How A Professional Roof Cleaning Company Protects Shingles
Algae stains and moss threaten asphalt shingles, but the wrong cleaning method can do more harm than the growth. Here is how professionals clean roofs while protecting shingle granules.
Over time, asphalt shingles collect organic material like algae, moss, dirt, leaves, and more. Property owners therefore need to tell the difference between cosmetic staining and growth that can cause major structural maintenance issues.
For the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA), the main concern is algae staining, while GAF focuses on existing moss that holds moisture and can cause significant roof issues.
Thus, professional roof cleaning is essential and should use suitable methods, controlled application, surface protection, and safe access. This article takes a detailed look at how a professional roof cleaning company protects shingles during cleaning and avoids aggressive methods.
1. Inspect The Roof Before Cleaning
All successful projects start with a detailed evaluation before cleaning any roof. A good roof cleaning company will closely inspect the roof to determine whether any shingles are cracked, curled, loose, brittle, or missing and need repair or replacement before starting any cleaning.
In this assessment, professionals can tell moss, algae, lichen, and general debris buildup apart and use different approaches for each. Choosing the right shingle-cleaning method depends on the condition of the shingles.
2. Avoid Pressure Washing That Can Strip Shingle Granules
After a thorough inspection, professionals will do everything possible to leave the protective mineral granules on asphalt shingles intact. The granules protect the asphalt core and reflect UV rays.
These granules can easily dislodge and be lost when excessive pressure is applied or during abrasive cleaning. This granule loss leaves the shingle surface less protected and directly contributes to early deterioration.
Avoid power washing asphalt roofing. Power washing causes granules to fall off and leads to premature shingle failure. So, a professional approach relies on controlled, manufacturer-compatible techniques.
3. Use Cleaning Solutions Appropriate For Asphalt Shingles
High pressure is not conducive to safety, so it's important to consider the chemical cleaning solution and how it's applied. ARMA guidelines prescribe cleaning solutions and methods, so always follow the shingle manufacturer's instructions.
Experts can find the right solution specifically designed to tackle algae and moss growth. Ideally, use only chemicals approved by ARMA, since others could harm roofing materials.
A professional will also consider other landscaping, siding, gutters, and building materials around the house when using cleaning solutions so chemical runoff won't damage the property's ecosystem.
4. Gentle Treatment Helps Preserve The Shingle Surface
Apply these solutions carefully, as scrubbing, brushing, or scraping shingles creates unnecessary friction. The following warning applies to ARMA: Do not scrub too aggressively, or you may loosen or remove granules.
Preventively, this is achieved by applying controlled chemicals with minimal disturbance to the shingle surface and gentle rinsing. The result is treating the growth without removing or damaging the roofing material below.
For example, studies have shown that abrasive cleaning techniques harm softer asphalt shingles, reducing their ability to protect and significantly shortening their lifespan.
5. Moss Removal Can Reduce Moisture-Related Problems
Gentle treatment is especially important with moss, as it is much more than algae staining. Moss surrounds each shingle, grows vigorously between them, and stores tons of water.
This will stop continued moisture retention and the resulting rot caused by this established moss. However, the moss may release slowly after the first application.
Professionals may need to do more than aggressively remove the roots, as they may need additional treatment.
This unique structural problem sets it apart from algae, which is a flat discoloration problem.
Also, a rule of thumb is that moss eventually damages the structure by retaining moisture, but aggressive scraping can lead to extensive surface erosion.
6. Protect Shingles By Using Safe Roof-Access Techniques
The safest cleaning agents are the mildest, and roof access risks shingles even with the mildest cleaning agent because it creates unnecessary foot traffic on the roof. Roofing materials lose granules significantly when workers walk on them, especially if the surface is hot or workers apply too much pressure to any one granule.
GAF guidance lists on-roof traffic as one of the "potential causes" of granule loss. Trained employees use the proper equipment, plan their movements carefully, and reduce unnecessary traffic on the roof.
This approach focuses on worker safety and roof protection, since the OSHA standard treats roof work as a major fall hazard and requires fall protection when conditions require it.
7. Protect Gutters, Landscaping, And Other Roof Components During Cleaning
Comprehensive shingle treatment can dramatically affect surrounding areas, and roof cleaning isn't limited to shingles. Gutters, downspouts, siding, windows, plants, lawn areas, and other outdoor surfaces are proactively protected from harsh cleaning solutions and chemical runoff.
Limited chemical application helps reduce the risk of exposure to sensitive plants and architectural elements.
Loose material is removed from shingle surfaces without heavy tools or equipment.
These practices reinforce the need to follow product instructions and manufacturer recommendations to maintain complex roofing systems.
Conclusion
These steps are key to protecting asphalt shingles. The essence of professional roof cleaning is managing the cleaning process.
Some industry leaders, such as ARMA and GAF, explicitly caution against power washing asphalt shingles because it can strip too many granules.
Ultimately, a qualified roof cleaning business will keep your roof in good shape by safely removing any growth or debris that may be an issue while protecting the roof surface.
