No, you should not pressure wash or power wash roof shingles, including asphalt shingles. The high water pressure from these machines is too strong and can damage the shingles by forcing water underneath, loosening their adhesive, and causing them to fall off. A safer and better alternative is soft washing with a pump sprayer. To ensure the job is done safely without causing damage, it is best to hire a local roof cleaner.

Complete house winterization goes above and beyond the list we created above. In addition to everything listed, full house winterization also includes:

• Performing a home energy audit.

• Preparing your deck and patio for winter.

• Learning how to start a snowblower.

• Replacing smoke detector batteries.

• Installing outlet gaskets.

• Installing storm doors.  

In most cases, it is best to leave icicles on your roof and allow them to melt naturally. You should only remove them if they are heavy enough to cause damage to your home or pose a safety risk to people below. Attempting to remove icicles yourself can be dangerous, so if you are concerned about immediate damage, it is recommended to hire a professional. To prevent icicles from recurring, you should address the underlying cause, which is often poor insulation. Long-term solutions include improving your home's insulation or installing roof heating coils.

It is not advisable to DIY a roof cleaning job. Cleaning your roof yourself could lead to hazardous falls, scrapes, and even burns, making this a dangerous project. Additionally, using the wrong cleaning solution or cleaning method on your roof could risk damaging it. While some markets offer a DIY roof cleaning kit, these products often speed up the deterioration of your roof.

To ensure that you and your roof are protected, it’s best to leave roof cleaning to a professional with the right chemicals, tools, and equipment to complete the job safely.