Excessive algae growth causes unsightly dark streaks on the roof and will ruin its aesthetics. Because algae retain moisture, they can damage your roof and cause it to deteriorate more rapidly. If you notice any signs of algae growth on your roof, act quickly, and clean your rooftop. Learn how to efficiently clean roof shingles and remove all of the algae from your Tampa roof in this post.
What You Need to Clean Roof Shingles Yourself
Before you start cleaning, make sure you have everything you’ll need to complete this project as safely and efficiently as possible. You can find many special cleaning tools online. But to be fair, you don’t need any expensive tools or products to do this.
The most important items you’ll need to clean your roof shingles are:
- Pump sprayer
- Hose with a spray nozzle
- Cleaning solution
No matter how well you clean your roof, the algae will regrow fairly quickly. While cleaning your roof every once in a while is something you should practice, you should also make sure you don’t overdo it.
Roof Cleaning Best Practices: Frequency and Cleaners
Repeated use of harsh commercial chemicals and using a power washer can damage your roof, causing it to deteriorate and fail much quicker than it should. It’s essential to choose the right chemicals for the task. If you don’t want to use a commercial chemical cleaning solution, you can make a cleaning solution yourself.
Mix a few common household ingredients — bleach, water and TSP (trisodium phosphate) will create a very efficient algae remover that’s less harmful to the environment than a commercial solution. But it’s equally effective in cleaning your roof. For best results, mix one-quart bleach, a quarter cup TSP, and a gallon of water.
How to Clean Roof Shingles
If you know your shingles’ manufacturer, or know the contractor who installed your existing roof, reach out to them for specific cleaning recommendations and directions. Schedule your cleaning on a cloudy but dry day to prevent the solution from evaporating too quickly or getting washed off.
Here’s how to clean your roof shingles in a few simple steps:
- Craft the mixture and pour it into your pump.
- Spray down the roof thoroughly and make sure you cover the entire surface.
- Let the mixture stay on the roof for about 15-20 minutes.
- Carefully rinse everything with a garden hose.
Your Safety Should be the Top Priority
With all of the above in mind, we must mention that going up on your roof yourself is not very safe, and it’s best to leave the cleaning process to experienced and licensed roofing professionals. But if you’re determined to go up to your roof and clean the shingles on your own, make sure to take all of the necessary precautionary measures.
Be aware of all of the potential rooftop safety hazards. See to it that you have a safety rope, slip-resistant shoes, and safety glasses. Also, be sure that your ladder is stable and well-secured from slipping.
Useful Tips on How to Prevent Algae Regrowth
You can expect rapid algae regrowth in less than twelve months in the hot and humid Florida climate. Unfortunately, while there isn’t a surefire way to ensure lifetime protection from this issue, there are a couple of ways you can slow algae growth.
The first thing you can do is purchase a commercial stain-blocking solution and spray it all over your roof immediately after cleaning it. Doing this will buy you at least a couple of years of protection.
The second way to slow down algae growth is to install copper or zinc strips along the ridge of your roof. While not as efficient as the previous method, it will still help minimize algae’s rapid regrowth.
Are Algae Resistant Shingles Worth the Investment?
Algae-resistant shingles have become very popular over the past couple of years, especially in areas prone to excessive algae growth. What’s more, due to Florida’s specific climate and harsh weather conditions with consistent rainfall and heavy storms, roofing regulations in Florida require that all roofs have algae-resistant shingles.
So, are algae-resistant shingles worth the higher price point? In short, yes, if you live in an area that’s susceptible to significant algae growth, installing algae-resistant shingles is a smart long-term investment. Because these shingles can defend against algae growth, your roof will last much longer than it would otherwise.
Protect Your Investment and Keep Your Household Safe
Your house is most likely your biggest investment, and having a beautiful and well-maintained roof will help extend its life and add to your home’s overall visual appearance and resale value.
When it comes to the persistent issue of algae growth, hiring a roofing contractor to help you out is always the smartest way to go about it. A contractor will have both the equipment and knowledge to clean your roof more thoroughly and efficiently.
Proper maintenance can go a long way in extending the lifespan of your roof. As the premier roofing company in Tampa and the entire Florida Panhandle, we can help you with any issues you might have.
With over 45 years of industry experience, our longevity and reputation are your guarantees. Call us today at 813-373-9088. Or fill out our quick online form to get a free price estimate for your project.
