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The Daily Insight

Is Wet and Forget safe for asphalt shingles

Author

Isabella Wilson

Published Mar 02, 2026

Wet & Forget contains no hazardous bleach or acidic chemicals so it won’t harm your roof’s shingles.

What is the best way to clean asphalt shingles?

of laundry strength liquid chlorine bleach and water. This is the best way to clean a roof if you have asphalt shingles. After spraying the roof with the mixture, allow it to sit on the surface for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with clean water.

Does wet and forget work?

Compared to other products on the market, Wet and Forget offers a highly effective and convenient solution to removing unsightly stains. In our experience, this product works slowly but steadily and you may have to respray after a month or so if your stains are especially stubborn.

Can you put roof coating on shingles?

However, ARMA strongly advises against the application of any type of field-applied coating over installed asphalt shingles. There are many types and formulations of roof coatings, so it is always important to consult the shingle manufacturer before proceeding with any type of coating.

Should I clean my roof shingles?

In addition to unnecessary wear and tear on your roof tiles from the weather, the number one concern that you should have if you don’t regularly clean your asphalt shingle roof is moss growth. As moss thickens and continues to grow on your roof over time, it can actually raise up the singles in an unnatural way.

How do you clean algae off asphalt shingles?

The most effective method of cleaning algae and moss from a roof is with a 50:50 mix of laundry strength liquid chlorine bleach and water. Apply with a sprayer and allow the solution to dwell on the roof surface for 15 to 20 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly with low pressure water.

Will bleach damage asphalt shingles?

If applied with an appropriate water-bleach ratio, then bleach will definitely not damage your asphalt shingles. … Spray a solution of 50% Bleach and 50% Water all over the roof. By the time you’re done spraying down the roof, you can start softwashing immediately, this doesn’t take long for the bleach to work.

Can you use Thompson's Water Seal on asphalt shingles?

Yes, definitely not. It’s not a water proofer, it’s a sealer. Thompson sells a roof seal product that is water based.

How do you protect asphalt shingles?

Armor Shingle Roof Protective Coating. Stop your asphalt shingle roof leaks! Armor Shingle Roof Coating is the best one part sealer that penetrates and forms a protective roof coating that extends the life of old asphalt roof shingles. Saving your old asphalt shingled roof doesn’t get any easier or better than this!

What are asphalt shingles coated with?

A fine mineral powder is mixed with the asphalt to increase weather resistance and enable the installed shingle layer to meet the highest standards for resistance to fire hazards. The mineral-fortified asphalt “coating” is applied to the fiberglass mat on top and bottom.

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Do you have to rinse wet and forget?

Do not spray Wet & Forget directly onto plants. Protect landscaping from overspray by rinsing with water before and after application or covering them during application. … Wet & Forget has an unlimited shelf life. It’s bleach-free and non-acidic.

How long does it take for wet and forget to work?

How long will Wet & Forget Outdoor take to work? It depends on the type of growth and the intensity of the contamination. If it’s a new growth or a small amount of staining you can see results within days. Otherwise, it may take 2-3 months to see improvement.

What is the main ingredient in wet and forget?

Wet & Forget® Products The active ingredient is Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, which is 9.9% of the product. This ingredient is also known as Benzalkonium chloride, and it is one of the active ingredients in Clorox wipes.

How toxic is wet and forget?

Toxic. Using the Wet and Forget outdoor formula indoors is ill-advised unless you have a respirator with a fresh air tank. … Wet and Forget Moss, Mold, Mildew and Algae Stain Remover is highly corrosive, so applying it in windy weather can result in some big issues if it falls on your skin or in your eyes.

Does wet and forget contain bleach?

Wet & Forget is non-acidic and contains no bleach; therefore it can be used on ANY outdoor surface material. Some of the more popular surfaces include: Roofs, Siding, Decks, Walkways, Driveways, Brick, RVs, and Boats.

Is Wet and Forget safe for concrete?

