 30 minutes. This ensures the bleach stays on the pitched surface long enough to be effective. If you don’t do this, you’ll just be wasting chemicals.
It’s a good idea to use a pump-style garden sprayer when cleaning your roof. This will keep your plants from being damaged. You should also ensure that you can access the cleaner from a safe height.
Alternatives to pressure washing
Using a pressure washer to clean your roof can be dangerous. The high pressure of the water can damage your tiles, shingles, and even the siding on your house. The force of the water can strip away the paint and protective coatings on your roof.
Whether your shingle or metal roof needs to be cleaned, there are pressure washing alternatives to use. These methods can be effective at removing algae and dirt from your roof. They are a good choice if you’re not comfortable with the chemicals that are typically used in power cleaning.
Soft washing is another option. The method uses low-pressure washers and disinfectants to clean your roof. This allows you to get rid of mildew and mold from your old roof without causing any damage to the shingles. The method can be more effective than a pressure washer, but it’s more expensive.
Other options for cleaning your roof include leaf blowers, chemical cleaners, and power rinsing. These methods are also inexpensive, but you may have to spend more time and money to complete the job.
Absolutely Clean Services
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6505 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49548, United States
+1 616-608-7586
https://absolutelycleanservices.com/