How to Clean Your Asphalt Shingled Roof

Asphalt shingles are an increasingly popular roofing option, and as the prevalence of these shingles increases so too do questions about how to keep those shingles looking their best. The good news is that asphalt shingles are fairly simple to clean, but it is important to learn how to clean them the right way.

It is important, for instance, to know what techniques were used to install those asphalt shingles, and what types of materials were used in the installation. Pressure washing is a popular way to clean asphalt shingles, but before you invite the local pressure washing company in to clean the roof it is important to make sure they have plenty of experience in this unique form of cleaning. Many pressure washing companies have found that it takes time and practice to learn how to remove stains from asphalt shingles without damaging the roof.

It is also very important for the pressure washing contractor to start off using the lowest pressure setting possible in order to avoid damaging the delicate asphalt shingles. A poorly done cleaning job can end up doing more harm than good, so it is a good idea to supervise the job, at least the first time.

In most cases the asphalt shingles and other roofing materials will be installed over a layer of felt paper, while in other cases a material similar to rubber will be used under the shingles. The first layer of asphalt shingles, known as the starter course in the trade, will be installed upside down at the lowest point of the roof. This installation method provides a solid base and allows water to run over the roof without leaking into the roof rafters.

After the first layer is in place another shingle will be placed directly on top of it, with the rest of the roofing materials placed along the roof line. The purpose of this installation method is to allow water to run over one shingle and on to the next until it has entered the gutter. Understanding these installation basics will make it a lot easier to understand how to clean the roof properly, and why it is so essential to use the utmost care when cleaning the asphalt shingled roof.