How do you get bird poop off roof shingles?

Bird droppings on roof shingles is a common nuisance for many homeowners. Not only are they unsightly, but the acidic nature of bird poop can also eat away at shingles over time, weakening the roof structure. Removing bird droppings quickly and safely is important to protect your roof’s integrity.

There are a few methods for removing bird poop from shingles that range from simple to more intensive. The best approach depends on factors like the amount of droppings, roof pitch and accessibility, shingle material, and your comfort level working at heights. With some basic supplies, time and care, you can get those shingles looking clean again.

How to Remove Small Amounts of Bird Poop

If you just have a few droppings here and there, removing them is fairly straightforward:

• Use a stiff bristle brush and bucket of warm, soapy water to scrub away the poop. Avoid abrasive brushes that could damage the shingles.
• Rinse the area with clean water from a garden hose or bucket to wash away any soapy residue.
• Let the shingles fully dry before assessing if any stains remain. Apply a 50/50 vinegar and water solution to help lift stains.
• Rinse again with clean water and let dry completely.

This simple cleaning method should suffice for small amounts of droppings. The warm water and mild detergent help dissolve and loosen the poop while the scrub brush provides gentle abrasion to remove it without damaging shingles.

Removing Moderate Bird Poop Buildup

If you have a moderate amount of droppings across several shingles, a slightly more thorough approach may be needed:

1. Use a garden hose to spray the affected area and loosen the poop buildup.
2. Mix a stronger detergent solution of 1 cup detergent per 1 gallon of warm water.
3. Use a soft bristle scrub brush dipped in the solution to scrub shingles. Wear rubber gloves for hand protection.
4. Rinse scrubbed area with clean water.
5. Inspect shingles and repeat scrubbing if needed. Let dry.
6. Apply 50/50 vinegar solution to any remaining stains. Rinse and dry completely.

The initial hose spray helps soften the poop while the stronger detergent solution offers increased cleaning power. The soft brush prevents shingle damage while removing droppings. Letting the roof dry completely prevents detergent streaking or buildup.

Removing Heavy Bird Poop Buildup

For roofs with heavy droppings accumulation, even more extensive cleaning is required:

1. Use a garden hose on jet setting to thoroughly pre-soak the affected area and loosen crusted poop.
2. Mix a heavy duty detergent solution of 1 cup detergent, 1 cup bleach and 1 gallon of warm water. The bleach helps dissolve tough stains.
3. Apply the solution liberally to the stained area using a spray bottle. Let sit for 15 minutes.
4. Scrub with a stiff bristle brush to break up stubborn poop while wearing rubber gloves.
5. Rinse cleaned area thoroughly with a strong jet of water from the hose.
6. Check for any remaining droppings and repeat scrubbing as needed. Let dry completely.
7. Use 50/50 vinegar solution or straight vinegar to lift difficult stains. Rinse and dry fully.

This intense cleaning routine and strong detergent/bleach solution help tackle layers of built-up bird droppings that have accumulated over time. The stiff scrub brush provides extra abrasion to remove the poop without damaging shingles. Completely rinsing the roof prevents detergent residue buildup.

Tips for Safely Removing Bird Poop from Shingles

When cleaning roof shingles, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Use caution when working at heights on a ladder or roof.
• Wear protective goggles and rubber gloves, especially when using bleach solutions.
• Clean on a mild, dry day without strong sun to avoid skin burns.
• If using a pressure washer, use the lowest pressure setting and keep nozzle at least 2 feet from roof.
• Sweep any loose granules back over the shingle surface to maintain weatherproofing.
• Rinse roof thoroughly with plain water after cleaning.
• Hire a professional roofer for steep, slippery roofs or heavy poop buildup.

Proper safety precautions will ensure the roof gets cleaned without injury or excessive roof wear. For challenging DIY shingle cleaning, calling a pro roofer is a smart option.

Cleaning Different Types of Roof Shingles

The cleaning process for removing bird droppings needs to be adjusted based on the specific roof shingle material so as not to cause damage:

Asphalt Shingles

The most common roof shingle type. Scrubbing with a soft bristle brush and rinsing thoroughly works well. Avoid harsh chemicals.

Wood Shingles

Use minimal scrubbing and a weaker detergent solution. Strong scrubbing can damage the shingle surface.

Slate or Concrete Shingles

Durable materials that can handle stiffer brush scrubbing. Use caution with pressure washers.

Metal Shingles

Soft brush only and avoid strong chemicals. Rinse thoroughly. Some metal roofs may require a pro.

Composite Shingles

Scrub gently with a soft brush. Avoid abrasive brushes. Rinse completely with plain water.

Test cleaning solutions on a small area first when uncertain about a specific shingle material. Harsher methods can sometimes damage shingles.

Using Bird Repellent Products

The best way to keep roof shingles free of bird poop is to discourage birds from roosting there in the first place. There are several types of bird repellent products:

• Bird Spikes: Rows of stainless steel spikes attached to roof edges that discourage birds from landing.
• Bird Wire: Stainless steel wire strung tightly over roof spaces to block birds from roosting.
• Bird Gel: Clear gel that makes roosting spaces uncomfortable applied in rows along the roofline.
• Ultrasonic & Laser Devices: Devices that emit signals to scare and repel birds from the area.

Using humane bird deterrents can greatly reduce the need for frequent roof cleaning and prevent shingle damage from excessive bird droppings. However, some poop accumulation will still naturally occur seasonally.

When to Call a Professional Roofer

While many homeowners can handle minor bird poop cleaning themselves, it’s smart to call in a professional roofer for:

• Multi-story roofs that are difficult to access safely.
• Steep, slippery roofs where falling is a danger.
• Heavy poop accumulation that has significantly damaged shingles.
• Cleaning around complex roof structures and vents.
• Operating pressure washers at effective settings without roof damage.

Professional roofers have expertise in safely maneuvering roofs, properly cleaning all shingle surfaces, and using specialized equipment like lifts and pressure washers. They can provide a deep clean without you risking injury or shingle damage.

For heavily soiled roofs with significant poop buildup and staining that requires intensive cleaning, hiring a pro is the best option. Trying to DIY clean very dirty roofs can be challenging.

Costs of Professional Roof Cleaning

If you do decide to hire a professional roofer for bird poop cleaning services, here are typical average costs:

Costs vary based on roof size, pitch, how much bird poop needs removal, and your location. Get an inspection and quote from roofers before proceeding. A professionally cleaned roof can last years before needing more extensive cleaning again.

Preventing Bird Poop Buildup

To minimize roof cleaning and prevent major bird poop accumulation, implement these deterrents:

• Install roof vent covers, caps and screens to block roosting spaces.
• Attach bird spikes, wires or gel repellents to ledges, peaks and overhangs.
• Use owl decoys or flashing lights to scare birds away.
• Remove nearby trees and shrubs that provide bird habitat.
• Use mild cannons or alarms triggered by motion sensors.
• Keep overhanging tree branches trimmed back from the roof.

Combining several humane bird deterrents rather than relying on just one option works best to make roofs less welcoming to birds. This can significantly reduce the need for frequent droppings removal.

Conclusion

While no roof is completely immune from some degree of bird poop, diligent cleaning and bird deterrents can minimize staining and shingle damage. For light poop amounts, DIY cleaning with basic supplies is often adequate. Heavier poop accumulation may require calling in a professional roofer for safe and effective cleaning. Implementing bird repellents is key to reducing long-term poop buildup. With proactive cleaning and prevention, homeowners can keep their roof shingles free of unsightly and damaging bird droppings.