Removing Stains From Wood Shingles

Wood shingles can make your house's roof look beautiful and natural. These shingles not only look elegant but also offer great protection for your roof. Although there are several choices when it comes to roof shingles, wood ones are a good choice and can last for many years.

Of course, wooden shingles have their share of problems. Like all kinds of shingles, they will eventually have to be replaced. You can also be sure that at one point or another, your shingles will probably become stained, dirty, or mossy. Common problems that cause stains on the roof are algae and mold, and moss can grow on your roof in climates that are moister. If your wood shingles look stained and ugly, it doesn't mean that you necessarily need to replace your roof shingles. In fact, there are easy ways that you can clean these shingles on your own. Even older shingles can usually be revitalized and given new life through cleaning and maintenance, and this is definitely preferable over replacing the entire roof, which can be quite costly.

Here are some ways that you can clean your wood shingles:

• One effective way to clean your roof is to use a cleaning solution that you will spray on the roof to remove stains. Use 3 ounces trisodium phosphate (found in hardware stores), 1 ounce of laundry detergent, and 1 quart of liquid bleach (5% sodium hypochlorite). Mix these with 3 quarts of warm water in a garden sprayer. Spray the surface of your roof and let sit for 15-30 minutes, making sure that you don't wait more than 30 minutes. Rinse the roof with a hose. You may also be able to find cleaner that is made specifically for roof cleaning. If you use one of these cleaners, follow the instructions that come with it carefully to ensure your roof is not damaged.
• If you are having trouble with moss, a growth which can be damaging and unsightly, you may need to try a pressure washer to forcefully spray the moss away. Be careful with this method, though: if the roof shingles are old and fragile, they could get sprayed away or damaged. Only try this on roof shingles that are newer and stronger. You can also try sweeping or brushing away the moss, but keep the same things in mind as you would with pressure washing when it comes to old shingles.

Of course, always remember to take proper safety precautions when cleaning your roof. Wear a safety harness if needed to prevent slipping, and be certain that the ladder you use to climb onto the roof is secure and extends at least 3 feet about the roof. It should be tied to further secure it.