Rust stained roofing shingles. Will it eat thru the shingles? What can remove the stain safely.?

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A TV antenna which was strapped to the chimney caused rust stains on the roofing shingles below it. It is ugly. Will it damage the shingles and what short of a new roof can remove the stains?

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  1. Peter W says:
    August 7, 2009 at 3:06 am

    Short answer: The rust stain will not damage otherwise sound shingles.

    Stain removal (if possible) will depend on the type of shingle. Wooden shakes will absorb the stain and short of heroic measures you will have a very difficult time removing it entirely. Asphalt or glass shingles will eventually shed the stain as they age – but that may take some time.

    Options to speed the process are, if wood, scrubbing with Oxalic Acid (wood bleach) – follow package directions, if asphalt or glass, scrubbing with mild soap or low-pressure power-washing. DO NOT use a high-pressure power-wash on shingles of any nature – you can damage the shingles or remove the mineral-surface coating. Note that if you clean this section, it may become a different color than the rest of the roof as a result of your cleaning.

    Keep in mind that this is a roof. It is exposed to the elements, ages over time and will, depending on exposure and material change color, or grow moss or stain from bird droppings, acid rain, standing snow, whatever.

    Be safe, whatever you do.

  2. Nancy says:
    August 7, 2009 at 3:06 am

    go to dollar general and buy a bottle of awesome you can use it for everything i swear by it

  3. nudangler says:
    August 7, 2009 at 3:06 am

    Try a weak solution of bleach, but good luck. And no it will not damage the shingles.

  4. Mike A says:
    August 7, 2009 at 3:06 am

    try CLR

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