--- title: "The Homeowner's Guide to Asphalt Shingle Maintenance" url: https://vertexroofingslc.com/dos-and-donts-of-asphalt-shingles/ updated: 2026-08-06 --- # The Homeowner's Guide to Asphalt Shingle Maintenance With the extreme weather cycles Utahns experience in a single calendar year - your asphalt roof is put to the test. From spring storms, scorching heat and harsh winter weather with hefty snow accumulation; ***the asphalt shingles protecting your home need a little TLC to prevent premature deterioration***. Regular roof maintenance to remove debris and organic growth like algae, mold or moss will ***maximize the performance and service life of your asphalt shingle roof***. ## What You Need to Know About Asphalt Roof Shingles ***Before you climb the ladder, there are a few things you need to know about the Dos and DON'Ts of asphalt shingles - so you don't end up causing more harm than good***. As the most widely used roofing material in the US, asphalt shingles offer a cost-efficient way to protect our homes from weather conditions. Because your home’s roof is such a large investment, you need to understand that although asphalt shingles are a durable, long-lasting roofing material, you must*** ***take extra care to preserve the shingles integrity to keep you and your home safe - come rain or shine. ***Only trust a*** ***carefully-trained, skilled roofing professional with the maintenance and care of your asphalt roof*** to ensure quality results. The certified pros with[Vertex Roofing Contractors](https://vertexroofingslc.com/) in Utah take pride in every job - big or small. For dependable, quality results time and time again. Give us a call at 801-639-0477 or[contact us](https://vertexroofingslc.com/contact-us/) online for a ***free quote***. ## The DOs for Cleaning and Maintaining Your Asphalt Shingles **DO Trim Overhanging Tree Limbs** around your home's roof ***to prevent costly damage***, especially during Northern Utah's famous wind-driven storms and heavy snow or ice accumulation. By trimming back or removing limbs, you are also letting direct sunshine reach the shingles, which ***will help dry the roof out after a storm and prevent the growth of harmful organisms***. - **DO Remove Debris**** **from your gutters to help ***prevent a blockage*** that can easily lead to avoidable roof repairs or expensive foundation damage. To remove debris from shingles, the experts at[Vertex Roofing Contractors in Salt Lake City](https://vertexroofingslc.com/utah-roofing-contractors) ***recommend using an air blower, soft broom or brush***. Take extra care on the ladder and make sure that you ***do not apply too much pressure*** if you're using a broom or brush and try to ***avoid excessive walking on your roof*** to avoid breaking or tearing the shingles. - **DO Hire a Trusted Professional** to take care of all of your asphalt roof issues. A local [licensed, bonded and insured roofing contractor](https://vertexroofingslc.com/about-us/) will save you from having to get on the roof. Not only will your roofing contractor ***quickly and efficiently inspect and perform the necessary cleaning and treatments*** to extend the service life of your roof, they are pros at minimizing the amount of walking on the roof and know how to step to avoid damaging delicate shingles. ## The DON'Ts for Your Asphalt Shingle Roof - **DON'T Use a Pressure Washer** to clean your asphalt shingles. While a pressure washer is ideal for cleaning other things around your home like siding, brick and walkways - the extreme, pressurized water stream can ***loosen or tear asphalt shingles and dislodge the protective granules***. This type of damage can cause ***leaks and the resulting water damage can cost thousands of dollars to repair***. - **DON'T Use Harsh Chemicals** or take risks with a DIY cleaning solution recipe from the internet. *There are many eco-friendly asphalt cleaning products on the market to target specific problem*s like stains, algae, mold or moss growth. ***Preventative maintenance along with the necessary cleaning treatment by a professional roofing contractor will ensure the most effective methods are used*** and take precautions to prevent harm to the surrounding trees, plants and wildlife. - **DON'T Take Unnecessary Risks!** For most of us, the thought of performing roof maintenance, beyond stepping onto the ladder, is terrifying. ***Physical limitations, poor weather conditions or the fear of heights are all very good reasons to call a professional roofing contractor*** to help you take care of your asphalt roof without putting yourself in danger.   ## Get a Free Roof Inspection Near Salt Lake City **[> Schedule Your Free Inspection Now, Call (801) 618-3154](tel:+18016183154)**   ### Find a Trusted Roofing Contractor in Utah - Contact Vertex Roofing Contractors Today For*** ***trusted roof services, including cleaning and maintenance in Utah,[contact Vertex Roofing Contractors](https://vertexroofingslc.com/contact-us/). We are here to answer any questions about the DOs and DON'Ts of caring for and maintaining your asphalt roof. ***Since 2009, Vertex Roofing Contractors has proudly provided Utah residents with a ***[wide variety of roofing services](https://vertexroofingslc.com/services/) including [maintenance](https://vertexroofingslc.com/roof-repair-maintenance/), cleaning, [inspections](https://vertexroofingslc.com/roof-inspections/), [repairs](https://vertexroofingslc.com/roof-repair-maintenance/) and [full-roof replacements](https://vertexroofingslc.com/roof-replacements/). Give us a call today at (801) 447-9298 to receive your** **[free estimate](https://vertexroofingslc.com/request-a-free-bid/) with our ***incredible 24-hour quick quote service***. [Download PDF](https://vertexroofingslc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/vertexroofingslc.com-DOs-and-DONTs-of-Asphalt-Shingles.pdf) - [Author](#abh_about) - [Recent Posts](#abh_posts) ![Vertex Roofing Contractors - Salt Lake City, UT](https://vertexroofingslc.com/wp-content/uploads/gravatar/starbox.png) [Vertex Roofing Contractors - Salt Lake City, UT](https://vertexroofingslc.com) Vertex Roofing Contractors has been Utah’s most trusted resource for all types of roofing repairs and installations. Latest posts by Vertex Roofing Contractors - Salt Lake City, UT ([see all](https://vertexroofingslc.com/author/vertexroofing/)) - [Roof Replacement Service Cost Guide: Pricing & What to Expect](https://vertexroofingslc.com/roof-replacement-service-cost-guide-pricing-what-to-expect/) - July 23, 2026 - [Choosing the Right Roofing Material for New Construction Projects in Utah](https://vertexroofingslc.com/choosing-the-right-roofing-material-for-new-construction-projects-in-utah/) - July 23, 2026 - [New Construction Roofing Cost Guide: Pricing & What to Expect](https://vertexroofingslc.com/new-construction-roofing-cost-guide-pricing-what-to-expect/) - July 8, 2026 --- Site: https://vertexroofingslc.com/ · Overview for AI: https://vertexroofingslc.com/llms.txt