Have you ever looked up at your roof asphalt shingles and thought something’s not right up there? Maybe it’s dirt. Maybe moss. Maybe just that tired, worn look asphalt shingles get when they’ve been through too many seasons. That’s usually when people start wondering about cleaning asphalt shingles and what the process actually takes. It’s simpler than it looks.
You grab your safety gear first, always. Then, you check the roof. Make sure nothing’s cracked or popping up. Clear off the leaves and junk. Add your cleaner. Let it sit. Scrub lightly. Rinse it all down. Then, you look again. Fix what’s loose. Clean the gutters. And plan to keep an eye on things. One step at a time.
Steps to Clean Asphalt Shingles
It’s simpler than it sounds. Here’s how to do it without wrecking your roof.
1. Grab Your Safety Gear
You’re going up there, so don’t skip this. Get your ladder, make sure it’s sturdy. Non-slip shoes are a must. Gloves, eye protection; that’s all part of the deal. You need a soft broom or leaf blower, a garden hose with a nozzle, and maybe a roof-safe cleaner. Get everything ready before you even think about climbing. Safety isn’t something to rush through.
2. Inspect Your Roof First
Don’t just jump into cleaning. Take a moment to check the roof. Look for cracked shingles or loose nails. You don’t want to scrub a broken roof. Address those minor issues now, so you won’t have to do unnecessary work later. Trust me, a little repair now can save a lot of hassle down the road.
3. Clear the Roof of Debris
Next up, grab your broom or blower. Start clearing leaves, twigs, and dirt off the roof. Be gentle. Don’t go yanking stuff off, or you might scratch the shingles. This step might feel tedious, but it’ll make the cleaning process much easier. Plus, you’ll be able to see where the dirt is stuck.
4. Apply the Cleaner
Now, it’s time to apply the cleaner. You don’t need anything crazy. A roof-safe cleaner works, but if you don’t have that, dish soap and water will do just fine. Apply it evenly and let it sit for a few minutes. Don’t let it dry out. You want to loosen up all the grime. Let it do its job for 10–15 minutes at most.
5. Scrub Gently, Don’t Overdo It
Here’s where you need to be patient. Use a soft brush to gently scrub the areas. Don’t press too hard. Just loosen up the dirt and grime that’s been sitting there. Scrub gently along the shingles’ grain. If something’s especially tough, just go over it again. But no heavy scrubbing. Be easy on the roof.
6. Rinse Off the Cleaner
Time to rinse. No pressure washers, though. High pressure can mess up your shingles. Use your hose with a gentle spray nozzle. Start from the top and rinse downward. You want to ensure that all the cleaner comes off, leaving the roof clean but not flooded. Don’t skip this step. The cleaner needs to be completely gone.
7. Double-Check for Missed Spots
Take a step back after rinsing and look over the roof. Do you see any spots you missed? Sometimes moss or algae hide in corners. If you find any spots, just apply some more cleaner and scrub lightly. It’s no big deal if you miss a few spots; just take care of them.
8. Repair the Broken Shingles
While your roof is drying off, look around and see if any shingles need replacing or if there are loose nails. It’s way easier to fix things now than after the roof’s fully clean. Tighten things up, replace what’s broken, and you’re all set for the long run.
9. Clean the Gutters
While you’re at it, check your gutters. They’ve probably collected some debris from the roof. Clean them out to make sure everything drains properly. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage and compromise the hard work you’ve just done. Keep the water flowing, and your roof will thank you.
10. Make Roof Maintenance a Habit
Alright, now that your roof’s all fresh, don’t forget about it. It’s easy to let things slide, but roof maintenance is key. Plan to clean your roof every couple of years, or as often as needed. Keep an eye on it, check for damage, and you’ll be good. Regular maintenance extends the life of your roof.
Conclusion
By the time you’re done cleaning asphalt shingles, you can usually see the difference right away. The roof looks brighter, cleaner, and a little lighter. As if it finally got the attention it’s been waiting for. And those small steps add up. Clearing the debris. Rinsing gently. Fixing the little things you spot along the way. Cleaning out the gutters ensures that everything drains properly.
It’s simple work, just layered care. And doing it every so often keeps your shingles healthier for much longer. However, if climbing up there feels risky or you’d rather have someone experienced handle it, we at Sutton’s can take over and complete the task safely. We are a GAF Master Elite Roofer. That is a distinction that less than 2% of roofers in the U.S. can claim.
