We understand how tempting it can be to use a pressure washer on your roof, but the truth is, it can be severely damaging! Pressure washing your asphalt roof can have costly consequences, from decreasing the lifespan of your roof to major tears and leaks. Because asphalt shingles are not designed for high pressure washing, doing so can actually void your roof’s warranty. Today, we discuss why pressure washing asphalt roofs is a bad idea and other ways to keep your roof in tip-top shape.
Everyone loves the satisfaction of water blowing away years of grime and revealing a pure, clean surface underneath. When pressure washing asphalt roofs, though, you’re not just washing away grime and debris. You’re also stripping away the granules that protect your home from sun, wind, and rain. While it’s normal for roofs to lose granules over their lifespan, you don’t want to hasten the process by pressure washing.
Another side effect of granule loss from pressure washing asphalt roofs is clogged gutters. After all, the granules have to go somewhere, don’t they? Many homeowners who make the mistake of pressure washing their roofs find their gutters full of granules, which inhibits proper water drainage.
If your roof is older in the years, a harsh water stream can uplift and damage shingles. This can result in holes in your roof and cause leaks into your home. Don’t turn a simple cleaning project into a major roof repair!
High pressure sprays are so strong that, instead of cleaning the moss and algae off your roof, it can actually spread the spores around. Even worse, it could push moss and algae underneath your shingles and be more troublesome to clean later.
While pressure washing is out of the question, there are other ways to keeping your roof immaculate.
The best way to keep your roof looking clean is to blow away any debris a few times a year. Leaves, flowers, twigs, branches, and other forms of debris could prevent water from flowing off your roof and cause leaks or rot.
Trimming your trees so that they aren’t touching your roof is another great way to keep your roof clear. As mentioned before, any debris or branches can prevent water flow and cause leaks and damage your shingles. Trimming tree branches hanging over your roof will also allow more sunlight to reach your roof and discourage the growth of moss and algae.
If your roof already has moss and algae, you can kill the existing growth using a bleach and water treatment. This will also prevent the spores spreading to neighboring houses. Avoid damaging your shingles by using a low-pressure spray to rinse off the treatment.
Pressure washing asphalt roofs may seem like a quick and easy way to get roof cleaning off your checklist, but the potential damage just isn’t worth it. While other cleaning methods may take a little bit more time and effort, it’s better to clean your roof correctly to avoid the cost of replacing your entire roof! IBEX is a one stop shop for your roof maintenance needs, and we work with homeowners to provide the best service for their homes. Give us a call today to see how we can make your roof the best on the block!
