Stop! Put the Pressure Washer Down.
Spring has arrived in Peoria. The snow has melted, the flowers are blooming, and you finally looked up at your roof and noticed… it’s dirty. Whether it’s ugly black streaks or fuzzy green patches, a dirty roof ruins your curb appeal.
Your natural instinct might be to grab the pressure washer and blast it clean. Please don’t. Using high pressure on asphalt shingles is the fastest way to void your warranty and ruin your roof. It strips away the protective granules that shield your home from the sun.
Here are the professional roof cleaning tips you need to get your home sparkling for 2026 without causing damage.
1. Know Your Enemy: Algae vs. Moss
Before you clean, you need to know what is growing up there.
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Black Streaks (Gloeocapsa Magma): This isn’t dirt; it’s a bacteria that eats the limestone filler in your shingles. It creates those ugly black lines that look like soot.
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Green Clumps (Moss): This is actual vegetation. Moss is dangerous because it grows under the edges of your shingles, lifting them up and allowing water to leak inside.
2. The “Soft Wash” Method (The Only Safe Way)
According to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA), the only safe way to clean a roof is with a chemical solution, not mechanical pressure.
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The Recipe: Use a mixture of 50% laundry bleach and 50% water.
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The Application: Apply it gently with a garden sprayer (low pressure).
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The Wait: Let the solution sit on the roof for 15-20 minutes. You will see the algae turn white or brown as it dies.
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The Rinse: Rinse gently with a garden hose. Do not scrub. The dead moss will eventually loosen and fall off with the next few rainstorms.
3. Clear the “Spring Debris”
In Central Illinois, our trees drop “helicopters” (maple seeds) and oak tassels by the millions in spring.
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The Task: If these pile up in your roof valleys or behind your chimney, they act like a sponge, holding moisture against your shingles.
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The Tool: Use a leaf blower to gently clear the debris. Avoid using rakes, which can snag and tear shingle tabs.
4. Trim the Shade
Moss loves two things: moisture and shade. If you have massive tree branches hanging over your roof, you are creating a perfect nursery for moss growth.
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The Fix: Trim back any branches that are blocking sunlight to your roof. UV rays are a natural moss killer.
5. Check the Gutters (Again)
You probably cleaned them in the fall, but winter storms blow debris around.
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The Flush: After clearing the leaves, run a hose down your gutters to make sure the downspouts aren’t frozen or clogged. If the water backs up, it can rot your roof decking.
Too Steep? Call the Pros.
Roof cleaning is slippery business. Wet algae is like ice. If you aren’t comfortable walking on your roof, don’t risk a fall.
At SNS Roofing, we offer comprehensive maintenance packages. We can inspect your roof, clear the debris, and advise on the best way to treat stains safely.
Get your home ready for summer. Contact SNS Roofing today to schedule your spring roof tune-up.
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