As a homeowner, you want your asphalt shingle roof to maintain its neat, clean appearance. Whether you need to remove moss from the surface or spray off a few leaves, there are several ways to get the job done for an asphalt roof. If you want to clean those asphalt shingles to prevent damage to the surface, here are some of those do’s and don’ts for the job.
Cleaning an Asphalt Shingle Roof
Roofs are a barrier between you and the outside elements. If you want to keep that asphalt roof in great shape, you will need to maintain it throughout the year. Mold, mildew, stains, and debris can accumulate on the roof, requiring you to break out the ladder and hose. Neglecting to remove dirt and debris from the surface can harm those asphalt shingles. Over time, debris can cause damage and lead to costly repairs down the road.
If you notice any debris or stains on the roof, you should clean them as soon as possible. While the job can be a great DIY task, consider talking to a couple of roofing companies in South Jersey to help with the project. Keeping your roof clean can prevent damage and extend its longevity.
The Proper Way To Clean Asphalt Roof Shingles
Now that you know why you should clean your asphalt shingles, here are a few do’s for the task.
Hire a Professional
When you work with an experienced and licensed roofing professional, you are assured that they will do the job correctly. These contractors will minimize damage to your asphalt shingles and ensure the roof is cleaned efficiently and safely. Hiring a professional is often cheaper than buying the supplies and cleaning the roof yourself.
Use the Right Tools and Equipment
If you use the wrong tools, you can damage the surface of your asphalt roof. Any tool with sharp edges can remove the granules from the shingles. There are brooms and brushes designed for cleaning the surface of a roof. When you work with sharp materials and metals, they can actually dislodge the shingles from the roof.
Eco-Friendly Methods
Today, there is a bigger focus on “eco-friendly” products. These cleaners can remove that tough dirt from your roof. Eco-friendly solutions will not harm your landscape, the water supply, or your family. With these methods, you can also ensure that the asphalt shingles remain protected as well.
Clean the Gutters
While up on the roof, you don’t want to forget about the gutters. Over the seasons, the channels can become clogged with leaves, branches, and other debris. Cleaning the gutter system and downspouts can help to prevent roof leaks and ensure proper water flow.
Trim the Trees
Trees are beautiful and provide plenty of shade, but they can be bad for your roof. You will want to trim any overhanging tree limbs to prevent sticks, leaves, and branches from falling on the roof. By taking care of the trees and branches near the roof, you can avoid potential damage if a storm blows through the area.
Remove the Debris
Leaves, sticks, and debris can settle into your roof’s nooks and crannies. When you do not clean those areas, your asphalt roof is more susceptible to water leaks and mold. Clearing away all of that debris can prevent those costly repair issues.
The Don’ts of Cleaning Asphalt Shingles
If you want to prevent roof damage, skip these cleaning methods. Here are some of the don’ts of asphalt roof cleaning.
Skip the Pressure Washer
A pressure washer might seem like a fast way to clean your asphalt shingles, but you might want to reconsider it. Pressure washers can propel water at speeds over 200 MPH. Using these machines can dislodge, rip, and loosen any shingles from the roof. You never want to use a pressure washer to clean the surface of your roof.
Stay Away from Harsh Chemicals
Many chemicals advertise themselves as quick fixes to your cleaning problems. However, these products contain harsh chemicals that can eliminate mildew and mold but are also toxic to pets and children. Along with that, these chemicals will damage your roof. Harsh chemicals can corrode your metal components and discolor your asphalt shingles.
Avoid Rough Tools
If an asphalt roof is covered with moss, you could be tempted to use a harsh bristle brush or hand scraper to remove that grime. Any rough tools could rip, loosen, or tear your asphalt granules on the shingles.
Think Twice About This DIY Project
If you have the right tools and experience, you may want to clean the asphalt roof yourself. Getting up on the roof does present a lot of dangers. It is not recommended that you head to the top of your roof unless you have the experience and training. Many New Jersey roofing contractors have the tools, skills, and expertise for the job.
By following these do’s and don’ts, you can clean your asphalt roof without causing any damage.
Work With an Experienced Roofing Team
If you are hesitant to clean that asphalt shingle roof, reach out to the team at RGB Construction. We have the expertise to clean and inspect your home’s roof. Improper cleaning methods can damage the surface and lead to costly repairs. Whether you need a roof repair, replacement, or inspection, you can count on our team of professionals. Leave the tough jobs to us. Schedule your consultation by calling 856-264-9093.
