How to Pressure Wash Your Roof

[wildcatNWA]

Thank you!

[AsktheBuilder]

@wildcatNWA You're welcome. Sign up for my FREE newsletter while you're at the AsktheBuilder website. You'll get FREE tips like this every week.

[wildcatNWA]

I see all the debate over roof damage and it all seems to be centered over whether the granules come off. My question = do the granules actually protect the roof? It doesn't make sense that the granules do anything more than provide aesthetics. They aren't providing any water barrier. Granules range from very dark to very light, so the color of the granules isn't protective. What is it about the granules that actually helps the roof integrity and protects the house? Please enlighten me.

[AsktheBuilder]

@wildcatNWA Granules are very very important. I discuss why in great detail at my AsktheBuilder website, the dot com one. Go there and use the search engine to find the columns.

[dumpstersforsale]

Exciting. I'd like to view additional videos like this one.

[dumpstersforsale]

This is honestly brilliant film.

[roofingshingles]

well helpful movie i must say

[jhas22]

Part 3 of answer:

It worked very well without any cleaners, much better than any of my others attempts.

However, I got the very best result when I sprayed 1 of the cleaning solutions on the roof & let it soak for about 20 minutes & then power washed. I was very careful to keep the power wash spraying downward as Tim indicates in his video. I would not have tried this had I not come across this video. Good luck to all you fellow do-it-yourselfers...and thanks for the info & excellent video Tim!

[AsktheBuilder]

@jhas22 You're most welcome! Yes, it works very well. Next time spray on some of my Stain Solver oxygen bleach BEFORE you use the pressure washer. Let my solution sit for about 20 minutes making sure it doesn't evaporate, then use the magic wand.

[jhas22]

Part 2 of answer:

So since I was not very satisfied with my initial cleaning tests, I decided to give the power washing a try. I used a 3000 psi unit with a 40 degree tip and loe and behold it worked like a charm! NO granule loss...I kept a very close eye out for that as it was my biggest concern. My roof had heavy coverage of moss & mildew on its north side, much less so on the southern side. It is the original roof on a house built at the end of 1985, so it is 25+ years old.

[jhas22]

Part 1 of answer:

So glad I found this video. I was experimenting with several different commercial and "home brew" asphalt roof cleaners that you apply and then wash off with your garden hose, & although they each cleaned somewhat to varying degrees, I was not particularly impressed with any of the results on the test areas I had set aside on the roof. I had avoided power washing because I also had read the statements online about not to use power washers on your roof.

[14chazz88]

what psi water blaster are you useing thanks

[AsktheBuilder]

@14chazz88 I believe it was 2400 psi. This video was shot 5 years ago as a test to show you can do the job without damage to the shingles.

[eyeandmind]

Take it for what it's worth but I'd recommend using a cleaner solution to spray over the roof using a chemical sprayer and then after that has dwelled for 10 minutes or so and then use a low pressure nozzle to RINSE off the cleaner.

[ChrisW12208]

take a 5 gallon bucket of water with a little muratic acid mixed in........ waer goggles and a respirator. splash onto mossy roof and give it a few minutes to work. stay away from fumes. rinse with normal hose and you will find a NEW looking roof. the acid will eat all the moss right down to the pores of the shingles without damaging it like a powersprayer could. And I would be done with the whole job before this guy's first coffee break.

[AsktheBuilder]

@ChrisW12208 Muriatic acid doesn't play well with: aluminum gutters, downspouts, galvanized metal, trees, landscaping, etc. I would NEVER use it widespread on a roof like this.

[madamkirk]

I have pressure washed about 50 or so various roofs in the Vancouver BC area. My opinion is that ther is no reason other than cosmetic value for doing this. If the lichen and algae have damaged the roof then you need a new roof. And after washing the Lichen and Algae you are very likely to create a hole in the shingle where the "roots" had penetrated.

If you must do this. (Which I never recommend to any of my clients) Use a solution such as Bleach first to kill the plant matter first.

[johngary641]

Tim thanks for the speedy response. Really appreciate it,

[johngary641]

Tim thanks for the video. One question What should the pressure be set to on my pressure washer.

[AsktheBuilder]

@johngary641 As low as possible. Remember, this was a TEST video. Pressure washers CAN DAMAGE asphalt shingles. You must be careful indeed.

