The Dirty Secret About Products For Roof Cleaning

If you’ve noticed the black algae stains on your roof then you’re probably already in the process of trying to find an effective roof cleaning product. I have a bit of bad news for you, however. The truth is that there really aren’t any very good products on the market right now.

I know that a right-out-of-the-box solution is what you’re hoping for, even those of you that are serious do-it-yourself enthusiasts. But the truth of the matter is that the best roof cleaning concoction can be made with common household items. If you have a laundry room in your home then you probably have what is required.

The reason I come down so hard on most products for cleaning a roof is that they tend to require the use of a pressure cleaner in order to be effective. Ask any roofer or home professional and they will inform you that high-pressure roof cleaning is a recipe for disaster. If a pressure washing wand can cut through skin then imagine what it can do to your fragile shingles.

Some roof cleaning product merchants will try to get around this issue by claiming that if you have patience a power washer shouldn’t be necessary. They say that their chemicals can be effective without pressure cleaning if only you’re willing to wait months for the stains to dissolve. I’m sorry but I just think that’s asking too much from the consumer.

So, you ask, if I already have the necessary components for a roof cleaning solution in my home then what are they? The core ingredient for a good roof cleaning mixture is household bleach. Chlorine or pool shock will also work fine. Using this chemical is the smartest thing you can do for your roof.

Putting all the parts together is very simple. Just add ten gallons of liquid chlorine or bleach to ten gallons of water from the spigot. You can also add a cap of liquid laundry detergent if you need some clinging action. Time to get out the ladder and prepare for action.

Now gently spray the mixture on your roof shingles. Remember, you should not need a power washer for this! Give the solution some time to work it’s magic and then rinse everything down very well with the garden hose.

A few final important notes. Make sure you have a helper on the ground to wet down any shrubbery around the perimeter of the home during chemical application. Also take great care to protect yourself from the bleach as it can be detrimental to your skin, lungs, and eyes.