Wet & Forget Outdoor is safe to use on just about any outdoor surface, including concrete walls, patios, steps, driveways, sidewalks and pavers. Plus, Wet & Forget won’t bleach your clothes or kill your lawn, either.

Why are my roof shingles turning black?

Answer. Those black streaks on your roof shingles are most likely an algae called gloeocapsa magma, or as it is more commonly referred to, a blue-green or black algae. Algae is a solid deposit of spores and dirt, another form of mold. … Do NOT pressure wash your roof; one wrong angle and you can damage the shingles.

Is soft washing a roof safe?

Soft washing is the only way to effectively remove this algae without damaging the shingles and voiding any warranty. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association recommends low-pressure bleach or detergent assisted washing as the preferred method for cleaning asphalt roofs in order to prevent damage to the shingles.

Why do roofs get black streaks?

What Makes the Streaks? The black streaks running down roofs are actually a hardy algae called Gloeocapsa magma. As the blue-green algae accumulate, they develop a dark, hardened outer coating, which results in the black stains you see. The algae feed on the limestone in shingles.

Is moss bad for asphalt shingles?

Moss growth can create several problems on shingle roofs. While a small layer of thin moss isn’t too troublesome, large clumps of moss can degrade shingles, get beneath them and create opportunities for leaks.

Does chlorine hurt roof shingles?

Chlorine bleach / TSP chemical combination can kill plants, and the phosphates hurt the environment. Chlorine bleach also dries out a shingle roof causing curling, and ultimately shortening asphalt roof shingles life.

What is the best chemical to clean a roof?

Experts agree that sodium hydroxide is the product of choice for homeowners who want to clean their concrete, tile, and the materials of their slate roof. Another chemical solution that can be used for cleaning your roof is sodium hypochlorite. This substance turns into salt when all traces of water have evaporated.

How do you remove mildew from asphalt shingles?

While wearing protective rubber gloves and a breathing mask, carefully pour ¼-part chlorine bleach into a clean bucket with ¾-part water. Next, put a tablespoon of trisodium phosphate to the bleach solution. Pour the bleach solution into a pump sprayer. Generous spray the moldy roof shingles with the solution.

Can you pressure wash a shingle roof?

NEVER aim your pressure washer up the roof, as it can push water under the shingles. Spraying water under your shingles can both tear off the shingles and force water under them and into your home. … You shouldn’t have to pressure wash your roof any more than once every year or two at most.

What can I use to seal shingle roof?

Press the shingle on top of the crack, and seal it with a bead of silicone. Separations between shingles and flashing or mortar can be sealed with a bead of silicone caulk pushed into and covering the separation.

Can you use flex seal over shingles?

It may work as a temporary solution, depending on your roof type. However on every type of roof it will void any warranties you have, and it will actually cause premature rotting on the majority of roof types. In other words, Flex Seal does more damage long-term then good.

Why are asphalt shingles waterproof?

Asphalt shingles are entirely waterproof due to their composition. These shingles don’t absorb water and are impervious to it. … These shingles (or “shakes”) are not very common in this part of the country but occasionally people like the look of them and want them on a house.

What is the best paint for asphalt shingles?

Asphalt roof shingles can be painted using exterior acrylic paint. They don’t require much preparation before painting, and a coat of paint will improve your roof’s look. It’s more environmentally friendly to paint your roof instead of replacing it, and painting shingles allows you to customize your home.

Are asphalt shingles toxic?

No, modern day shingles are not toxic. However, if you roof was installed with shingles made before 1989 then it may contain asbestos which is classified as a carcinogen that must be handled as a hazardous material.

Can I paint asphalt shingles?

Can You Paint Asphalt Shingles? You can absolutely paint roof shingles! However, many professionals recommend against it; consequently, you need to think about what exactly you want to accomplish while taking the current state of your roof into account.

How do you make homemade wet and forget?

of dish detergent, 2 cups of bleach and 1 cup of alcohol into a 5-gallon bucket. Add 1 gallon of water. Stir the mixture until everything is incorporated.