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YahooCleaning a roof is often necessary because of the growth of algae and mildew on roofs in many areas. The way to clean a roof of these substances largely depends on what the roof is made of.
Cleaning a roof yourself requires the right equipment, including a sturdy ladder and the right roof cleaning product for your roof type. Start out by making sure that your ladder is strong and has no damage that could result in an injury. Use the ladder to inspect the roof to discover how much material there is to clean from the roof. This will determine how much roof cleaning product you need.
If your roof is made with asphalt shingles, the roof mildew cleaning process requires only a solution of water and chlorine bleach to kill the mildew. Even a weak solution of bleach and water will kill roof mildew and algae, but it can be toxic to the plants growing around the home as well as to any pets that are kept outdoors. Consider covering nearby plants while you clean the roof.
Use a pressure washer filled with water to clean the roof if you fear for the health of plants and animals around the house. If not, a water and bleach solution can be sprayed with a pressure washer. Another method is to use either water or bleach and water in a garden sprayer.
Once the water or solution has been sprayed on the roof, it should be left to work on the mildew or algae for about 15 minutes. After that time, scrub each area that needs cleaning with a broom, sponge mop or long-handled scrub brush. If this roof mildew cleaning method doesn't work the first time, repeat the process until the mildew or algae loosens up. Spray the loosened material with a pressure washer or garden sprayer to wash it away from the roof.
