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What Happens When You Power Wash Shingles

It’s never a good idea to power wash your roof. First and foremost, it’s incredibly dangerous to you. Walking on a slick, steep slope roof with a powerful tool in hand is a recipe for injury. But it’s also likely to do more harm than good to your roof as well. Here’s how:

Granule loss: the protective granules embedded in asphalt shingles are what shield them from UV rays and weather. The high pressure of the pressure washer strips them away, which can make them age faster.

Shingle breakage and cracking: older or already-weathered shingles are brittle; the added pressure can crack, split, or blow them away entirely.

Voided manufacturer warranty: many shingle manufacturers explicitly exclude damage from pressure washing, so don’t take any chances of losing a valuable warranty.

Water penetration to roof decking: a power washer has the ability to raise shingles up when the spray is pointed at the right angle. When that happens, water can penetrate to the underlayment and even to the roof decking, leading to rot, mold and eventually structural damage.

Power Washing Fascia, Gutters and Soffits

It’s also tempting to power wash the fascia, gutters and soffit on the outside of your house, as they can tend to get mildewed, especially in highly shaded areas or on the north side of your home. There are some ways to do this safely but keep these points in mind.

Upward spray under shingles: angling the wand upward forces water past the shingle’s overlap. As mentioned above, this can penetrate to the roof deck, causing much bigger and long-term damage.

Shingle lifting and loosening: the force can break the seal strip between shingles, leaving them vulnerable to strong wind lift afterward.

Gutter loosening: the force of a power washer may loosen or even detach gutters from the fascia or your home, or downspouts from their connection points. When gutters are not in place, they don’t move water away from your home correctly, which can lead to water damage along your foundation.

Soffit penetration: water driven into soffits can reach attic insulation, causing moisture buildup and mold growth inside the home.

What Should You Do Instead?

You want your home to look beautiful and protect it from long-term staining and damage, but there are right ways and wrong ways to do that. Here are a few ideas that are safer but still effective.

Soft washing: consider a low-pressure application of a biocide or cleaning solution designed specifically for roofs. These often attach to regular water hoses and can kill algae and mildew without physical force.

Professional gutter cleaning: Hire a local professional to manually clean your gutters with professional tools and leave the ladder climbing to them.

Annual professional roof inspection: catch buildup and early damage before it becomes a bigger problem. Call your local roofing professional if you have any concerns about roof aging, damage or maintenance. They will know what to look for and also how to identify and deal with it safely.

Algae-resistant shingles: there are some roofing materials now that have built-in algae resistance. Talk to your roofing contractor about these options if you’re considering a roof replacement. This is a particularly good choice for homeowners in the Hampton Roads region, which sees wet, humid weather year-round.

Take the Pressure Off Yourself

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. Don’t let a DIY weekend compromise it, costing you money or even your safety. At Andrews Roofing we know all the telltale signs of roof damage – whether it was caused by you, the weather, age or previous owners. Contact us today if you have any concerns about your roof’s condition; we’d be happy to help point you in the right direction, while taking the pressure off you.

For property owners of warehouses, manufacturing facilities, or other industrial structures, the roof of your building isn’t just literal overhead, it’s one of the most critical components of the entire building.

Its success or failure can massively impact operations and profitability. And for the flat or low-slope roofs that dominate industrial construction, the material you choose matters enormously. Two of the most popular options – TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) – are all single-ply membrane systems, which is exactly why they’re so commonly confused. While they may look similar on the surface, they perform differently depending on your building’s environment, purpose and your priorities as a property owner. If you’re having a roof installed or replaced on an industrial structure, here’s what you need to know about these different membrane materials.

TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)

TPO is one of the most widely installed low-slope membrane systems in the country, and for good reason. It’s a single-ply white reflective membrane that’s heat-welded at the seams, creating a watertight bond.

Benefits: TPO’s biggest selling point for industrial clients is its energy efficiency. The white reflective surface deflects UV rays and reduces cooling costs, which is a real advantage for large industrial buildings with significant roof square footage. It holds up well against punctures, tears, and impact, and the heat-welded seams are highly resistant to leaks over time. It’s also one of the more cost-effective options up front, making it a good value for large-scale projects.

Challenges: TPO is a relatively newer material compared to EPDM, so there’s less performance data, and the quality can vary between manufacturers. The key to using TPO is working with a contractor who sources from reputable brands and is familiar with the product.

Best for: Buildings where energy efficiency is a priority with large roof areas that are exposed to sunlight. Projects where budget and performance need to be balanced. It’s an excellent all-around choice for warehouses and distribution centers in climates like Hampton Roads where summer heat is a real factor.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

Like TPO, PVC membranes have a white reflective surface and heat-welded seams, but they offer the additional advantage of being chemical resistant. PVC has been used in industrial roofing since the 1960s and continues to be a popular option because of its performance in specific demanding environments.

Benefits: PVC’s resistance to chemicals, grease, animal fats, and industrial oils sets it apart from TPO. The heat-welded seams are as strong as TPO’s and like TPO, the white reflective surface helps manage heat and energy usage. PVC is also highly fire-resistant, which matters a lot in certain industrial settings.

Challenges: PVC carries a higher price point than TPO. Due to its formula, certain chemicals can leach out of the membrane over time, which will often cause it to become brittle if it’s not a high quality product. It can also be more sensitive to certain adhesives and solvents during installation.

Best for: Food processing facilities, restaurants, manufacturing plants that handle oils or chemicals, and any industrial application where roof exposure to chemical runoff or grease-laden exhaust is a real possibility. If your facility vents cooking oils, industrial solvents, or other chemical byproducts anywhere near the roof, PVC should be at the top of your list.

So How Do You Choose?

The honest answer both are good, solid systems when properly installed. The right choice depends on your specific building and how it’s used.

Choose TPO when energy efficiency, budget, and general performance are your priorities.
Choose PVC when your facility is exposed to chemicals, grease, or industrial byproducts that would compromise other membrane materials.

Andrews Roofing Can Help

At Andrews Roofing, we’ve been installing all three systems across industrial facilities in Hampton Roads for decades, and we’re happy to walk through which material makes the most sense for your facility, budget and priorities. Contact us for an estimate or inspection for a straight answer on what will deliver the best long-term return on your investment.