admin\If you’ve been looking into cleaning techniques for your roof online, you’ve likely come across claims, counter-claims as well as outright conflicting information from different camps.
This article will offer clarification about the four methods that are used by consumers to remove ugly roof stains that are caused by algae, lichens, and moss Cedar Shake Roof Cleaning.
Method #1 Eco-Friendly, Low Pressure
Businesses that employ this method employ products that are free of harmful chemicals like chlorine-bleach phosphates, chlorine-bleach, or other chemicals that destroy vegetation and cause pollution to the waterways. This method also utilizes an rinsing system with low pressure which is suitable for fiberglass and asphalt shingles.
The pros: Typically, the outcomes of this method are immediate and the stains will be eliminated before the contractor leaves the house. Expertly trained technicians using environmentally friendly roof cleaning products will be on the roof, examine it and then perform the task using top-quality, eco-friendly products and modern equipment that can effectively will clean your roof. Professionals who make use of this method completely clean your roof and preserve the quality of your shingles as well as your landscaping.
Pros: This option could cost you a little more because of the expense of eco-friendly, high-quality equipment and products, as well as the additional time that the contractor is in your home to ensure that there are no stains or roots left on the property.
Tips: When you hire a contractor that employs this method, choose one that guarantees that roof stain will be gone by the time they leave your home. Additionally, search for a firm that has an annual program for preventing roof staining.
Method #2 Chlorine-Bleach Mixtures
Contractors who employ Sodium Hypochlorite (chlorine-bleach) mix it in fairly high amounts along with other chemicals like Trisodium Phosphate commonly referred to as TSP. Spray it onto your roof, and wait until it is dry. Repeat the application repeatedly until the stains begin to fade. There is usually no rinse. The stain that doesn’t go away may (or might not) eventually disappear with the rain.
The advantages: Bleach cleaning usually costs less since the chemicals are affordable and the roof is generally not cleaned after applying the bleach.
Cons: The end results are usually not instantaneous. Furthermore, a chlorine-bleach solution could cause harm to both humans as well as pets. It is also an extremely powerful oxidizing agent that can break down many protein structures, such as the cuticles of plants that form the vegetation that is found that surrounds the majority of houses. The impact of this mix on your landscape could result in permanent harm to your plants grass, trees, and even shrubs. Bleach and phosphates may be absorbed into waterways in watersheds.
Tips: Contractors who employ chlorine-bleach don’t usually advertise the fact that they employ it, and typically the only method to find out is to directly inquire. If you’re not sure you’re not sure, ask: “How will you protect my plants while cleaning my roof?” Anything other that “we don’t need to protect your plants because our product does not harm plants” means that a toxic chemical is being utilized. In the event that the solution is similar to “we wet down your plants before, during, and after our treatment to protect them” or “we use of a runoff recovery system” or “your plants will be covered during the cleaning process,” these are obvious signs that an aggressive chemical is being utilized.
Method #3 ‘Splash and Dash’
Certain contractors spray chemicals on your roof and then tell that you should wait weeks or even months to be able to see the results. The products that do not need rinsing, but rely on rain to clean the organisms that stain your roof are designed to ensure that contractors do not need to climb onto the roof with a damp surface or employ special equipment to clean the roof.
Pros They are less expensive than other options.
Pros: They typically require multiple applications to obtain even minimal results.
Tips: Some contractors make use of a consumer-grade product, and then charge professional fees for it. You can purchase these items at big chain stores. They’re not going to work better for you however, at least you won’t have to pay the middleman.
Method #4 High Pressure Power Washing
Some roof cleaners make use of powerful power wash at high pressure to eliminate the stains on the roof.
Pros: I’m not able to come up with any.
Cons: Not only is this harmful to your shingles, it’s also not a reliable method of removing the bacteria that cause roof staining. Utilizing high pressure to the shingles to wash leaves the root systems behind, which means that the algae tends to return quickly.
Tips: If you’re not certain if the contractor is applying a damaging pressure request him to put his hands under the spray. If he’s not able to do it the pressure is high and could damage your roofing shingles. If he also tells you that he doesn’t employ any chemicals, only water, that’s an obvious indication that a high pressure likely to be used. In the end, if you were able to remove the stain by using liquid water with low pressure then just rain would be enough to get rid of the stains.
If you’re aware of the advantages and disadvantages of the four major roof cleaning techniques you’re well-equipped to make the right inquiries to make an informed choice. Cleaning those unpleasant roof stains increase the curb appeal of your house and appearance, but a clean roof is a more energy-efficient roof that will last for many long time to be.