[TheDaldi8800]

in germany we working not with shingles, this is not good quality !

we work with tile and natural slates, this consists 30 - 100 years !

but it is artlessly dearer ..... but mutch few repair !

[Dglsell]

Pressure washing composition roofs used to be industry standard but not anymore. Do your test on your new roof every year for about five years and see the damage it does at your pressure and distance.... Then you will have a fare test. Your test is not accurate. That could not be put on a video very easily though could it. Love your videos but just not this one. Sometimes people need to ask the Professionals that specialize in the area of what they do best.

[AsktheBuilder]

@Dglsell Thanks for the discussion. There's no need to clean a roof every year with a pressure washer. This video, as I've said countless times in the comments, was to dispel the myth of the broad-brush statements all over the Internet that "pressure washers damage shingles". Yes, I absolutely agree they can if you don't do it right. But this video clearly shows that you can clean off horrible organic material without damaging the shingles. My test is as accurate as can be.

[Dglsell]

Hey Tim I read all the comments and figured out what happened. You did a test and found out the pressure washer didnt do any damage to the shingles or blast off any granules. Oh but there is one key thing you mentioned that makes all this so true. The roof is 20 years old. There aren't hardly any granules left to be blasted off. You are "replacing the roof anyway". Now I say go do your "test" your new roof. You will ruin it. You will take off at least 5 years of life from the shingles. Try now.

[AsktheBuilder]

@Dglsell Thanks for your comment. Sadly, it's not accurate. The shingles had no bare spots where granules were missing. The asphalt cement holding the granules was far more brittle than new shingles - meaning pressure would dislodge them easier. The video clearly shows there was no damage. It's all about the tip you use and the distance the tip is from the surface. I just tested an accessory that keeps the tip a minimum distance from a surface. Just use that if you're worried.

[EnergySupply2008]

@AsktheBuilder Hi Tim, you said "I just tested an accessory that keeps the tip a minimum distance from a surface"

Can you point me to that accessory?

[AsktheBuilder]

@EnergySupply2008 I believe the name was SprayGlide.

[EnergySupply2008]

@AsktheBuilder Hi Tim, I can report that I just did my roof with a 3000 PSI power washer with a 25 and a 40 degree tip. I first tried it on clean areas. I cautiously went closer and closer, even at about 5 inches there was no loss of granules. Thank you for your response about the SprayGlide. My roof looks so much better.

[jbcleaningg]

You look really confident about not slipping on those old shingles, Any suggestions on duplicating that same effect for me?

[AsktheBuilder]

@jbcleaningg Invest in fall protection, have great rubber soles, don't do it when it's wet, don't walk on any debris including moss. Last resort: Sit down to create more friction or hire a pro who has Workman's Compensation Insurance.

[lunitedes]

i pressured cleaned my house on two occasions in a 5 year span and it came out beautifully, i tried the soft and basically it was about the same amount ot granules on my gutter so, i do recommend pressure washing just have to be keep the tip about 12 inches from roof. don't let the non pressure washers scare u silly, they just want u to give them the job.

[Boz2DaG]

I agree with Fister you SHOULD NEVER USE PRESSURE to clean your roof....if you have gutter look how many granules are there just from rain. Always hire a NON-PRESSURE Roof Cleaning professional.

[AsktheBuilder]

@Boz2DaG I so wonder when people like you will ever start to read *all* the comments before writing one. Did you bother to do that? Never mind, I know the answer. Heavy Sigh.

[erogoth2]

Pressure cleaning my be an option, but it so much safer to chemical clean a roof. sure i takes 2 people. but its faster and safer.

[Fistar911]

Never ever, ever pressure wash your roof!! Absolutely the worst possible thing you can do to your roof.

The Association of Asphalt Roof Manufactures AARMA tells you the best way to do it.

Always hire a NO PRESSURE roof cleaning professional.

[AsktheBuilder]

@Fistar911 Please read all comments. This was a TEST...... To show what can happen.

[Dancing88Mike]

Great demonstration. I just got finished pressure washing the back portion of my roof. I used a 40 degree tip but it still came out beautifully

[sstrooper93]

Thanks, Tim!

[disalvio99]

helpful!

