Power washing is a great way to clean and restore your home’s exterior. The process removes grime, mildew, mold, and other unsightly substances from your house and can even help you retain the value of your home if you are planning to sell.
The right cleaning solution is crucial to successfully removing mildew and mold from your roof. Fortunately, there are a variety of solutions available to get rid of these nasty stains.
Removing Mildew and Mold
One common method for removing mold and mildew is to use bleach. This is a popular choice, as it works quickly to get rid of spores and stains from your roof. However, this can also cause damage to your shingles if it’s not done correctly.
Other cleaning solutions can include vinegar or ammonia, which can be more effective and safer to use on your roof. Using these cleaners on your shingles can prevent mold and mildew from re-growing again in the future.
Choosing the Best Roof Cleaning Product
A safe and effective way to get rid of mildew and mold is to use an outdoor cleaning product that is specifically formulated for your roof type. These cleaners can be used on all types of roofs, including metal, concrete and asphalt shingles.
For instance, Wet & Forget Xtreme Reach(tm) Hose End is a gentle roof cleaning product that can safely and effectively kill moss, mildew, algae and mold on all types of roofing surfaces. The Xtreme Reach(tm) hose end is designed to attach to your garden hose, so you can apply the diluted Wet & Forget Outdoor Cleaner directly onto your roof.
Once the diluted Wet & Forget has covered the surface, you can walk away and let it do its work. It will take several hours for the product to fully saturate and annihilate the moss, mildew and algae.
If your moss problem is particularly severe, you may want to hire a professional power washing company in Rockville, MD to handle the task. These professionals know how to properly power wash and can make sure your roof is cleaned safely.
Getting Rid of Mold and Mildew on Your Roof
Algae is another common culprit behind the growth of mildew and mold. These fungi thrive in moist environments and can rot your roof over time if not removed. This is especially true in areas that are frequently shaded from the sun.
The first step to removing mildew and mold from your shingles is to scrub the roof with a scrub brush, followed by bleach. Alternatively, you can use a power washer on the shingle surfaces, but make sure that the shingles are intact before applying the water.
You can also insert six-inch-wide strips of copper or zinc under each row of shingles closest to the roof peak. These strips can help keep algae from growing back on your shingles by washing them off each time it rains.
In addition to removing fungi, mildew, and mold, power washing will also remove dirt, salt and other debris that can collect on your roof, making it look clean and fresh again. Keeping your roof in good condition will help you retain the value of your home and will make your property more appealing to potential buyers, as well.