How to Wash Roof Shingles
Clean shingles are a thing of beauty; their appearance makes the entire house seem pristine and new. When things go south, it's time to breathe some life back into the roof, shingle by shingle. It's no easy task, but the results are worth the sweat. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 1 cup liquid chlorine bleach
- 1 cup powdered laundry detergent
- 1 gallon hot water
- Bucket
- Garden hose
- Pump sprayer
- Stiff-bristle broom
- Stir stick
- Ladder
- Rubber-soled shoes
- Safety glasses
- Harness
Instructions
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1
Wear rubber-soled shoes, as well as safety glasses and a harness (attached to a chimney or another strong section of the roof) before the cleaning commences.
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Combine the bleach, detergent and hot water, stirring the mixture frequently. Pour into the pump sprayer receptacle.
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Spray the solution on a small section of shingles, beginning at the lower portion of the roof. Let the compound sit for 10 or 15 minutes.
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4
Scrub the section with the broom. Spray the shingles with the garden hose when finished.
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Tips & Warnings
If you'd rather avoid scrubbing and harsh chemicals, Tim Carter, of "Ask the Builder," recommends a gasoline-powered pressure washer, equipped with a 25-degree tip. At roughly 6 inches above the shingles, a similar cleaning effect can be obtained, without all the scrubbing and solution mixing.
Dummies.com wants you to be safe when cleaning your shingles: "Cleaning roofs is slippery work. Start at the lower portion of the roof, moving up as you clean each lower section. That way, you always stand on dry surface and reduce the chance of slipping."
