How to Clean Your Asphalt Roof Properly

Proper maintenance is essential in keeping your roof in good shape. Regular cleaning is part of any worthwhile maintenance regimen, no matter what type of residential roofing system you have. Staying on top of maintenance can literally add years to the lifespan of your roof.

Read on as our skilled roofing specialists at Earl W. Johnston Roofing, LLC show you a few important tips to remember before you wash the dirt off your asphalt roof.

Do: Trust a Professional

Roof cleaning may sound like the type of chore you can manage on your own. Actually, it’s a much wiser decision to leave this task to professionals. If you haven’t undergone training on how to clean a roof, you could inadvertently damage your roofing system. Moreover, you also run the risk of injuries from falling. If your roofing company offers a regular maintenance program, you should strongly consider taking them up on the offer.

Don’t: Power Wash Asphalt Shingles

The surface of asphalt shingles is covered with bitumen granules that provide critical protection. Power washers can exert so much pressure that the granules are stripped from the shingles, exposing the vulnerable parts of the assembly to the elements. If you insist on cleaning the roof by yourself, avoid using a power washer at all costs.

Do: Keep Trees and Nearby Plants Trimmed

Trees shed their leaves annually. These leaves often end up in your gutters where they can cause a clog. This is a more common problem in residential roofing compared to commercial roofing but it can happen in both types of properties. These leaves retain huge amounts of moisture that can slowly degrade asphalt shingles over time. Overhanging branches can also damage your roof should they fall directly on the shingles themselves. Keep nearby trees and shrubbery trimmed to avoid this potential problem.

For all your roofing needs, trust our professionals at Earl W. Johnston Roofing, LLC, your leading local provider of quality roofing products and services. Give us a call at (954) 989-7794 or fill out our online contact form to request a free estimate today. We serve homeowners in Hollywood and Ft. Lauderdale, FL.