6 Types of Roofing Shingles: This Is How You Adapt Your Cleaning for Each

Regular roof maintenance is essential for all types of shingle roofs, and all maintenance routines should include cleaning. Read on to find out how to adjust cleaning methods for different roofing types to make sure the roof is getting the attention it needs.

Cleaning Asphalt Shingle Roofs

Asphalt shingles are the most popular residential roofing material in the United States thanks to their low cost and relatively low maintenance requirements, but they still need to be cleaned. It’s important to avoid pressure washing asphalt shingle roofs, as this can cause severe shingle damage. Instead, check out the soft washing services available over at A+ Soft Wash to keep the roof looking its best without causing unnecessary damage or premature wear.

Cleaning Clay Tile Roofs

Never use harsh chemicals or pressure washers on clay tile roofs, and avoid walking on them at all costs unless a foam mat has been laid down first. Tiles are fragile and can crack under pressure. It’s best to hire a professional to clean tile roofs, but homeowners who want to perform some extra maintenance between cleanings can use a dry cloth to buff their tiles and remove efflorescence in between professional maintenance visits.

Cleaning Wood Shake Roofs

Avoid using harsh chemicals on wood shake roofs, as these products can damage the shakes. Wood shakes are prone to moss and lichen growth, which can void the roof’s warranty if not addressed immediately. Cut back tree branches to avoid shading the roof and use gentle, natural cleaners to remove moss and lichen growth as soon as they appear instead of waiting until the next routine cleaning. When in doubt, hire a professional who has experience cleaning wood shake roofs.

Cleaning Cedar Shingle Roofs

Cedar shingles are more durable than most other types of wood shakes used in roofing because cedar is naturally rot-resistant. That doesn’t mean homeowners with cedar shingle or shake roofs can just ignore them and expect everything to go smoothly, though. Cedar shingle roofs still need to be cleaned at least once a year. Use soft washing techniques that incorporate natural cleaning products instead of bleach or ammonia, which can cause discoloration and premature wear, leaving homeowners with expensive roof damage.

Cleaning Slate Shingles

Slate shingles are made out of stone, but that doesn’t mean they’ll hold up forever without proper maintenance. Regular cleaning is essential for slate tile roofs to avoid the buildup of moss and debris, which can hold in moisture and cause slates to split during winter freezes. Avoid using ammonia or chlorine bleach on slate shingles, as these can cause premature discoloration.

Cleaning Metal Tiles

Metal tile roofs are much more durable than asphalt shingle roofs, but they still require routine care. The most important part of cleaning metal roofs is to remove any visible debris or growth at least once per year. Although, as mentioned here, https://www.jacksoncontractingsite.com/metal-roofing/, aluminium roofs are corrosion resistant, they still need cleaning. Moss, lichens, and debris can all retain water, leading to premature corrosion of the roofing tiles, so don’t neglect this important aspect of roof maintenance.

The Bottom Line

A home’s roof is its first defense against inclement weather, so it needs to be treated with respect and care. The best way to ensure that a roof stays clean and in good shape is to hire a professional roof cleaning company to soft wash the shingles, shakes, or tiles.