When you've been looking at your roof plus wondering can you power wash shingles to eliminate those ugly black lines, you're not alone. Most homeowners desire their house to appear its best, and a dirty roof can really drag over the curb appeal associated with an otherwise lovely home. However, just before you drag that heavy gas-powered pressure washer out of the garage or hire the initial kid on the particular block with a spray nozzle, right now there are some points you really require to know.
The short answer is: No, you really shouldn't make use of high-pressure water upon your shingles. While it might be appealing to "blast" the particular dirt away, doing so can actually cause permanent damage that might lead to a very expensive roof replacement way earlier than you anticipated.
Why higher pressure is a bad idea for your roof
To understand precisely why people ask can you power wash shingles and get a "no" from the experts, you have to look at exactly how shingles are really made. Most modern roofs use asphalt shingles, which are coated in tiny ceramic granules. These granules aren't just there for color; they're the primary type of defense for your own home. They safeguard the asphalt through Ultra violet rays, provide open fire resistance, and assist shed water efficiently.
When you hit those shingles with 3, 500 PSI of water pressure, you aren't just cleaning all of them; you're basically sandblasting them. High pressure strips those granules right off. In the event that you've ever cleansed your gutters and found a group of "sand" from the bottom, that's natural shedding over time. Now envision forcing 10 years of that shedding to take place in ten moments. That's what the power washer will.
Once those granules are long gone, the underlying asphalt is exposed in order to the sun. It will bake, crack, and become brittle amazingly fast. Before you know it, your shingles are curling, and you've got leaks in the particular attic.
It's not just regarding the shingles—think about the particular warranty
An additional reason you might want to reexamine asking can you power wash shingles is your own roof's warranty. Most major shingle manufacturers, like GAF or even Owens Corning, possess very specific suggestions on how many should be managed. Almost all of them explicitly suggest that use of a high-pressure power washer will gap the warranty.
Imagine possessing a roof that was meant to last 30 years fail at yr 12 because associated with a leak, simply to have the manufacturer deny your claim simply because they found proof of pressure washing. It's a nightmare scenario that happens even more often than you'd think. Professionals understand this, which is definitely why reputable roofing cleaning companies prevent high pressure like the plague.
What are those black lines anyway?
You might be thinking, "If I can't power wash this, how do I get this clean? " In order to answer that, we have to look at what you're actually seeking to eliminate. Those dark, up and down streaks that look like soot or mold aren't generally dirt at all. It's actually the type of hardy algae called Gloeocapsa Magma .
This particular algae loves to grow on the north side of roofs or within shaded areas since it feeds on the limestone filler used in asphalt shingles. It's a living patient, not just a stain. Since it's alive, basically spraying it with water—even high-pressure water—won't solve the issue. You might knock the top layer off, but the "roots" stay right behind, and the streaks can be in a few months, often worse than just before.
The much better alternative: Soft cleaning
Since we've established the response to can you power wash shingles is a resounding "don't perform it, " what's the alternative? The standard for cleansing roofs safely is a process called soft cleaning .
Soft washing is precisely what it sounds like. Instead associated with relying on incredible force and ruthless, this method utilizes a specialized chemical substance solution to do the heavy lifting. Usually, it's a mix of water, salt hypochlorite (bleach), and a surfactant (which is basically the fancy soap that will helps the mixture stick to the roof).
You apply this solution with a pump that will has about as much pressure like a garden hose. You allow it to sit regarding a while, and the chemicals kill the particular algae, moss, plus lichen right down to the main. Right after it has performed its job, you gently rinse this away. The outcome is really a roof that will looks brand brand-new without a solitary granule being blasted out of place.
The potential risks associated with the DIY method
I get it—hiring a pro can be expensive, and it's appealing to try this yourself. But in case you're still wondering can you power wash shingles by yourself, you require to think about the safety aspect.
Roofs are dangerous. Roofs which are wet and covered in soapy cleaning solutions are a lot more dangerous. They become incredibly slippery, and it just takes one wrong step to end upward in the emergency room. Professional crews use safety harnesses, specific shoes, and usually work in teams to ensure everyone remains on the shingles and off the ground.
After that there's the vegetation. The chemicals used in soft washing are good for killing algae, however they aren't exactly "plant-friendly. " Pros learn how to pre-wet your bushes, cover sensitive bouquets, and rinse almost everything down afterward to make sure your landscaping doesn't die along along with the roof algae. A DIYer often ends up with a clean roof and also a dead garden.
When should you actually clean your homes roof?
You don't need to clear your homes roof every year. In fact, you should only get it done when you really see those streaks or moss development starting to get over. For some homes, that might end up being every three yrs; for others within sunny, dry areas, it might end up being every ten.
Keeping your roof clear isn't just about looks, though. Moss, as opposed to algae, actually holds moisture contrary to the shingles. In cold weather, that moisture can freeze and unfreeze, literally prying the shingles apart. So, while you shouldn't use a power washer, you definitely shouldn't just disregard the problem either.
A quick checklist for hiring the pro
In case you decide to employ someone to manage the job, don't just ask them for a quote. Ask them regarding their process. In case they say "yeah, we can power wash those shingles for you, " run the other way.
Here are usually a few queries to keep within your back wallet: * Do you use a smooth wash system or perhaps a high-pressure system? * What chemicals are usually in your cleaning answer? * How perform you protect my plants and landscaping design? * Are you insured specifically regarding roof work? (General liability is different! ) * Do you offer a warranty against the algae returning?
Last thoughts on roof maintenance
It's totally understandable why people would like to know can you power wash shingles . We use power washers for everything else—decks, pavements, siding—so the roof appears like the following logical step. Yet your roof will be a different animal entirely. It's the most crucial structural protector of your house, and it's amazingly delicate.
Treat your roof with a little bit of respect, and it'll last you years. Hit it with a power washer, plus you're basically asking for a leak. Stick to soft washing, keep the gutters clear, and leave the high-pressure stuff for the concrete driveway. Your wallet (and your own ceiling) will appreciate you in the particular long run.