How to Clean Stains on Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles can often become stained with algae, dirt, and other substances. The inevitable exposure to the weather causes the majority of these stains. It is not necessary to replace asphalt shingles that are in otherwise good condition simply because they are stained. Successfully clean asphalt shingles by following the appropriate steps. Working on a roof can be dangerous, so be sure to use extreme caution when cleaning asphalt shingles. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- 1 quart oxygen bleach
- 1 gallon warm water
- 1/4 cup trisodium phosphate
- Bucket
- Long-stemmed spoon
- 2-gallon pump sprayer
- Ladder
- Soft scrub brush
- Garden hose
Instructions
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1
Mix 1 quart of oxygen bleach, 1 gallon of warm water, and 1/4 cup of trisodium phosphate into a bucket. Use a long-stemmed spoon to thoroughly combine the ingredients.
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2
Pour the cleaning solution into a 2-gallon, pump-style garden sprayer. Filling the entire 2-gallon sprayer should provide you with enough cleaning solution for about 150 square feet. You will need to refill the garden sprayer with the cleaning solution mixture as necessary.
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Use a ladder to reach the shingles on the roof. Begin at the gutter line of the roof and wet the asphalt shingles. Spray the solution on an area about 10 feet in width at a time. It is important to spray any place on the roof that has stained shingles so that the roof will have a uniform appearance once cleaning is complete.
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Allow the solution to sit on the shingles for about 15 minutes. The stains will begin to disappear, or they may turn brown, which indicates that the solution is working at removing the stains.
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Scrub any tough stains with a soft scrub brush. Be sure not to scrub too hard or you may damage the shingles.
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Hose down the roof to remove the cleaning solution and the residue from the stains.
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Repeat this process as needed to remove all of the stains. You may use a commercial roof cleaner, if you prefer. Be cautious of these types of cleaners. Some may not only remove the stains and dirt but damage the shingles as well. In some cases, the result may be actual holes in the shingles.
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Tips & Warnings
Clean your asphalt shingles on a cloudy day to avoid the sun's tendency to dissolve the cleaning solution too quickly.
Hose down the plants that may come into contact with the cleaning solution as it rinses off of the roof. The cleaning solution can be harmful to plants. Enlist a helper to water the plants while you are rinsing the cleaning solution from the roof to prevent the cleaner from soaking the plants.
Wear protective face and eye coverings to prevent excessive exposure to the cleaning agent you are using.
Be very careful when walking and working on the roof. To avoid slipping, wear shoes with a rubber sole to provide good traction.
