9/12/2023 0 Comments Power washing tile roofs![]() ![]() The pressure from your water jet is so powerful it can easily tear through the adhesives that hold shingles together. Unless you have your machine set on a low (and less effective) setting, cleaning your roof with a pressure washer would probably do more harm than good. ![]() Pressure washers produce high-pressure jets of water that you can use to blast the dirt off surfaces that can withstand the pressure.Įven though asphalt shingles are made to handle heavy rainfall, raindrops are not the same as a high-pressure blast from a power washer. If you power wash a part of your house that has been repainted, the water pressure can pull away some of the paint and cause damage. The high-powered water can cause damage to surfaces such as stucco, brick, or masonry siding. The pressure of the water used for pressure washing is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI) and should not exceed 1,800 PSI. The pressure washer uses water at high pressure and shoots it out in a jet or flow of water to remove dirt or contaminants from surfaces. A roofing pro can also give you tips on keeping your roof clean and how frequently to schedule cleanings.Pressure washing is the use of high-powered water to clean a surface. If it does turn out that your roof needs replacement, your contractor might recommend shingles that contain copper or another material that helps to repel algae growth. If they think that cleaning it is the best option, they can either do the work themselves or direct you to a reputable roof cleaning company. A professional roofing contractor can inspect your roof and talk to you about its condition. Sometimes, the buildup of algae and moss on a roof can make the shingles look like they are in worse condition than they really are. If you're looking at your roof and thinking it looks a little worse for wear, it might just need a good cleaning. The person cleaning your roof might also use a leaf blower to remove any leftover pieces of moss. A few rain showers should be enough to wash any remaining algae off the roof. They also advise against using a pressure washer on asphalt shingles, as the force of the water can damage them.Īfter being allowed to sit on the roof surface for up to 20 minutes, the bleach solution should be rinsed away with clean water. The ARMA recommends a 1:1 ratio of bleach to water to clean a roof. Chlorine bleach, the same kind you use to whiten laundry or scrub your toilet, is enough to kill off moss and algae spores. What's Involved in Roof Cleaning?ĭuring roof cleaning, the focus is on killing and removing the algae or moss growth. Your roofing contractor should water any nearby plants and cover them to protect them from chemicals before cleaning your roof. Roof cleaning is a job to leave to the pros.Īnother potential issue with roof cleaning is that the cleaning product used (usually bleach) can harm any garden plantings or vegetation growing near your home. Luckily for you, the National Roofing Contractors Association advises against any DIY work on your roof, including cleaning it. You probably aren't exactly thrilled about the idea of climbing up on your roof and hosing it down, or using a chemical cleaner to kill off the algae or moss. One of the drawbacks of roof cleaning is that it can be a hassle. Black algae growth will interfere with the reflective properties of the roof. That's particularly true if you have a reflective or cool roof. Moss can make the edges of the shingles curl upward, making them more likely to blow off the roof during windy weather.Īlthough algae won't harm your shingles, it can negatively affect their performance. ![]() While algae isn't harmful to asphalt shingles, moss is, according to ARMA. One reason to clean your roof is to extend the life of your shingles or other roofing material. If you see moss or algae on your roof, what should you do? Is roof cleaning necessary, or should you leave it alone? Pros and Cons Shade and moisture create an ideal habitat for moss growth. If you notice green fuzzy areas on your roof, on the other hand, you most likely have moss growing. The spores reach the roof by a combination of birds and wind. According to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA), algae grows on roofs in areas where water or moisture collect. Most likely, that unidentifiable sludge is algae. What is it? Mold, mildew or soil that somehow made its way up there? Is roof cleaning necessary? Worker cleaning a tile roof with a hose You're looking up at your roof and notice that there's some black stuff growing on some of the shingles. ![]()
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