DIY Roof Cleaning
Posted by Jacqi ragsdale on Thu, Dec 22, 2011 @ 10:19 AM
Hiring a professional to clean your roof can be expensive. Besides the labor charges, most roof cleaners will include an upcharge on their materials. However, a DIY’er can cut those roof cleaning costs by making their own cleaning solution and investing a little sweat equity.
Here’s What You’ll Need
1. Water
2. Bleach
3. Garden pump sprayer
4. Long-handled bristle brush
5. Garden hose
6. Ladder
Getting Started
Don’t try to clean your roof when it’s hot and sunny. Heat can make your shingles malleable and a lot easier to damage. Try to pick a cool, overcast morning. Working on the wrong day at the wrong time can make this project seem almost unbearable.
Mix 3 parts hot water and 1 part bleach to make your own cleaning solution. Any cleaning solution can cause some shingles to discolor so test a small, discreet area before doing your entire roof.
Cover shrubs and plants around the perimeter of your house. If you want to spend a little more money, you can use green roofing cleansers that are bio-degradable and won't hurt your shrubbery. Some lawn and garden centers will have this available.
Use your garden pump sprayer to soak a manageable-sized part of your roof. Be careful of any wind that may blow the spray back on to you. Let the cleaning solution sit for 15 minutes but don’t let it dry out.
Scrub the area with a bristle brush. Good asphalt shingles are pretty sturdy. If they don’t hold up to some gentle brushing, you should probably stop and call a roofing company for a free inspection. No sense in cleaning your roof if you really need to replace the shingles. In Texas and Oklahoma, call Legends Roofing for a free roof inspection.If you need a Nashville roofing company, call C&K Roofing
Rinse the cleaning solution off the roof with a garden hose. Spray a new section and repeat these steps until the job is finished. Your primary goal is to remove any mold and mildew. Stains may take a little more effort.
If you’re comfortable with working on roofs, some time and effort can give you a great looking roof for almost no out of pocket cost. If you’re unsure, it’s always safest to hire a professional roof cleaner. While it may cost a few hundred dollars, a single cleaning may be all a roof needs in its lifetime.
About the Author:
Charlie Johnson started C and K Roofing in 1999. Our offices in Nashville, Knoxville and Huntsville offer both commercial roofing services and residential services for homeowners.