How to Clean Roof Shingles: Steps From the Pros

Published: August 11, 2023 by Steven Griffin

Call 832-944-7663 to schedule a service consultation with Sugar Land Roofing LLC today!

Your roof is an essential feature of your home and deserves adequate care. While it may not seem necessary for home cleaning, roof sanitation can increase your home’s curb appeal and the longevity of your shingles. 

Many homeowners need help understanding how to clean roof shingles. With our comprehensive roof cleaning guide, roof cleaning becomes a simple task that most homeowners can handle. However, you should hire roof cleaning professionals from Sugar Land Roofing LLC for the best results. 

How Algae Growth Impacts Your Asphalt Shingle Roof

If your roof has not received a cleaning in many months or even years, you’ll likely notice discolorations and black streaks forming on your asphalt shingles. These imperfections result from algae growth that degrades the aesthetic of your roof and can cause damage over time if left untreated. Asphalt shingles require periodic cleaning to remain in optimal condition. 

Supplies Needs for Roof Cleaning

The following supplies are necessary to clean your asphalt roofing tiles:

  • Hot water
  • Bleach
  • Garden hose
  • Scrub brush
  • Towels
  • Detergent
  • Gloves
  • Bucket
  • Water sprayer

Step-by-Step Roof Cleaning Instructions

After gathering your supplies, it’s time to learn how to clean roof shingles and give your roof a fresh new appearance.

Create the Cleaning Solution

Take your bucket and mix the cleaning solution you need using hot water, detergent, and bleach. Combine this solution with rubber gloves as it involves some high-level chemical products. After creating the cleaning solution, pour it into your sprayer to apply it to your roof.

Apply Cleaner to the Roof and Let It Rest for 15 Minutes

Using your sprayer, apply the cleaning solution to your roof. Generously provide each shingle with a cleaning solution so that no part of your roof remains unclean. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes.

Scrub Wet Sections and Continue Applying Solution While Scrubbing

After giving the cleaning solution time to rest on your roof, scrub it away with towels. Keep the solution wet throughout the scrubbing process, and add more if necessary. You should notice algae and mold coming right off your asphalt shingles.

Rinse the Roof with Fresh Water

Finally, take your garden hose and rinse the scrubbed solution off with fresh water to remove any remnants of contaminants. Your roof should now appear clean and free of discoloration.

Avoid Cleaning Asphalt Shingles with a Pressure Washer

While pressure cleaning may seem like a good option, it can sometimes work against you. Since algae and mold growth on roofs can degrade the state of your shingles, pressure cleaning could break some of your roofing tiles and require more expensive repairs. Asphalt granules could also make their way into your gutter system and cause additional breakdowns.

Hire Professional Roof Cleaners from Sugar Land Roofing LLC

The best way to clean a roof is by hiring roof-cleaning professionals. For more information on how to clean roof shingles or to professionally remove black streaks on roof shingles, call 832-944-7663 and schedule professional cleaning services from Sugar Land Roofing LLC today!

About Steven Griffin

Steven Griffin has been in the roofing industry for over 30 years. He has worked with a host of roofing companies throughout Florida and Texas. He started Sugar Land Roofing with a vision of bringing quality roofing services at an affordable price to those living in the Greater Houston, Texas area.