Asphalt shingles...How do you clean them?

[skijay]

My roof is 7 years old and I have the architecture style shingles. I noticed on the North side of the house I have mildew forming where the roof does not get full sun during most of the year. I have some white pine trees that block the sun. I have no problems with mildew on the siding of the house.

Does anybody have any suggestions on how to clean them?

 

[BushMogulMaster]

I don't have a whole lot of advice, except to try perhaps applying a 10% bleach solution and then brushing it with a push-broom. Follow-up with a low-pressure rinse (such as your garden hose). This would, of course, require getting up on your roof. Just be careful not to damage your shingles while walking around up there, and definitely don't fall. It's a long way down.

The reason you want to use low pressure is because a high pressure water source (such as a pressure washer) would likely damage you shingles, and if enough of the high pressure stream focused up under a shingle it would probably rip it right off the plywood (yes, even through the roofing nails and the asphalt cement on the underside).

Another precaution: the bleach will kill plants it runs off onto. You would want to cover them with a tarp or come up with some system to be sure not to kill your plants.

My .02. Maybe someone has an easier or more effective idea?

 

[bvibert]

My .02. Maybe someone has an easier or more effective idea?

I say use a flame thrower, that'll burn the moss right off. Just be careful not to catch your roof on fire... :flame:

Easier AND more effective.

DISCLAIMER: In case it's not obvious; I'm an idiot, for the most part my posts should not be taken seriously. Any advice that you might follow is at your own risk!

 

[trtaylor]

The bleach method is usually recommended. Do a search on Google.

 

[ctenidae]

Get new ones. With MildewGuard (tm) or Moss-B-Gone(tm)

 

[BushMogulMaster]

Get new ones. With MildewGuard (tm) or Moss-B-Gone(tm)

Not if his current roofing is only 7 years old. They generally come in ratings of 15-30 years. And roofing isn't exactly cheap. I'd spend a day cleaning it and wait until they really need to be replaced.

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

A mild dish soap

 

[ctenidae]

Not if his current roofing is only 7 years old. They generally come in ratings of 15-30 years. And roofing isn't exactly cheap. I'd spend a day cleaning it and wait until they really need to be replaced.

You don't think MildewGuard(tm) or Moss-B-Gone(tm) would be effective?
Maybe GungeBuster(tm) or AlgaeAlleviator(tm)? They're a little more expensive, perhaps, but could work. I mean, ToadstoolTackler would totally be overkill, and he'd have to get an EPA permit for MushroomMangler(tm). That stuff will strip teh paint off your house and give your whole family a permanent orange afro.

 

[BushMogulMaster]

You don't think MildewGuard(tm) or Moss-B-Gone(tm) would be effective?
Maybe GungeBuster(tm) or AlgaeAlleviator(tm)? They're a little more expensive, perhaps, but could work. I mean, ToadstoolTackler would totally be overkill, and he'd have to get an EPA permit for MushroomMangler(tm). That stuff will strip teh paint off your house and give your whole family a permanent orange afro.

:lol:

Yeah... so the only part of your post that I actually read was the "get new ones" part. :lol: Should have been more thorough.

 

[skijay]

I used a product called Jomax house cleaner & mildew remover. It did an adequate job, as I do not think this product was marketed for roofs. This was what was recommended to me at a builder supply store (non chain).

I have a call into my roofer to install copper sheeting that will be exposed about 3 to 5 inches and run the length of the roof. My other option is to have the tree barrier chopped down, I think I will pass as I have already spent close to $6,000 in 3yrs for trees to be removed.