Ultimate Guide to the Best Roof Cleaning Products
Posted by Steven on December 10, 2025
Why Proper Roof Cleaning Matters Before Installation or Repairs
Whether it is a commercial or residential building, you will need to tackle roofing projects. At some point, your roofing project will involve cleaning the surface. When removing shingles, you will need the right products to remove the shingles themselves, nails, and debris. In order to apply a roofing membrane, you must first clean the surface with a reliable roof washer. This guide will provide you with a list of roof cleaning products you can rely on.
Best Roof Wash Products for Removing Dirt, Grease, and Debris
Before you can apply a roofing membrane, the surface needs to be free of dirt and grease. Here are a few roof washers you can use.
KST Bond-It Wash Primer
The Bond-It Wash Primer from Kool Seal is designed to act as a wash/rinse for EPDM membranes by breaking the chemical bond of the inorganics on the surface of the rubber membrane, preparing the surface for an elastomeric finish coat. This primer can be used as a wash/rinse for single-ply membranes such as PVC and TPO. One gallon will cover 400–500 square feet and can be rinsed.
CertainTeed SmartCoat 100 Roof Wash
The CertainTeed SmartCoat 100 Roof Wash is an industrial-strength roof cleaner and degreaser intended for application to all types of roofs before power washing, in preparation for the application of SmartCoat Primer, Mastic, and/or Coatings. This product lifts dirt and grease from the surface of the roof, including small pores and irregularities. SmartCoat 100 is both a safer and more sustainable alternative to toxic cleaners, bleaches, and solvents. The concentrated formula cleans, degreases, and deodorizes without harsh chemicals. The formula is non-toxic, non-abrasive, non-corrosive, and safe for use on all water-safe, washable surfaces. It has a yield of 4,000 to 12,000 square feet.
Efficient Tools for Removing Shingles
There are several shingle removers available for your choice. Below is a rundown.
Shingle Hog Pneumatic Roof Shingle Remover
This air-powered shingle ripper functions with the same air compressor used for nail guns and typically tears off 17 to 20 square feet per hour. It helps roofing contractors tear off shingles faster, cheaper, and more easily than by hand. This easy-to-use shingle removal device requires less assistance on the job for the same task. The hard rubber wheels on the bottom of the tool make it more durable and allow it to last longer through the toughest jobs.
Manual Shingle Removal Tools by Roof Zone, Qual-Craft, and Roofer's Choice
Roof Zone, Qual-Craft, and Roofer's Choice offer several manual shingle removers. While they require more effort than the Shingle Hog, they are much more affordable and still provide efficiency. Here is a list of their shingle removers.
Best Magnetic Nail Sweepers for Roof Cleanup
A nail magnetic sweeper with wheels is the perfect tool to quickly and efficiently remove nails, screws, and other debris from large areas. This makes it a great tool to use on a rooftop after you have removed all the shingles or underlayment to make sure there are no loose screws or nails that someone could step on. The durable nail sweepers from Van Mark, Roofer's Choice, and Malco are essential for creating a safe, clean work environment while working on a roof.
The three available magnetic sweepers are:
Conclusion
These are the most reliable products that we offer for cleaning your rooftop. The roof washers will clean your roof so you can apply the roofing membrane. The shingle removers will help you clear the roof quickly and efficiently. The magnetic sweepers will keep the roof clear of nails and debris after removing shingles. No matter the project, these are cleaning products you can rely on.