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: Should you use a pressure washer on the roof shingles?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re asking yourself, <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/can-roof-cleaning-extend-life-my-shingles.htm">should you pressure wash your roof</a>, the answer almost always is no. The water pressure that the power washing machine generates could damage the shingles by forcing water underneath or causing them to loosen. Soft washing with a pump sprayer is the better and safer option.</p><p> </p></div>

Question 1

Will vinegar hurt roof shingles?

Accepted Answer

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Vinegar will not damage your roof shingles. Using vinegar to wash your roof is an effective and popular cleaning method for asphalt shingles. You can buy white vinegar with varying concentrations of acetic acid. Typically, 5% is all you need for a good roof cleaning, but if you’ve got stubborn stains or moss you can go as high as 25%.

Question 2

Does roof cleaning damage shingles?

Accepted Answer

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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 3

Should you use a pressure washer on the roof shingles?

Accepted Answer

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If you’re asking yourself, should you pressure wash your roof, the answer almost always is no. The water pressure that the power washing machine generates could damage the shingles by forcing water underneath or causing them to loosen. Soft washing with a pump sprayer is the better and safer option.

Question 4

Do algae-resistant shingles prevent moss?

Accepted Answer

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Yes, algae-resistant shingles will prevent algae and moss growth, providing double protection for your roof and roof flashing. The copper-infused granules on algae-resistant shingles release copper ions that inhibit plant growth in general, so moss will have a harder time growing on your roof, too. Keep in mind that copper ions flowing off your roof during rainfall can also inhibit plant growth below, so your gardens and grass may be affected.

Question 5

Is it worth having your roof cleaned?

Accepted Answer

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Having your roof cleaned can be worth it because it improves the life span of the materials on the roof. You won’t have to pay a roof replacement cost as often when you clean the roof regularly.