Many Florida residents that have come from the North are surprised by the thought of roof cleaning - as well as other surprised by the fact that many communities here in Florida require it. Causes for cleaning include aesthetics, property values, efficiency, and increased longevity of the roof.
Whatever the principal, if it will be completed, it's your best interest to figure out choices are there for you. A top quality roof should last a little over several years if treated and maintained properly. Unfortunately, many roofs here in Florida (and increasingly all over the US) are put through unnecessary stress while cleaning the greatly reduces the energy levels and overall health whenever there is a serious roof. With repeated roof cleaning comes certain pitfalls that every homeowner, property manager, and pro cleaner should be aware of to be able to avoid damage to property, unnecessary repair costs, additionally the premature substituting the roof.
WHY HAS THE ROOF TURNED BLACK?
The black streaking typically join homes in areas where moisture settles on shingles is just not caused by mildew or fungus; it's roof algae. 3M scientists have identified the most common form as Gloeocapsa Magma. Algae spores are carried b the wind, which is the reason so many houses with regard to can watch this problem. Over the last twenty years, this sort of algae strain grown to be hardier for that reason has been able to migrate to less humid environments than the spit in the past. Plus areas where it traditionally is expressed, the staining is showing up earlier, is essential and settles linked to greater number of roofs.
HOW CAN IT BE CLEANED?
Typical roof cleaning methods involve either pressure cleaning or chemical solutions containing Chlorine Bleach or Sodium Hydroxide. If used properly, these methods will clean the top part with minimal adverse impact - but the effects could be very temporary and will generally that will need to be repeated every 6-18 months with a view to maintain the appearance no matter what the roof.
WHAT IS THE BEST CLEANING METHOD?
Each method contains its and additionally disadvantages.
A chlorine and water solution can be utilized made use of by an intensive rinse. After all, since chlorine can be toxic to clients and plants, proper care is critical to protect employees and the encircling property from overspray and runoff. The advantages to using chlorine involve a more often cleaning process and minimal rinsing in contrast to other methods. This means with less frequency wear & tear on the cover - particularly asphalt shingle roofs.
Sodium Hydroxide based cleaners is usually advertised as safer on behalf of the landscaping, but sodium hydroxide is caustic, very toxic, and care should also be utilized to guard employees and surrounding property. Sodium hydroxide is also a very effective degreaser. So high volumes of sodium hydroxide deep in a cleaning product could cause damage to an asphalt shingle roof that may be irreversible. Them generally require far more rinsing compared to the chlorine method. The rinsing process is not solely frustrating, but you can have it potentially damaging to the most notable if not done correctly. A quality sodium hydroxide based product shouldn't require any more than 100 psi to effectively rinse an asphalt shingle roof while even then some granule loss must be expected.
Pressure cleaning is a great option that should only be carried out linked to concrete, barrel tile, or metal roofs. Pressure cleaning has desirable of not requiring chemicals, which eliminates some of the energy needed normally - along with landscaping and chemical exposure concerns. The downside to pressure cleaning may be it is vitally time-consuming but it also exerts tremendous force be linked to a surface that isn't really invented to handle it. As well as, repeated pressure cleaning can wear away the surface regarding a tiles that are only covered by a thin layer of coloring. When this can happen, the grey concrete color starts to show through and the rooftop should be stained or painted.
THESE METHODS ARE NOT LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS.
Very often these methods are relatively safe and effective when done properly, repeated use will lead to premature aging no matter what roof. The natural erosion that occurs over tie from the fundamental forces of warmth, cold, wind, and rain alone are enough to weaken most roofs as well as annual inspections and minor repairs are necessary to stop significant repair costs. However when the most known is repeatedly put through high pressure or harsh chemicals, the aging of the highest structure is significantly accelerated. With repeated cleaning, tiles usually tend to shift, slip, or break and asphalt shingles usually tend to become brittle and crack. When this takes place, there's a greater likelihood of tearing the most known membrane just by walking situated on the roof. Once gaps are imagined the very best and subsequent pressure cleaning or chemical cleaning takes place, these gaps put together water or caustic solutions a path to the quilt membrane and increase the possibility of costly roof leaks.
WHAT IS THE ALTERNATIVE?
A proper program of preventative maintenance will eliminate the wish for future cleaning and the various for damage which is essentially together with it. Preventing the recurrence regardless of what the algae growth would require a light-weight spray of chlorine and water or any algae prevention product.
Most quality algaecides do the job for about 6-12 months before reapplication of the merchandise is necessary. Obviously, the longer time spent that the time frame, the better your odds are of minimizing and unnecessary damage far better roof. Prevention programs need to be executed along side neighbors whenever feasible and lots of can switch on with no desire turn into walking found on the roof.
Significant mote about algaecides: Algaecide supplements are regulated at both the state and federal level. Any algaecide product utilized on a roof requires EPA registration currently being a pesticide or biocide and approval to be used upon the roof. Contractors found violating like this in connection with this cold are facing fines up to $10,000. per occurrence.
