Safe and Effective Roof Cleaning
Many Florida residents that have come from the
Northeast are surprised by the idea of roof cleaning – and even more
surprised by the fact that many communities require it. Whether you have
a Barrel Tile,
Concrete Tile,
Asphalt Shingle,
Wood Shake, or
Metal Roof - The reasons for
cleaning include aesthetics, property values, energy efficiency, and
increased longevity of the roof.
Whatever the main reason, if you are going to have it done, it is in
your best interest to know what choices you have available to you. A
quality roof should last upwards of 30 years if cared for and maintained
properly. Unfortunately, many of the roofs here in Florida are subjected to
unnecessary stress while cleaning that greatly reduce the life expectancy of
the roof. With repeated roof cleaning comes certain pitfalls that every
homeowner and property manager should be aware of in order to avoid damage
to property, unnecessary repair costs, and the premature replacement of the
roof.
WHY HAS THE ROOF TURNED BLACK?
The black streaking typically found on homes is not really caused by mildew
or fungus; it's roof algae.
3M scientists have identified the most common form as Gloeocapsa Magma.
Algae spores are carried by the wind, which is why so many houses in the
same neighborhood can end up with this problem. During the last 20 years,
this particular algae strain has become hardier and so has been able to
migrate to less humid environments than it has in the past. And in areas
where it traditionally has been found, the staining is showing up earlier,
is more severe and settles on a greater number of roofs.
HOW CAN IT BE CLEANED?
Typical roof cleaning methods involve either pressure cleaning or chemicals
treatments such as Chlorine Bleach or Sodium Hydroxide (lye). If used
properly, these methods will clean your roof with minimum adverse impact –
but the effects are very temporary and will have to be repeated every 6-18
months in order to maintain the appearance of the roof.
THESE METHODS ARE NOT A LONG-TERM SOLUTION.
While these methods are effective, repeated use will lead to premature
aging and replacement of the roof. The natural erosion that occurs over
time from the basic forces of heat, cold, wind, and rain alone are enough to
weaken mortar joints of most roofs to the point where annual inspections and
minor repairs are necessary to prevent significant repair costs. But when
the roof is repeatedly subjected to high pressures or harsh chemicals, the
aging of the roof structure is significantly accelerated. At this point, the
concrete roof tiles are more likely to shift, slip, or break and asphalt
shingles are more likely to become brittle and crack. When this happens,
there is a greater likelihood of tearing the roof membrane simply by walking
on the roof. Pressure cleaning will greatly increase the chances of this
happening. Once gaps are created and subsequent pressure cleaning or
chemical cleaning is administered to a roof, these gaps provide water and/or
the caustic solutions a path to the roof membrane and increase the chance of
costly roof leaks
WHAT IS THE BEST TREATMENT?
Pressure cleaning is much too destructive to the roof surface for this to be
a viable option. For initial cleaning, a chlorine and water solution can be
used followed by a thorough rinse and an application of algaecide
protection. Of course, proper care should be taken to protect the
landscaping and surrounding property.
The most effective long-tem strategies will include periodic roof
inspections and regular applications of algaecide protection. A proper
program of preventative maintenance will eliminate the need for future
cleaning and the potential for damage that comes along with it. Most
algaecide protection programs will last for approximately 6-12 months before
the algae starts to take hold again and then cleaning or reapplication is
necessary. High quality treatments like
ROOF-A-CIDE™ will
provide AT LEAST 2 years (24 months) of protection. Obviously, the
longer the time frame of effectiveness, the better your chances are of
minimizing any unnecessary damage to the roof - just due the the decrease in
walking on your roof!
Treatment programs should be done in conjunction with your
neighbors whenever possible, applied every 12-24 months in conjunction with
a roof inspection, and many can be applied without a need for the Applicator
to walk on your roof.
POTENTIAL COST SAVINGS
Homeowners’ Associations can take advantage of group buying discounts that
can lower the actual costs by as much as 30-40%. This translates into
significant savings for the residents of the Association. For example, if an
Association of 300 residents can save $100 each, the residents have
effectively saved $30,000, which can be put to other uses throughout the
community. When combined with the aesthetics of a coordinated maintenance
program and the reduction of the wear & tear on the roofs, this is the most
logical choice for most Associations.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions!
Admin@RoofCleaning.Biz
For Additional
Information, please visit the
Roof-A-Cide website!
Ask about our
"Total Roof Care Program" to learn
more about how you can keep your roof looking great
without spending much
money!
AMERICAN ROOF CLEANING
is committed to providing the very best in customer service and property
maintenance in the safest and most cost-effective manner for our clients.
Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation quote! |
