Q: Does roof cleaning damage shingles?

• <div><p>Roof cleaning can damage shingles if it&rsquo;s done incorrectly&mdash;like with a high-power power washer&mdash;but it likely won&rsquo;t damage your roof if you pay to have an expert do the work. A professional roof cleaner will use a gentle cleaning solution and a cleaning method that matches your roof material to ensure the process doesn&rsquo;t damage the roof. Some homeowners worry that roof cleaning will shorten the life of their roof by removing shingle particles or protective coatings, but it often extends roof life by removing plants that cause damage and improves your home&rsquo;s curb appeal simultaneously.</p></div>

Q: How much snow is too much snow on a roof?

• <div><p>Generally, snow removal from a roof should occur once <b>over six inches of snow</b> accumulates, especially if you notice that ice dams have formed. Without <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/7-questions-ask-hiring-ice-dam-removal-company.htm">ice dams</a>, you can let the snow accumulation hit 12 inches before removing it. However, the amount of snow that is too much for your roof also depends on the sturdiness of your roof and the compactness of the snow. If your roof needs maintenance or has structural issues, it&rsquo;s best not to let the snow accumulate too much for fear of collapsing.</p></div>

Question 1

Should asphalt shingles be power washed?

Accepted Answer

•

No, asphalt shingles should not be power washed. A power washer or pressure washer is too strong to use on asphalt shingles and will loosen the adhesive holding them to your roof, causing them to fall off. It’s best to hire a local roof cleaner to clean those shingles safely and without damaging them.

Question 2

Can I DIY roof cleaning?

Accepted Answer

•

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.

Question 3

Does roof cleaning damage shingles?

Accepted Answer

•

Roof cleaning can damage shingles if it’s done incorrectly—like with a high-power power washer—but it likely won’t damage your roof if you pay to have an expert do the work. A professional roof cleaner will use a gentle cleaning solution and a cleaning method that matches your roof material to ensure the process doesn’t damage the roof. Some homeowners worry that roof cleaning will shorten the life of their roof by removing shingle particles or protective coatings, but it often extends roof life by removing plants that cause damage and improves your home’s curb appeal simultaneously.

Question 4

Is it safe to walk on the roof to clean gutters?

Accepted Answer

•

Walking on the roof to clean gutters is unsafe. If you do your own gutter cleaning, use a ladder to reach the gutters rather than climbing on your roof. Walking on the roof is dangerous, especially if it has rained recently or if there are fallen leaves. You can also damage your shingles when walking on them, which can lead to water leaks.

Keep in mind that using a ladder has its risks, too. It can be difficult to keep your balance while doing the labor-intensive work of cleaning gutters. For safety reasons, hiring a pro to clean your gutters is the best choice.

Question 5

How much snow is too much snow on a roof?

Accepted Answer

•

Generally, snow removal from a roof should occur once over six inches of snow accumulates, especially if you notice that ice dams have formed. Without ice dams, you can let the snow accumulation hit 12 inches before removing it. However, the amount of snow that is too much for your roof also depends on the sturdiness of your roof and the compactness of the snow. If your roof needs maintenance or has structural issues, it’s best not to let the snow accumulate too much for fear of collapsing.