Tired of Stained Shingles? Here are 5 Ways to Clean the Roof.

Cleaning your roof can give you many benefits. Not only will the roof look better once stains are removed, but it will also increase your property value, lengthen the life of your roof, and increase energy efficiency. There are several products out there that can clean your roof with varying degrees of success and dangers.

1. Chlorine and water is the cheaper cleaning solution that has been around for many years. However, chlorine is toxic to plants and animals so precautions need to be used to protect landscaping and people that may be affected by runoff or spray. Chlorine generally works faster and takes less rinsing, so it saves wear on the roof shingles.

2. Sodium hydroxide cleaners are somewhat safer than chlorine for the plants, but it is still toxic to people and animals. This particular chemical is good for cutting grease, which may damage asphalt shingles if used in too high of a concentration or left on too long.

3. Kleanco Inc. offers a roof cleaning concentrate that will not harm plants or animals and does not need high pressure washers that could damage shingles if used improperly. This roof cleaner is water-based. It does not contain harmful chemicals such as bleach, acids, solvents, or phosphates. Mixed with 7 gallons of water, one gallon of cleaner will clean approximately 200 square feet of roof. This roof cleaner will remove the fungus that causes stains on asphalt/fiberglass shingles. It can also be used to clean brick or concrete as well as wood fences or wood shingles. Once applied with the sprayer, the cleaner is rinsed off with water using the pressure of a typical water hose. If the roof is exceptionally dirty, you may have to use more of the cleaner than generally directed.

4. Shingle Care's Premium Roof Cleaner Concentrate is formulated to remove stains caused by fungus, algae, tree sap, mildew, grease/oil, and overall weathering. Since it is water-based without harsh chemicals, it is biodegradable and harmless to any plants surrounding the house. Its detergent action takes only 15 minutes of adhering to the shingles to lift up the stains and dirt, which are rinsed away with fresh water. Shingle Care can also be used on other surfaces, such as tile, wood, concrete, siding, and fences.

5. Pressure washing cleaners combine chemicals and high-pressure water to remove stains from a roof. Using biodegradable solutions in a pressure washer, you can have the detergent effect of loosening the fungus along with the blasting effect of the fast moving water to remove the stain. Heavy stains can be take care of with a little more solution or a little more water as needed. As you clean, you will rinse smaller areas to prevent the chemicals from drying on the shingles. If you do choose power washing, you must make sure the cleaning solution is compatible for that method. You should also use great care while on the roof with the equipment.

Cleaning your roof does not have to be hard. Several safe products are available for your roof cleaning needs. You can even hire a professional to do the cleaning for you, but be aware of what type of cleaner they are using so that you can protect yourself and your plants.

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