[thetajeff]

ok but what psi

i've a 4@4000 so i'd have to size the nozzles to around an 8 or a 10? but i usually down chlorine and tsp with a soaper. most of my roofs are concrete tile so i go balls out on them with a surface cleaner. do you know of a good foam recipe for asphalt shingles?

[AsktheBuilder]

@thetajeff The machine in the video was 2,500 psi. I used a 25-degree tip

[AsktheBuilder]

@thetajeff It was a test. All too many folks, including the shingle manufacturers say not to do it. I understand why. Wrong tip used too close WILL blast off granules exposing the asphalt-saturated fiberglass to the destructive forces of UV light.

These shingles were over 20 years old, got intense sun till about 2 p.m. each day and were perfect candidates for such a test. Guess what? No granule loss. Try it yourself one day on an old roof that's about to be replaced.

[cramasaurass]

cool nice 1 m8 thought u had 2 do that will put my mate right

[WindEnergy7]

Cool video, just adding. If there's solar panels or home wind turbines on the roof you should not use chemicals or a pressure washer on them.

[DEK981967]

$th gen painter I agree! I clean for a living and for roofs I go heavy with the chemical and let the white 40* tip do the work!

[AsktheBuilder]

Ooops! What I meant to say is that the shingles were a 15-year warranty shingle when applied to the house in 1986. The video was shot, I'm quite certain, in 2008 or 2007 (time flies!), so the shingles had been exposed to the elements for over 20 years. I believe the audio track says one can easily damage the shingles if they work too closely or use the wrong tip. Remember, this was a TEST video. I knew the roof was being replaced. I wanted to show what really happens with shingles.

[rekkhabusy]

nice video, thanks for your time, i love you tim,

[AsktheBuilder]

Thanks. We try harder, just like Avis.

[ReidWelch]

A great video-instructional. Helped give me the gumption to pressure clean our two story -concrete tile- roof of greasy, black mold. Found the "roto blaster" nozzle worked best. Concrete tiles are not so delicate, at all, as is the usual asphalt shingle roof. Dangerous work, the height but do-able. A safety rope would have been better for myself. Caution? Be sure of yourself, or hire a pro? I could not afford a pro, and don't much trust some "pros" = don't care about breaking tiles, etc.

[krugerhill]

Good Video Tim...

I respect that all the disagreements from "PROs" that work with roofs for a living think its risky. Its also true that they make a living off of work that homeowners arent doing themselves. Hardly an unbiased group of posters. I think its helpful that the identify themselves as experts but remember if theyre making a living off of being the PROs then its understandable that theyd want to keep it that way and not have everyone doing this.

[phuckintubers]

never tried it on a roof, but TSP (the brand ) the salt kills all mold. kinda wonder how it would work.

[Dglsell]

The key issue here Tim is that any pressure washing with any tip at all will VOID the warranty of the roof. If the Homeowner is willing to do that then so be it. But I guarantee there were shingle granules in your gutters when you were finished pressure washing this roof. It is why the roofing companies dont warranty there roofs if you use a pressure washer on them.

[AsktheBuilder]

Thanks for your comment. As I've said in previous responses, this was a *test*. I know it could void the warranty. The problem is the mfrs say it will damage the shingles and if done properly there is no damage. That's the entire point of the video. Remember, the shingles were 15 years old! And you're wrong. Not one granule came off. That was part of the test........ You should try it yourself on a small test roof you can build or on a roof you're getting ready to rip off. You'll see it works.

[6CHRIS6ROWE6]

what the roofing company dosent know wont hurt them!

[CSXer]

Tim-I know you mean well and are trying to be helpful. Using a PW on your shingles can void their warrenty. The ONLY approved method is with a 3-4% chlorine/TSP mixture applied at LOW pressure and rinsed with garden hose type pressure. With the right equipment, a PRO can do this from the ground and not cause damage or void your warrenty. Only chlorine will help keep the mold from returning. Go to the ARMA web site for the correct info...

[AsktheBuilder]

I wish there was a way on YouTube to get people to read all the comments before making one. This video was a *test*. To show that you can use a pressure washer and not damage them. Is it possible to damage them? You bet. Wrong tip, wrong pressure, wrong distance, etc. This was a test.....

[CSXer]

Hi Tim. Yes, I DID read all the comments.

