Are you tired of the unsightly black mold, mildew, moss, and soil on your roof shingles, detracting from your home’s appearance?
Do you want to hire a professional to clean your roof shingles, or do it yourself using roof-cleaning products? Look no further than Houston Restore Pros for all your shingle cleaning needs.
Shingle roof cleaning is crucial because the roof is an integral part of your house, and a dirty and tainted roof will severely impact the overall appearance of your home.
Whether you prefer to wash your roof shingles yourself or hire a professional shingle cleaner, this guide will provide everything you need to know.
Let’s get started!
What Causes Black Stains on Roof Shingles?
Black stains and streaks on roof shingles are usually caused by organic growths such as Gloeocapsa Magma, fire moss, mildew, lichen, mold, and more, appearing as blue-black or green-black stains.
Asphalt roofs can have two types of algae growth, including Gloeocapsa Magma, which thrives in warm, humid environments with less sun exposure throughout the day, causing the entire roof shingle to turn black if left untreated. Fire moss is less common but can still grow on cedar shake and asphalt roof shingles, allowing water to seep into your home if left to cover the roof shingles completely.
There are four types of organic growth on metal roofs, including lichen, moss, mold, and mildew, which can be challenging to remove, causing rust on the metal roof surface and damaging the roof’s composition.
The Best Way to Clean Asphalt Roofs
The best way to clean an asphalt roof is to use the right amount of shingle-cleaning chemicals and low pressure to maintain the roof shingles’ lifespan. This process, known as soft washing in the roof-cleaning industry, is the best method for asphalt shingles.
Washing Asphalt Shingle Roofs with Bleach
The most commonly used algaecide for washing shingle roofs is 12.5% sodium hypochlorite (pool shock). The following ratios are used for washing shingle roofs:
- 75% sodium hypochlorite – 25% water: This mixture is most effective for removing stubborn stains caused by algae, fire moss, lichen, and more.
- 50% sodium hypochlorite – 50% water: This ratio is best suited for black streaks caused by Gloeocapsa Magma or light black algae.
- 25% sodium hypochlorite – 75% water: The diluted chemical mixture can only remove lighter black stains caused by Gloeocapsa Magma, as it contains a high concentration of water and cannot remove stubborn stains.
The Solution to Cleaning Asphalt Shingle Roofs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Pre-soak the plants with water to saturate the plant cells and prevent the shingle cleaner from penetrating them.
Mix the chemicals in a 50:50 ratio to prepare the perfect shingle cleaner for asphalt roofs.
Apply a small amount of shingle-cleaning chemical from top to bottom to ensure an even application.
If the algae or fire moss does not disappear or turns white, apply a second coat of shingle cleaner to ensure that the dirt is removed completely.
Rinse the plants after the shingle roof washing treatment to avoid any chemical damage.
Reviving Your Roof: The Benefits of Metal Shingle Washing
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, protecting you and your family from the elements. However, it’s often overlooked and neglected, leading to the growth of algae, mold, and other organic growths that can damage its structural integrity. This is where Houston Restore Pros comes in, offering high-quality roofing services that can help you bring your roof back to life.
Metal shingle roofing is a popular choice for homeowners due to its durability and low maintenance. However, it still requires regular cleaning to maintain its integrity. Here’s everything you need to know about metal shingle washing:
The Best Way to Clean Metal Shingles
Using a low-pressure washer is the safest and most effective way to clean a metal roof. High pressure can damage the structural integrity of your roof and cause leaks. The active ingredient for effective cleaning is sodium hypochlorite, which can be mixed with water in different ratios for washing shingle roofs.
At Houston Restore Pros, we use a mixture of 5% sodium hypochlorite and 95% water for washing metal roof shingles. This diluted shingle cleaning chemical is gentle yet effective, and we use a soft bristle brush to remove any organic growth.
The Process of Shingle Roof Washing
Before we start washing shingle roofs, we cover the plants in your garden or constantly water them during the process. We then mix the shingle roof washing materials using a blender or mixer and transfer the effective shingle cleaner to a pump sprayer. We wet the entire metal roof shingles with water to saturate the pores for better cleaning.
Next, we apply the shingle cleaner and use a soft bristle brush for scrubbing, repeating the same process until the metal shingles are completely cleaned. Finally, we wash shingle roofs using water and rinse everything surrounding the roof.
Pros and Cons of Shingle Roof Wash
There are many advantages of washing shingle roofs, such as increasing the lifespan and longevity of the roof, improving the curb appeal of your property, and preventing damage from harsh weather conditions. However, washing shingle roofs without professional help can lead to displacement of shingle granules and decreased roof lifespan. Additionally, expensive equipment and tools are needed for effective shingle cleaning.
The Bottom Line
Cleaning your roof shingles is crucial to maintaining the structural integrity of your roof. Houston Restore Pros are the best solutions for shingle roof cleaning. Contact us today to take advantage of our high-quality roofing services and bring your roof back to life.