REMOVING STAINS FROM ASPHALT SHINGLE ROOFING

If you want your roof to last a long time you should maintain it properly and keep it clean. You may not see the exterior of your home as much as the interior but you still need to keep it clean. Aside from being more aesthetically pleasing some of these stains can also damage your roof.

How to Remove Stains from Asphalt Roofing:

Asphalt shingles can be damaged through the accumulation of dirt. If you are in humid area then the most common issue you will have is algae growth on the shingles. The stains drop the appearance and resale value of your home.

Chemical Cleaning of algae stains:     

Repeated use of chemicals for cleaning stains on shingles will be harmful, but occasional chemical cleaning may not harm the roof. Many products in the market are now available for removing algae stains such as Wet & Forget and Moss out.

Methods for Removing Stains from Asphalt Shingles:

1. The mixture of trisodium phosphate (TSP), bleach and water can also be used for removing stains. Mix 1 quarter bleach, 1 gallon water and 1/4 cup trisodium phosphate. Pour this mixture in a pump spray and spray it on the roof, wait 15 minutes then rinse it off the roof.
2. Oxygen bleach is also very useful for this purpose as compared to chloride bleach and is much safer. Mix up some oxygen bleach with water, put it into a pump spray and spray it on the roof. After 10-15 minutes, scrub it on the shingle with a brush and rinse it off the roof. This is also a more environmentally friendly method.
3. You can also use household bleach and water to remove stains. Mix 50% bleach and water; spray this mixture on the roof and scrub it.

Algae Resistance Shingles:

Today, algae resistance shingles are available on the market. These will save you a lot of headache down the line and are worth the extra money. Many roofing manufacturers now began using copper granules in their products to produce algae resistant shingles.  

Tips for Asphalt Roofing Maintenance:

Clear Debris:

Over time, your roof may collect leaves, trash and other garbage. This debris absorbs water and can damage shingles. So the debris should be removed at least a few time a year.

Check for Moss and Algae:

Moss and algae growth on the shingles will begin to deteriorate shingles and eventually destroy them. If it is present on a small portion of your homes exterior you can remove by using zinc or lead control strips. However, if the growth of algae is abundant then seek professional help immediately.

Check flashings:

Examine roof flashings. Flashings are strips of metal, aluminum or galvanized steel placed over the joints of the roof to prevent water from seeping into your home. So when checking them look for cracks or openings in them. Cracked flashings are the main source of water intrusion or leaks into the home and must be fixed immediately.

Loose or Damaged Shingles:   

With time weather conditions may damage or loosen your shingles. You can repair loose or leaking shingles with roofing cement. Apply small amount to the underside of shingle and secure it. If the shingle is damaged, you can replace it.