I realize this was a test video. I'm sure you could run circles around me when building a home. But this is a vid that gives false info about a thing that I am a PRO at. (like your deck cleaning vid) I just ask that you please get your info correct before posting a "test" vid that can give my proffesion a black eye. You are mis-leading home owners and opening yourself up to lawsuits. (and giving the PW industry a black eye)

Take care Tim!

[iusethisoneforcrap]

its also a good way to ruin them.

[AsktheBuilder]

You got that right - if you use the wrong tip and get too close. Watch the video again and *please* read all the comments before yours. This was a test video.

[spaceidoit]

sweet!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[hwymadness850]

Thanks Tim for your usefull vidios on pressure washing. I save them and use them as traning vids for my business. Jeff Holmes. Heavy Duty Pressure Washing Co.

[powerwashdragon]

Tim, you are absolutely right . I, as power washing dragon, am in the field everyday and I have cleaned many roofs just like you demonstrated. I am from Long Island NY, and sometimes I have to use roofing cleats cause some of the angles on those roofs really gets crazy. Keep up the good work. Mr Tim Carter I can only hope my videos become that instructional. Aw. powerwashdragon

[AsktheBuilder]

Just start taping. You'll get better. Keep the videos short and just talk about one aspect. Don't try to cover too much ground at once. Thanks for you comment!

[redbulljustice99]

hey tim i suggest using a powerwasher with a lot more pep man will save time

[AsktheBuilder]

And probably blast away the granules....... That's bad jujumagumbo.

[djrappold]

Bad idea. You will fall off your house!

[AsktheBuilder]

I have to disagree. If we all used your advice parts of many houses would never get painted or repainted, siding would never get installed, roof repairs wouldn't get done, chimney sweeping and repairs would cease, etc. You can get up on roofs safely, move about, etc. if you're careful, wear the correct shoes, and use common sense.

[websuspect]

And over grown trees would never get cut down. A healthy Christian attitude helps improve the quality of life but it requires presence of mind to overcome and do jobs successfully.

[super8guy]

I understand this is a test to determine whether a 25' nozzle will damage roof shingles and granted it does not. My concern is that killing the roof algae will eventually open a multitute of microchannels once the algae disintegrates. These channels will permit water to infiltrate and further rot the roof. Tim, what do you think? Have you noticed any leaks develop as the result of killing the roof moss/algae or is it too soon to tell?

[AsktheBuilder]

The test was successful. It didn't open up the roof. The shingles were the same before and after the cleaning except for the loss of the algae. To keep them clean so you never have to be up on the roof ever again, just install copper strips at the top of the roof. Go watch that video of mine here at my channel.

[AsktheBuilder]

No, there are many of us. You know you've made it when you say on a regular basis, ".....see them driven before you and hear the lamentations of their women." :->

[KCOCAEP67]

thought i was the only one who said bad boy,sweet and weapon of choice

[wojtek0000]

you rock Tim!

[AsktheBuilder]

Thanks! Isn't it fascinating how the same video produces radically different responses from people???? :->

[KingThorin]

That was a fine desplay of roof cleaning Tim.

[fcumpassion]

Tim why didn't you use your famous ''Oxygenated bleach'' method to clean the roof rather than use a pressure washer?

[AsktheBuilder]

That is a fantastic question. No offense intended, but if you had taken the time to read all of the other comments tied to this video, you would have had your answer..... I'll be nice and save you the time. This was a myth-busting video. I wanted to see if a pressure washer would damage a standard shingle roof that was 7 years PAST its warranty. The roof was a 15-year shingle. As you can see from the video, the machine didn't blast away any of the granules. Do your own test and tape it for us.

[fcumpassion]

I sensed a little sarcasm when you said ''Do your own test and tape it for us''. I've also noticed you write this quite alot, so being the owner of a surface cleaning company, Blast Away Commercial & Domestic Surface Cleaning, In Manchester, England blast-away (.)co (.)uk ,I am willing to take you up on that and put you in your place, as soon as I have a roof cleaning job come in, I will do a video and post a response.

[AsktheBuilder]

More frustration than sarcasm. YouTube is a *video* platform. Those who make comments about having a better way or claiming something different than what they see in my videos should divert their energy into *proving* it. Prove it with a video. If a person wants to chat using words, then go to a forum or discussion group. This is a video interface.... Actions speak louder than words. Right? Just put your video up on *your* channel. We will all come and find it.

