Those black streaks on your shingles are actually a living algae that eats your roof. It is gross, and it kills your curb appeal. If you want to know how to clean a shingle roof without falling off a ladder, you have to be smart. Do not just blast it with a power washer because you will literally strip the roof apart.
You have to follow a real process. You need to wait for a cloudy day, get your safety gear, soak your plants, clear the leaves, mix a bleach solution, spray from the bottom, let it sit, and rinse it all off. If you mess up the order, you will end up with dead bushes or a roof that leaks into your kitchen.
Tips to Safely Clean Your Shingle Roof
Let’s go through all the steps one after another.
1. Wait for a cloudy day
If the shingles are hot, your cleaning mix will just evaporate into thin air before it actually kills anything. You want an overcast day with zero wind. If it is windy, that bleach mix is going to end up in your eyes or all over your neighbor’s truck. Keep it between 50 and 70 degrees for the best results.
2. Don’t be a hero on the ladder
People fall off roofs every day. Use a sturdy ladder and make sure someone is at the bottom holding it. Wear sneakers with a lot of grip. Once you start spraying soap and bleach, the shingles get like an ice rink. If the roof is steep, just do not do it yourself. Seriously. Use a harness or stay on the ground.
3. Drown your bushes first
Bleach kills algae, but it also kills your wife’s favorite roses. Before you get on the roof, take your hose and soak every plant and bit of grass around the house. It is a simple trick that saves you a lot of money in landscaping.
4. Get the gunk out of the way
You can not clean shingles if they are buried under pine needles. Grab a leaf blower and blow off the loose junk. Whatever you do, do not use a wire brush or a metal rake. If you scrub the shingles, you will scrape off the little granules that protect the roof from the sun. Just be gentle and clear the path.
5. Mix the cheap stuff
Don’t buy harsh roof cleaners at the store. It is just a scam. Mix half laundry bleach and half water in a pump sprayer. Throw in a big squirt of dish soap so the liquid sticks to the shingles instead of just running off. Do not mix it with anything else, especially ammonia, or you will make a gas that will knock you out.
6. Start at the bottom
This part feels wrong, but trust me. Start spraying at the gutters and work your way up to the peak. If you start at the top, the chemicals run down over dry shingles and leave permanent “tiger stripes” on the roof. You want the shingles wet but not flooded. Hit the really black spots extra hard.
7. Let it sit there and work
Now you just hang out for about 20 minutes. The bleach needs time to kill the algae roots. You will see the black streaks start to turn a funky brown or white color. That is a good thing. Just make sure the roof does not dry out. If it starts to look dry, mist it with a little more water.
8. Rinse gently
Rinse everything off with a regular garden hose. Start at the top and wash the dead algae down toward the gutters. Do not use a pressure washer. People sometimes blast holes in their roof with those things. Once the roof is clear, rinse your plants one more time to be on the safe side.
Conclusion
Taking care of your roof means knowing how to clean shingles every few years. It is all about the order. Check the weather, safety gear, soak plants, clear debris, mix bleach, spray bottom-up, dwell, and rinse. But let’s be real, it is a lot of work, and climbing a ladder is dangerous. If your roof looks too far gone or you see shingles curling, a wash will not save it.
At Precision Roofing, we conduct professional roof inspections to determine whether you actually need a residential roof restoration. We have been installing shingle roofs and asphalt roofs in the Tri-Cities for a long time. If you do not want to risk your neck, call us for a free estimate, and we’ll do it for you.
FAQs
What is the best stuff to use for shingle cleaning?
Just use 50/50 bleach and water. It is the only thing that actually kills the algae, so it does not just grow back next month.
Can I use a power washer?
Absolutely not. It will ruin the shingles and void your warranty. Use a regular hose and be patient.
How do I keep it clean?
Keep your gutters clear and trim the trees back. Sunlight is the best way to keep algae from growing in the first place.