How to Clean Asphalt Roofing

Asphalt roofing shingles are one of the most popular choices for resilient and long-lasting roof applications. The overlapping pattern of the shingles ensures that rainwater runs easily off the roof instead of pooling and leaking into your home, and the asphalt itself is strong enough to withstand wind, heat, frost and debris. The biggest worry with these shingles is cleaning off dirt and debris, especially in warm areas and during the summer, when black-streaking algae stains the surface. While the algae does no harm to the shingles, it is unsightly, and should be cleaned to maintain the look of your home.

Bleach
Garden sprayer
Hose
Ladder
Scrub brush

Instructions

- 1
  Mix equal parts warm water and household bleach into a garden sprayer. The bleach is an effective way to kill all the algae while safely removing dirt and debris as well.
- 2
  Spray down all of the plants around your home with water, or cover them with protective plastic sheeting. Bleach will kill plants, so you must protect them from bleach dripping from your roof. If you wet them first, they will not absorb the bleach.
- 3
  Use the garden sprayer to spray down your roof. The garden sprayer alone will knock much of the dirt, algae and debris off the surface; if you need to, use a scrub brush to force away the stains and dirt.
- 4
  Flush your roof in clean water before the bleach has time to dry on your roof. Bleach dried in the sun can cause staining, so it will be easier to work in small sections that you can bleach, scrub and rinse all at once. Continue until the entire roof is cleaned, bleached and rinsed to remove excess bleach.

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