[Tohellwithoursouls]

Cleaning a roof jeez Americans have got too much time on their hands. What is wrong with moss lichens and algae they do not damage roof tiles or slates don't ask this builder come to Britain to learn proper skills including working safely at heights procedure like crawler ladder ropes harness and hard hat.

[uknow303]

Why pressure wash and spend 4 or 5 times the amount of time when its so much safer to use the correct chem mixture?

[birth64]

tim you may know building but you might wanna lay off the powerwashing

[AsktheBuilder]

Thanks for the sentiment. Did you read all the comments to this video before you entered yours? If you had, you would have discovered this video was a test much like the popular TV show MythBusters. Many seem to preach that pressure washers ruin and destroy shingles. This video proved it can be done without damage. If you are one of those who clean professionally, you should do your own test.

[BurmeseBlood]

I've just read all this stupid comments from roof cleaning company. Anyway, great work tim. I rather clean the roof myself than paying my hard earn money to some stupid rip-off roof cleaning compnay.

[AsktheBuilder]

Thanks. Don't be so quick to paint all of the roof cleaners as bad people. There are good ones. But there are ones that don't think things through or test. I am taping a video response myself to this video tomorrow....... Watch for it to be posted. I have some interesting points I am going to try to make.

[FCPWLLC]

When you fall off and break your neck, I hope you try to fix it yourself rather than go to a stupid rip off doctor. 90% of the roofs I clean, I don't even get on. They are all cleaned from the roofs edge on a ladder. No pressure washer is used at all. Safe for contractor, economical for homeowner because less time consuming than Tims Method. How is saving a homeowner money a rip off? Or stupid for that matter?

[AsktheBuilder]

Please explain how you do this without shooting water up under the roofing materials. We all would be interested. Actually, why not tape a video of your method and send it here as a video response. We all want to see how your method works. Please take the time to do great before/after shots way up high away from the gutter line.

[reynatofreolo]

Kudos for you that you are willing to do the work yourself. I respect any consumer that attempts to use their elbow grease instead of mine. But there is a reason why some of contractors are professionals (and not so professional). Consider some people have pitched roofs higher than 8/12 or diffferent materials such as slate. Real contractors should have the adequate tools and knowledge to do the requested work in a timely and safe fashion.

[gschjetne]

I wonder why Americans are so high on asphalt shingles. Glazed or plain clay, or even concrete tiles last longer and look much better!

[evilsinz]

WARNING:

When you use pressure , little rocks WILL fly everywhere. If you step on these, its like standing on ice. Always spray or sweep loose rocks away from where your walking.

Its especially dangerous if you use surface cleaners on roofs as rocks don't wash away as much.

[evilsinz]

Safety First, clean a spot to stand on. Or tie yourself off. Bring a friend. You may fall and need help.

The mold ruins the shingles eventually. If cleaning to preserve it, chemical it. But pressure can be just fine, its a gamble though.

If cleaning for looks, just use light pressure. You can't see light mold from the ground.

I sometimes use surface cleaners on low pressure (using a shut off valve at half).

If its old shingles, use low pressure for heavy mold until chemicals can finish it.

[theguru54]

Tim, I accept your challenge to come clean your roof using my method. If you will pay for my plane ticket, I will happily fly out and show you the PROPER way to clean a roof. ARMA warns against YOUR methods. Tim, you're gonna have to suck it up and admit that you are wrong.

[AsktheBuilder]

Your request is pretty unreasonable. I have to pay for the cost of the videographer and post-production talent. You need to pay your part. As for being wrong, there is no doubt a pressure washer can ruin shingles. I said that in the video. For the life of me, I can't understand the ongoing comments. This was a *test*. My test showed you can clean the shingles with no damage. The video is proof of that. Try it yourself and see. Have you bothered to try it?

[j5jeffw]

I tried on some brand new shingles right off the pallet that my friends at Sykes Roofing let me experiment with these were architect shingles which are higher quality than 3 tab shingles and I did it as a demo board for customers that needed to be informed on the dangers or pressure washing roof, yes I used the 25 degree tip along with the rest there was a loss of 33% of the granules from the 25 degree. For the sake of the roof use Chemicals and call a Lic & Ins professional to apply them...

