Will Bleach Damage Asphalt Shingles?

A roof is one of the most important parts of your home, and it keeps you protected from severe weather conditions. Over the years, the roof has also become important for the overall aesthetic appeal of the home. No matter which roofing material a contractor installs on your home, they all need to be cleaned regularly so that your home looks good. For example, asphalt shingles, currently one of the most popular roofing materials, are affordable but they require regular maintenance and cleaning.

Many homeowners in Pittsburgh often have concerns about how to maintain an asphalt shingle roof. One of the questions that top the list is, will bleach damage asphalt shingles? Let’s find out with the help of our experts at Hepler Contracting LLC.

What Is Bleach?

Bleach is a solution of water and sodium hypochlorite, which is a chemical that can kill microorganisms. It’s often used to disinfect things like floors, and toilets. Bleach is a chemical that you can also use to clean your roof. It’s typically used to remove mildew and mold from the surface of the roof.

In this blog, we will show how bleach affects shingles and whether it is right for roof cleaning or not.

Can You Use Bleach To Clean Asphalt Shingles?

An asphalt shingle roof is one of the most commonly used roofing materials across the United States, and it is available in a variety of colors. Thanks to time and the forces of nature, the asphalt shingle color can get deteriorated and that can reduce your home’s curb appeal. This is why it is so important to find effective ways to clean your asphalt shingle roof. One powerful way to clean the shingles is with the help of bleach. As discussed in the earlier section, bleach can remove mold and mildew, and it can even aid in restoring shingles.

To answer the question, will bleach damage asphalt shingles? No, it will not damage your shingles, but there are conditions involved. Only if you use the bleach carefully and in the form of a solution. Let us dig a little deeper in the topic.

Bleach is one of the effective ways to clean the shingles and maintain your curb appeal. Merely washing your shingles is not advisable for the long run, and it is not very effective. On the other hand, a detergent is powerful and will help you get rid of mold and streaks on your roof.

What Do Experts Say?

According to various roofing experts in the industry, you should not use bleach directly on your roof, but in a solution. You need to maintain a ratio of 50:50 of both water and bleach. For example, you need to put ½ cup water with ½ cup bleach. Some also suggest a ratio of 25:75. However, mixing a larger part of bleach is not advisable as it can be harsh on the shingles, and it can even result in your shingles aging or deteriorating faster.

How To Clean Asphalt Shingles?

Now that you know the things to keep in mind, let us describe the steps you can take to clean your shingles.

• Take the necessary precautions before getting started. Bleach can irritate your skin and can even cause difficulty in breathing. Make use of protective gear before you move ahead.
• Mix 1 gallon of bleach with the same amount of water to create a solution. Mix them well and put in the garden sprayer.
• Climb the ladder and inspect the roof for the damaged areas.
• Spray the solution on the affected areas. Make sure you do not use power cleaning. Gently scrub off the dirt.

Do You Want Help With Roof Cleaning? We Can Help

Cleaning your roof on your own involves some risk. Since effective cleaning is not easy, there is a chance that you can do more harm than good to your roof.

If you want professional cleaning of your roof then contact the team of Hepler Contracting LLC. We offer the best asphalt roofing services including repairs and maintenance.

Contact us today at (412) 694-8785 and our representatives will be happy to help.