The Do’s and Don’ts of Roof Cleaning

Keeping your roof clean is essential for maintaining its longevity and appearance, but using the wrong cleaning method can cause serious, irreversible damage. Here’s what you need to know about proper roof cleaning:

Avoid pressure washing. The two most common roofing materials in the United States are asphalt shingles and concrete tiles, both of which can be severely damaged by pressure washing. Asphalt shingles have protective granules that safeguard them from weathering, so if you spray them with a pressure washer, you’ll remove these granules and weaken the shingles. Concrete tiles have a protective outer layer that contains color and oxides, so even if pressure washing gets rid of visible bacteria, it can lead to permanent discoloration and premature wear.

Take a non-pressure, detergent-based approach. This method uses a specially formulated biocide to eliminate bacteria, mold and other biological growth without damaging the roofing material. Unlike pressure washing, which only removes surface grime temporarily, biocide treatment eradicates the root cause of discoloration, providing a longer-lasting clean while preserving the integrity of your roof.