[AsktheBuilder]

That is not a valid test. New shingles have many lose granules. Where is the proof of your comment? Why didn't you tape a video. We want to see the shingle that had 33 percent of the granules blasted away showing the bare asphalt and fiberglass mat.

[j5jeffw]

theguru54 is right, pressure washing a roof in any way of form with a PRESSURE WASHER!!! Will void any and all warranty on your roof, they recommend it be cleaned using a 12 volt surflo pump or any 12 volt pump and yes you guessed it Chlorine mixed with water at about a 50% mix and applied evenly until the roof is completely clean and rinsed with a water hose GENTLY so you don't have residual dripping on your landscape. 11 years in biz and no complaints or claims. 2109 customers strong to date.

[AsktheBuilder]

Well, I can't wait for the complaints and claims from your future customers about you killing their vegetation and landscaping. Chlorine bleach is a known toxin for vegetation.

[mrchris969]

You mention to stay away from the roof at least 12" but while you are saying this, you get closer than 8". Conflicting information.AND.you did not kill the algae, just remove what is visible and you just showed a lot of people how to use pressure on a roof which all of us Professional Roof Cleaners do not recommend and the ARMA and other shingle manufacturers DO NOT RECOMMEND PRESSURE, just the right cleaning solutions that do not use pressure or brushing of any kind, you should learn how too.

[AsktheBuilder]

Did you take the time to read the other comments? This video was a test. Please read all of the comments. If we employ your logic, then you, as well as all in your industry, would absolutely never use a pressure washer on a surface that is *softer* than ceramic granules that have a hardness of 7 on the Mohs Hardness scale. Yet something tells me you are going to clean decks this week.

[j5jeffw]

I agree with this guy 100% and yes you are only removing the top layer of growth and it will return in a few weeks or months at best, while using a chemical solution will kill the mold that is growing and last for years. It is only common sense to know that using ANY kind of Pressure Washer to clean any roof is foolish and stupid. Even tile pressure washers destroy I have seen the damage it does by my competitors that are no longer cleaning roofs due to lawsuits and customer awarness.

[AsktheBuilder]

I just responded to you above. How can you dispute what is in this video? There was no damage. Sure, if you do it wrong there can be massive damage. You have a YouTube account. Go get a camera, get on your roof and make a video...... Show us at what point the tool starts to damage the roof.

[plainpainter]

Tim, why is it when professionals say with modifications you can safely clean wood with a pressure washer, and disagree vehemently - yet you go ahead and use high pressure on granulated shingles - and call that safe? You are exactly 180 degrees of from the professionals on both fronts.

[AsktheBuilder]

Great question and I have been waiting for it. What is the relative hardness of the ceramic granules compared to the soft spring wood in most decks? Simple........ The water pressure does not damage the granules, but readily tears apart wood fibers. The challenge still is open. If you maintain you can clean wood with your machine without causing harm, come here so I can video tape you doing it in front of impartial judges. I anxiously await your arrival.

[Jnkdog]

Any chance that some tree work is needed to stop the mossing on the roof? None the less, nice clean roof. Would I do it? Nope.

[AsktheBuilder]

Maybe one branch could be trimmed, but that is not the issue. Once again, I used to believe that pressure washers would ruin asphalt shingles. I did not erode granules. It is a matter of using the correct tip, and keeping the tool the right distance away.

[Sharkie626]

Hey Tim, that roof does look good for 20 years old! out of curiosity, how many shingles (if any) have been replaced?

[AsktheBuilder]

I have replaced possibly five shingles in 22 years. It is still in fairly good shape with the shingles mostly brittle. There is virtually no wear at the top of the knockouts - the place where you normally see shingles first start to go bad.

[juanaul]

Never use a pressure washer on a shingled roof! Use a pump with low PSI (60 or less) applying a recommended cleaning solution approved by ARMA and then rinse with a garden hose.

This guy just demolished a roof. If I did this to someone's roof, I'd be sued. Not to mention, he didn't didn't even kill the algae and lichen before removing them.

Horrible advise for someone looking to clean a roof.

