Roofing

Diluted sodium hypochlorite is the standard, manufacturer-endorsed cleaning agent for asphalt shingles, provided it’s mixed and rinsed correctly.

Power washing adds heat on top of high pressure, which makes it a poor fit for asphalt shingles even compared to standard pressure washing.

Technically possible, but pressure washing strips the granule coating off asphalt shingles and can void the manufacturer’s warranty outright.

Soft washing with a diluted sodium hypochlorite solution and a garden hose rinse is the method roofing manufacturers actually recommend for asphalt shingles.

Asphalt shingles typically need cleaning every one to three years, but tree cover, climate, and visible algae growth can shorten that window significantly.

Ceiling stains and attic smells are usually the first sign of water damage, often appearing well before the roof surface shows anything.

A post-storm check has a specific order: safety first, then a ground survey, then the attic, with photos at every step for insurance purposes.

A thorough inspection covers the shingle surface, the flashing, the gutters, the decking, and the attic, since each reveals different problems.

A pair of binoculars and a slow walk around the house catches most visible roof problems, though not the ones hiding under the surface.

Most roofs need a professional look twice a year, but age, material, and weather can push that number in either direction.