A clean roof is important for the appearance of a home. It also improves the life of the shingles and may prolong their lifespan.
Roof Cleaning Summerville SC involves removing algae, mold, mildew, moss, and lichen from shingle roofs and cleaning oxidation on metal roofs. The process is safe and simple if you follow these tips.
Inhaling mold spores can have a serious impact on anyone, but especially vulnerable people like children and the elderly. This is because it can cause a variety of respiratory issues, including inflammation of the airways, tightening of the chest, strain on the lungs, and even bronchitis. It is therefore important that roofs are cleaned regularly to remove these growths before they have a chance to infect anyone living inside the property.
Regular cleaning of the roof also helps to prolong the life of the roof, and it is often a condition of home insurance that it be kept clean. The buildup of moisture-prone organisms, leaves, and moss can lead to leaking roofs and damage the integrity of the shingles. This can cost a lot of money to repair and may not be covered by the insurance policy.
Before you start working on your roof, it is always a good idea to put safety first and work only when the weather is dry and clear. Moisture makes the surface of the roof slippery, which could cause you to fall off the ladder and hurt yourself. If there are trees nearby, you might want to trim some of the branches before you start your work so that they do not hang over the roof and block your view while you work.
Whenever you are on a ladder, make sure to wear shoes with gripping bottoms and gloves to protect your hands. It is also recommended to wear a mask to protect the face from any chemicals that might get on your skin. You might also want to consider wearing long pants and a long-sleeved shirt in case any chemical spillage gets on these parts of your body.
It is important to use a ladder that is tall and sturdy enough to reach the roof. You should also wear rubber-soled shoes so that you do not slip on the ladder. It is best to avoid working on the roof during direct sunlight, as this can cause the cleaning solution to dry too quickly and damage shingles.
Materials
While the removal of black streaks, moss, and mildew is a priority for any homeowner, there are several considerations for choosing the correct cleaner. Many heavy-duty products contain bleach and other harsh chemicals that can cause permanent damage to a roof’s components. This type of damage can result in a loss of structural integrity and may void a roof warranty. Fortunately, there are a number of environmentally friendly options available, including water-based products that contain no bleach.
Using these nontoxic products is gentle enough to preserve the integrity of a roof and eliminate the need for pressure washing. This process involves directing low-pressure water at mold, mildew, dirt, and debris to blast them away. Water-base cleaners are less damaging to shingles and can be used on most roofing materials. However, the cleaners must be mixed with water to be effective and should never be applied at a pressure higher than 1,300 psi.
A specialized surface cleaner is another option for homeowners with severe staining and fungus problems. This product is specially formulated to penetrate deep into shingle surfaces to eradicate all types of organic roof stains and mildew. This surface cleaner also leaves a protective barrier that will prevent the further growth of algae and mildew. This product is relatively expensive, but it will save homeowners money in the long run by preventing the need to clean their roofs on a regular basis.
While bleach can be used as a temporary solution to removing mildew and algae, it is extremely toxic and must be carefully applied with the proper equipment and safety precautions. Any shrubbery or plants near the home should be soaked with plain water prior to cleaning and thoroughly rinsed afterward to avoid chemical damage.
The most eco-friendly solution for removing fungus and algae from a roof is a natural, biodegradable selective fungicide and mildewicide. This solution is a combination of a specialized selective fungicide and mildewicide with biodegradable surfactants to create a powerful yet safe cleaning agent that will penetrate deep into shingle surfaces. This product will remove all types of organic spores, including fungus and mildew, while leaving the underlying tile intact. It is also safe for plants, animals, gutters, and siding.
Chemicals
A quality power washing company should have a wide range of chemical solutions for cleaning different types of dirt and debris that may be present on your roof. For example, they might use a combination of bleach and detergent to lift and remove moss and mildew from the surface of your roof. They will likely also have specific chemicals for removing tougher stains like oil, grease, and rubber. The chemicals that are used for soft wash power washing will have to be safe for roofing materials as well as environmentally beneficial to the surrounding plants and animals.
Typically, a professional-grade 12.5% solution of sodium hypochlorite (pool chlorine) is the standard chemical used during soft washing. This product kills organic matter like Gloeocapsa magma algae, mold, lichen, and mildew and works extremely well on roof shingles. It is the preferred cleaning agent of nearly all pressure washer professionals. It is often combined with a phosphate-based detergent to help the bleach cling to surfaces. When combined with proper rinsing and the right amount of dwell time, this product is very effective in soft washing roofs and other surfaces.
Other cleaning products used in soft wash roof cleaning include a highly concentrated product called Krud Kutter multi-purpose house wash concentrate. This product contains a blend of surfactants, a fungicide, and a biocide treatment to remove moss, mildew, lichen, algae, and stains from surfaces such as asphalt roofs. This product is sold in a variety of dilution rates and, if mixed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, can safely be used with pressure washer equipment at low pressure.
Lastly, a chemical commonly used to clean roofs is hydrogen peroxide. This is an acid-free, non-toxic alternative to bleach. It is the primary ingredient in most all-natural cleaners available for sale at grocery stores and can be purchased at a much higher concentration than that of commercial bleach. It is important that any contractor using hydrogen peroxide is familiar with it, as improper handling can damage surfaces such as asphalt shingles. When used at the recommended dilutions and with full pre- and post-rinsing, hydrogen peroxide is safe for most roofing materials.
Equipment
Your roof protects the rest of your home, so it’s important to keep it clean. This is especially true if it’s covered in unsightly moss, mildew, and algae growth, as these fungi can cause leaks in your roof, ceiling, or attic. You can use a combination of cleaning chemicals and safe, effective roof cleaning equipment to eliminate these fungus growths. Choosing the right equipment will help you get your job done faster, more efficiently, and safer than before.
One of the most common methods used to remove moss, mold, and other spores from a roof is pressure washing. This involves directing high-pressure water at debris, dirt, and other grime, blasting them away with great force. While this can be an effective method, it’s also damaging to most roofing materials and can void your roof warranty if it’s not used properly.
A better option is soft-wash roof cleaning, which uses low-pressure rinsing to gently scrub away dirt, mold, and other debris. It’s gentle enough that it won’t loosen or damage brittle shingles, and it will still be strong enough to effectively remove stains from the surface of your tiles.
When selecting a professional roof cleaner, look for a company with excellent reviews on major review sites. This can give you insight into what other customers have experienced, helping you make a decision that’s best for you and your home. You should also look for a company that offers a money-back guarantee and provides a written warranty on their work.
The type of cleaning equipment you’ll need to purchase depends on the specific type of chemical you plan to use for your roof cleaning project. For instance, if you’re going to use bleach to kill off moss and other spores, you’ll need a spray nozzle that can handle the high concentration of chlorine that will be in the solution. It’s also a good idea to purchase a high-quality hose that can withstand bleach and other harsh chemicals.
If you’re using a mix of cleaning chemicals for roof cleaning, a spray/dissolver mixer will help you combine them quickly and easily. These chemical mixing machines are designed specifically for the needs of contract cleaners. The ProPortioner, for example, features an automatic chemical mixing system that will reduce your technician’s time on the roof and increase your productivity. You can mount it on a trailer or enclosed van to take your business to the next level of convenience and profitability.