Get matched with top sonic cleaning pros in West Bend, WI

On average, cleaning a roof will take between two to five hours. This timeline depends on the size and slope of your roof and the severity of any stains. Cleaning roof stains can take additional time, especially if there are signs of moss or algae.

In addition, the age of your roof makes an enormous difference in the time it takes to clean it, as older roofs need more gentle care. If you have significant landscaping in your yard by your house, your professional roof cleaner will need additional time to protect it from cleaning chemicals.

If you wish to forego painting your shingles but still want to give them a fresh look, a deep cleaning is the first step. Clean off any debris from your roof and gutters, and then power wash your shingles to get grime and algae off. To take things one step further, you might even consider installing new gutters to give your home a bright new look.

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%.

You should avoid using a pressure washer on any surface or item that could be damaged by the high-pressure spray, as some materials are too delicate to withstand the force.

Key items and surfaces to avoid include:

• Electrical Components: Never pressure wash electrical systems, as water can cause short-circuits and create a safety hazard. This includes utility meters, breaker boxes, electrical outlets, generators, and HVAC or air conditioner units.

• Delicate and Fragile Materials: Fragile items can crack, shatter, or be stripped by the pressure. Avoid pressure washing windows, glass, light fixtures, shingled roofs (especially asphalt), and stucco.

• Painted, Stained, or Sealed Surfaces: Unless your goal is to strip the finish, do not pressure wash painted surfaces, stained wood (like decks), or anything with a protective seal that could be stripped away. Be especially cautious with older surfaces that may contain lead paint.

• Soft Woods and Certain Decking: Delicate surfaces like softwood, composite decking, and antique or wooden patio furniture can be etched or damaged. If you must wash wood, use a lower-powered pressure washer with a wide-angle nozzle to prevent damage.

• Living Things: Never use a pressure washer on people, pets, or plants. The force can cause serious injury and will destroy landscaping.