You know how important it is to protect your home from the elements and maintain its appearance. You may be wondering if pressure-washing your shingle roofing is safe. It can be tempting for you to use high-pressure water to blast off dirt and grime, but it is important to know the risks and how to clean your roof safely. This article will explore if you can pressure-wash a shingle roofing system and other methods to maintain the appearance and durability of your roof.
Should You Pressure Wash a Shingle Roof?
Pressure washing can rejuvenate the look of many surfaces. However, using this technique on your shingle roofing could do more harm than good. Asphalt-based shingles, in particular, have granules to protect them from UV rays. Pressure washing can cause these granules to be damaged, leading to a roof that is more susceptible to leaks and rapid degradation.
The forceful stream of the water can also dislodge or lift the shingles, causing water damage to your home or leaks. It’s best to use alternative methods of cleaning or consult with a professional prior to high-pressure washing your shingle roof.
What Are the Dangers of Pressure Washing Your Shingle Roof?
The top three dangers associated with pressure washing shingle roofing include a reduction in the life expectancy of roof tiles and a voiding of the roof manufacturer’s guarantee. It can also cause water damage.
Roof Tiles Will Have a Shorter Lifespan
Pressure washing can accelerate the aging of shingles. Water blasted under high pressure can cause the granules that protect shingles from UV rays to be dislodged. These granules help reflect the sun’s UV rays and keep the roof tiles from becoming brittle.
Pressure washing can also dislodge shingles. This is especially dangerous if you have a roof that already shows signs of wear. You don’t want to add more stress to a roof that is already weak.
You May Be Voiding Your Roof Manufacturer’s Warranty
Many roof manufacturers provide detailed instructions on how to maintain and care for their products. These instructions often state explicitly that pressure washing should not be done. You could potentially void the warranty of your roof manufacturer if you pressure wash it.
If something happens to your roof in the future, you may be responsible for the entire cost of repair or replacement. It is particularly true if you have caused damage to your roof by pressure-washing, because the manufacturer may claim that you did not follow the recommended maintenance procedure.
Water Infiltration
Water can enter your roof through the seams or crevices when you pressure wash. This is true, especially for older roofs, which may have weaknesses. It also applies to roofs with low slopes, as they do not shed the water as well as steeper ones. If water penetrates beneath the shingles of your roof, it can cause mold, wood rot, and damage to your insulation. It can affect the structural integrity and energy efficiency of your home.
Safety Concerns
It can be dangerous to pressure wash a roof. Working at heights on slippery surfaces and using high-pressure equipment are all dangerous. Without proper safety equipment and training, homeowners who pressure wash their roofs are at risk of serious injury.
This post was written by a professional at A Buff & Beyond Pressure Washing. With A Buff & Beyond Pressure Washing in Port Saint Lucie, FL, you can get your home looking as good as new. A Buff & Beyond Pressure Washing provides the highest-rated and best quality pressure washing services in the area and can help your beautiful home beat the chaotic Florida elements. Services offered by A Buff and Beyond include house washing, paver sealing, and roof cleaning. A Buff & Beyond Pressure Washing wants to wash and beautify your home as much as you do, and when you call A Buff & Beyond, there is no robot or machine. Instead, customers get a fast and honest quote, years of expertise, a safety-conscious team, and are always on time. So when you need roof cleaning, paver seal, or pressure washing service to restore your home, contact A Buff and Beyond today to get started.