[AsktheBuilder]

Juan,

Did you have your speakers on? Did you listen to the audio track? The shingles were NOT destroyed, even though they are over 22 years old. This video was an experiment to show that pressure washers can be used but with Great Care.

[j5jeffw]

Again, I see there are professionals that know what they are doing. Tim needs to learn the proper way to clean and kill algae and mold without killing the roof. ARMA says it is a no no to use high pressure. Here I will give home owners a formula (Pressure Washing + Any kind of roof) x Gypsy Cleaners and Bad Advise = Warranty being void = pissed off homeowner. Solution = Chemically Clean with a 12 volt pump in 1/100th of the time a clean roof for a long time = happy homeowner. there you have it.

[AsktheBuilder]

ACCCCCCKKKKKKK! I beg you to read all of the comments. This was a TEST video to see what the truth is. The pressure washer caused no damage. You can see my proof. Let ARMA show us their video showing the destroyed shingles..... Or perhaps you have a video you can upload showing the damage?

[Sharkie626]

Your amazing Tim, I've never seen such an expert on so many things! :)

[AsktheBuilder]

Thanks! I am sure there must be smarter people out there. I'm just crazy enough to stand in front of a camera. :->

[ka7niq]

I own a Roof Cleaning Company in Tampa.

I WISH I could talk customers into allowing me to Pressure Wash their roof.

I could DOUBLE my income overnight.

The Shingle Manufacturers WARN against this type of cleaning.

This video is a SAD day for the roof cleaning industry.

Better HOPE there is no re incarnation Tim ?

[AsktheBuilder]

You should watch it again. I say you can damage the shingles. This roof is being replaced in a month and it was my intention to do the test as I had nothing to lose. I discovered that if you used the right tip and held it the right distance there is no damage. Remember, the shingles in the video are over 20-years old and brittle! The trick is being careful and watching what is happening.

[Ronaldhino3000]

Asphalt shingles CANNOT be cleaned with high pressure, at least without causing significant damage and granule loss. If you have algae, a water and bleah solution will immediately take care of the problem. It will also kill lichens, but it will take longer. Using a pressure washer on a roof will cause damage and is VERY dangerous. I am used to better videos from you, Builder.

[AsktheBuilder]

Ron,

I taped this video for the EXACT purpose of settling that debate. I also used to swear that the pressure washer would ruin the roof. The shingles I cleaned are 20 years old and with the tool held at the proper distance, there was no damage. If you hold it too close AND use the wrong tip, I agree that you will cause damage. Come over to my house and I will show you the shingles. They are still on the roof!

[jami3r00]

Agreed. If you use the pressure washer safely with the right tip and at the right distance it can save you alot of time.

[mrfoxthedude]

this looks a good way to kill yourself.

One of the greatest causes of accidental death is falling.

This looks like tempting fate.

[fear101loa]

Just a last safety tip.

I would suggest walk your way back not work forward. So your feet are always on the dry surface of the roof.

[nestorrfortuna]

oxiclean work wonders in that case, you just need to spray it on and let it act 30 minutes and hose it down.

no mess no bloody standing on wet roof and no risk of wash it down.

plus it does not take 10 hours

[AsktheBuilder]

I agree that oxygen bleach - the most concentrated one and the brand you name is NOT it - *may* do what you say on light algae on a roof. But it will not touch a heavy buildup as I had in this video. If you think it will, then by gosh let's have a Throwdown here at my house! The roof above where this video was taped has the same moss, lichens and algae on it. Come to my house and let's see you do your magic. The video cameras will be rolling! :->

[bgrimme07]

If it works so great why haven't you done the entire roof? Sorry but there is 75 years of roofing experience in my family and this just isn't a good idea. Just because you can't see the damage doesn't mean you haven't loosend the granuals not to mention that today's modern fiberglass shingles will not handle this well at all. (I know this is for asphalt shingles, but ask the average person to distinguish between the two.)

[AsktheBuilder]

The entire roof didn't need to be cleaned. Only the heavily shaded areas and the north-facing slopes were covered with algae and lichens. If you doubt the facts in this video you have two choices: 1. Come here to see the cleaned shingles for yourself. 2. Do your own test.

I did this experiment as I used to think that ANY pressure washing would ruin asphalt shingles. You can see the proof in the video. The shingles were not damaged. Try this yourself and you will be a believer.