Cleaning exterior shingles typically involves a gentle approach using appropriate solutions and tools to remove dirt, mold, mildew, and algae without causing damage. The specific method often depends on the type of shingle material.
Understanding Your Shingle Type
Before you begin, identify the material of your exterior shingles, as this will dictate the safest and most effective cleaning solution. Common types include:
- Cedar (Wood) Shingles: These require careful cleaning to prevent damage or discoloration.
- Asphalt Shingles (Siding): While more common on roofs, asphalt can also be used for exterior siding.
- Fiber Cement Shingles: Durable and low-maintenance, but still benefit from cleaning.
- Vinyl Shingles: Easy to clean and resistant to most cleaning agents.
Effective Cleaning Solutions and Methods
A common and effective approach for many types of exterior shingles, particularly wood, involves a mild bleach solution.
Bleach-Based Cleaning for Durable Shingles (e.g., Cedar)
For cedar and other durable shingles, a solution of bleach and water can effectively remove organic growth like mold and mildew.
Solution Preparation:
- Mix one part bleach with three parts water. This creates a powerful yet safe cleaning agent for many shingle types.
Application Steps:
- Protect Surroundings: Before applying any solution, wet down nearby plants, shrubs, and grass with plain water to protect them from potential overspray. Cover delicate plants with tarps.
- Apply Solution: Use a pump sprayer to apply the bleach solution evenly over the shingle surface. Start from the bottom and work your way up to avoid streaking.
- Dwell Time: Allow the solution to sit for approximately 15 minutes. This gives the bleach time to kill algae, mold, and mildew. Do not let the solution dry on the shingles.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the shingles completely with a garden hose. It is crucial to point the hose downward during rinsing. This prevents water from being forced up behind the shingles, which can lead to moisture issues and damage to the underlying structure.
- Re-wet Plants: After rinsing the shingles, re-wet any nearby plants to wash away residual cleaning solution.
Alternative Cleaning Solutions for Various Shingles
| Shingle Type | Common Stains | Recommended Cleaning Solution | Application Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar/Wood | Mold, mildew, dirt | - Mild bleach solution (1 part bleach: 3 parts water) - Oxygen bleach cleaner (e.g., OxiClean diluted as per product instructions) - Commercial wood cleaner |
Pump sprayer, soft-bristle brush, garden hose rinse |
| Asphalt/Fiber Cement | Algae, dirt, moss | - Commercial exterior cleaner - Mild detergent (e.g., dish soap) mixed with water - For tough stains, a gentle bleach solution (1:3 bleach to water) applied sparingly |
Pump sprayer, soft brush, low-pressure garden hose or power washer (on lowest setting, at a distance) |
| Vinyl | Dirt, grime, general stains | - All-purpose household cleaner - Mild soap (dish soap) and water solution - White vinegar and water (50/50 mix) for mildew - Commercial vinyl siding cleaner |
Bucket and soft-bristle brush, garden hose or low-pressure power washer |
Note: Always test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of your shingles first to ensure it doesn't cause discoloration or damage.
Essential Tools and Equipment
Having the right tools makes the cleaning process much easier and safer:
- Pump Sprayer: Ideal for evenly applying cleaning solutions.
- Garden Hose with Nozzle: Essential for thorough rinsing.
- Soft-Bristle Brush: For scrubbing stubborn spots, if needed.
- Bucket: For mixing solutions.
- Safety Glasses: To protect your eyes from splashes.
- Rubber Gloves: To protect your hands from cleaning chemicals.
- Ladder or Extension Pole: For reaching higher areas safely.
- Drop Cloths or Tarps: To protect landscaping.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
- Inspect and Prepare: Walk around your home to assess the condition of the shingles and identify heavily soiled areas. Move furniture, grills, and other items away from the cleaning zone. Protect plants as mentioned above.
- Mix Your Solution: Based on your shingle type, prepare the appropriate cleaning solution in a pump sprayer or bucket.
- Apply to a Section: Work in small sections to ensure the solution doesn't dry before rinsing. Apply the cleaning solution from the bottom of the section upwards.
- Let it Dwell: Allow the solution to sit for the recommended time (e.g., 15 minutes for a bleach solution).
- Gentle Scrub (Optional): For stubborn areas, gently scrub with a soft-bristle brush. Avoid harsh scrubbing, especially on wood shingles.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the cleaned section from top to bottom with your garden hose, ensuring the water stream is directed downward to prevent moisture intrusion behind the shingles. Overlap your rinsing slightly into the next section you plan to clean.
- Repeat: Continue this process section by section until all shingles are clean.
Important Considerations
- Avoid High-Pressure Washing: While tempting, high-pressure washers can damage many types of shingles, especially wood, by forcing water into seams or eroding the surface. If you must use one, use the lowest pressure setting and keep the nozzle at a safe distance.
- Work on an Overcast Day: Cleaning on a cloudy day prevents the cleaning solution from drying too quickly, allowing it to work more effectively and reducing the risk of streaking.
- Safety First: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like safety glasses and gloves. Ensure good ventilation if working in enclosed spaces near the shingles.
- Regular Maintenance: Cleaning your exterior shingles every 1-2 years can prevent severe buildup and extend their lifespan, keeping your home looking its best.
By following these guidelines and choosing the right method for your specific shingle material, you can effectively clean your exterior shingles and maintain your home's curb appeal.
