Pressure Washing Roof Shingles

Pressure Washing Roof Shingles: The Risks of Doing It

When it comes to cleaning your roof, many homeowners think that pressure washing is the best way to go.  Few people know that pressure washing can cause a lot of damage to their roof, especially if they do it wrong. But what they may not realize is that this can actually do more harm than good. Pressure washing roof shingles with a power washer is risky and can lead to many problems-causing leaks, water runoff, and even loosen or remove shingles. Here’s why you should avoid pressure washing roof shingles – and what you can do instead.

Pressure washing your roof shingles can cause leaks.

One of the main risks of pressure washing your roof shingles is that it can cause leaks. When you use a power washer to clean your shingles, the high-pressure water can force its way underneath the shingles and into your home. This can lead to serious water damage, mold growth, and other problems.

In addition, pressure washing can damage the sealant around your chimney and other openings in your roof. This sealant is there to keep water out, so if it’s damaged, it can allow water to seep in and cause even more damage.

Pressure washing can also loosen or remove shingles.

Another problem with pressure washing your roof shingles is that it can loosen or remove them entirely. The high-pressure water can erode the asphalt that binds the shingles together, causing them to lift up and eventually fall off. In addition, the pressure from the power washer can also dislodge granules from the shingles, leaving them more vulnerable to damage from the sun and wind.

Pressure washing can cause water runoff.

Finally, pressure washing your roof can also lead to water runoff. When you power wash your shingles, the water that runs off can carry away granules, which protect your shingles from the sun and wind. This can leave your shingles exposed and more vulnerable to damage.

In addition, the water runoff from pressure washing can also cause problems for your landscaping and other areas around your home. The high-pressure water can erode soil, damage plants, and even create sinkholes. So, it’s important to be careful when using a power washer near your home.

So, if you’re thinking about pressure washing your roof shingles, you may want to think again. There are a number of risks associated with this method, including leaks, water runoff, and the potential to damage your shingles or remove them entirely.

Instead of pressure washing your roof, consider soft washing. Soft washing is a gentler cleaning method that uses a low-pressure stream of water to clean your roof. This method is much safer and less likely to cause damage than pressure washing.

In addition, soft washing is a more effective way to clean your roof. The low-pressure stream of water will remove all the dirt, algae, and mildew from your roof without causing any damage.

So, if you’re looking for a safe and effective way to clean your roof, consider soft washing instead of pressure washing.