Should I Bleach an Asphalt Shingle Roof?
Should I Bleach an Asphalt Shingle Roof?
Every homeowner wants to keep their home in top shape and looking in top shape. It is likely that your home will show its on-going battle with the elements it protects you from. Whether because of surrounding trees, frequent weather conditions involving rain, ice and snow, or invasive mosses and algae, there are all kinds of ways that our homes can suffer ill-effects. Various kinds of grime can build up on your roof shingles, leaving it in bad shape.
If you notice black streaks on your roof, this can mean the presence of blue-green algae, or, if they are lighter green, this can mean colonies of moss growth. There are three basic solutions for asphalt shingle roof cleaning. West Coast Moss Removal can help you determine which one is right for you.
You can use bleach on an asphalt shingle. By mixing equal amounts of laundry-strength chlorine bleach and water into a solution, you can use it to fight off stubborn moss or algae stains. Use a garden sprayer that can withstand harsh chemical compounds. Once on the roof, wet the surface with the sprayer and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. You may need to scrub the stains a bit, then rinse the area with a low-pressure garden hose. Do make sure to use the bleach in a diluted enough form and rinse off the mixture enough to prevent it from staining your roof. Although this is an effective solution, a professional roof cleaning company like West Coast Moss Removal can take the guesswork out of it and save you from a lot of hassle.
You may prefer to use a professional-grade cleaning product instead, as bleach is a corrosive and unpleasant substance to work with. Products like Gloeocapsa magma target roof algae, and you won’t have to mix your own formula. These roof cleaning products have chemicals like sodium hypochlorite, which can clean discolorations down deep. Although sodium hypochlorite does not have the strength of bleach, you should still wear protection for your skin and your eyes. Use your spray bottle to get the surface of your roof thoroughly wet, then let it soak, as before, for 15 to 20 minutes.
Different products may work for your roof better than others. Try several products until you find one the works best. Want to avoid damaging your roof then you can trust a professional roof cleaning company like West Coast Moss Removal. We’ll recognize the condition of your roof and use just the right solution.
If you are averse to using chemicals, you can also try pressure washing your roof. You could do this work yourself, but hiring a professional is worth it.
There are some things you should consider:
Take preventative measures to prevent algae and moss from coming back quickly. We’ll take a good look around and let you know if you should cut away tree limbs from your roof that might be blocking sunlight or if your gutters need to be cleared of debris. We can help you stave off these problems.
Any questions? Good. Here are some we hear:
Properly mixed and applied, bleach should not cause damage to asphalt shingles. It is an effective cleaning solution. If the bleach mixture is rinsed off thoroughly, there should not be any damage.
Cleaning asphalt shingles is a process. A process best left to a professional. We can determine what kind of moss, algae, and other grime your asphalt shingles are prone to develop. You might only need water and a little elbow grease, but for stubborn stains, you may need harsher chemicals or a strong force of water.
You could, however, keep in mind that walking on your roof repeatedly to clean it can damage the surface and rub off the granules in the shingles. This makes the shingles less able to protect your roof and your house. The less often you clean, the better, so think of other measures you can take. We have a finish that repels algae and moss. We can also make sure your roof isn’t in contact with surrounding foliage and keep your gutters clear.
There are many products and processes you can use to clean your roof. Broadly there are chemical solutions such as sodium hypochlorite or the “mechanical” solutions that use the focused force of pressure washers.
Whether you’re a DIY type or prefer to leave it to the pros, know that West Coast Moss Removal will be there for you. You may need our professionally thorough and efficient work, or you may need some great advice from the voice of experience. Either way, we’ll come to take a look at your roof for free, quickly determine its condition, and give you the best advice for how to handle it. We are your roof cleaning expert.
Give us a call