roof cleaning article

It was an unbiased article. I really would like to add roof cleaning to my business but still have some research to do. One of my biggest concerns in my area is the amount of homes with very steep roofs. Making sure I have procedures to do these safely is a priority.
 
I suggest you read the article again.

He is saying that you need pressure to clean some surfaces on roofs and that repeated cleaning will shorten the life of the roofs.

He mentions that the chlorine will make the shingles dry out and become brittle.

It is not an article to get customers excited to get their roofs clean, it is more like telling them that with repeated cleanings, the life of the roof will be shortened.
 
Christopher said:
I suggest you read the article again.

He is saying that you need pressure to clean some surfaces on roofs and that repeated cleaning will shorten the life of the roofs.

He mentions that the chlorine will make the shingles dry out and become brittle. He mentioned "chemicals" not chlorine specifically.

It is not an article to get customers excited to get their roofs clean, it is more like telling them that with repeated cleanings, the life of the roof will be shortened.
Click to expand...

"Chlorine Bleach Solution Washes
Compared with the other two roof cleaning methods, chlorine bleach solution washing involves less rinsing. This makes
the process of cleaning a roof relatively shorter. Because the roof is cleaned fast, it becomes less vulnerable to wear and
tear. Chlorine, however, is toxic to plants and to some individuals. Thus, if you go with this roof cleaning method, make
sure that you take the necessary precautions of carrying out this task. Chlorine bleach cleaning is suitable to asphalt
shingle roofs"

I think the intent of the author was against "degreasing the roof"

I do agree that the more you clean a roof the more wear and tear you give it. Shingle roofs don't like to be walked on cause they lose granules and by walking on them the weight shift may loosen them. But that is the most popular way to do it. Tile roofs are exactly as he mentioned. Obviously the older the roof the higher any risk, this is for any type roof.

This is why we have a maintenance plan and can sell it to our customers. We shoot the roof from the ground on most maintenance plans.

But at least he wasn't totally bashing the use of chorine :)
 
He also stated that roof algae was the biggest cause of roof deterioration. So is it better to clean the roof or let the algae ruin it? Sounds like cleaning is the better of the two options.
 
This is the entire copied Article

There are several roof cleaning methods available, but before going ahead and using one of these methods, know this: repeated roof cleaning can put stress on your roof and even shorten the life of your roof. By equipping yourself with enough information, you can avoid damaging your property unnecessarily, not to mention spare yourself of repair costs and having to replace your roof. A top quality roof, if maintained properly, has a life expectancy of at least 30 years.

The Cause of Roof Deterioration

Did you know that roof algae is the primary cause of roof deterioration? Most people think that fungus and mildew are what cause the black streaks on roof shingles. However, the culprit is actually algae, specifically Gloecapsa magma. This species of algae thrives in moist areas. Wind carries the spores to other rooftops, and this is why you will often see nearby houses having this common problem.

In the last two decades, Gloecapsa magma has become hardier. This algae species is now able to migrate and thrive in less humid environments. The black streaks and stains are appearing faster than before, are more severe, and are occurring in more rooftops.

Three Ways to Clean Your Roof

There are three methods commonly used to clean roofs: pressure washing, chlorine bleach washing and sodium hydroxide washing. Each of these roof cleaning methods has its advantages and disadvantages. If done correctly, these roof cleaning methods can effectively clean roofs without causing significant adverse effect. However, these roof cleaning method need to be done every 6 to 18 months to keep the roof clean. This frequent washing can wear out the roof and shorten its life.

Pressure Washing

If you have a concrete, barrel tile or metal roof, you can clean it by power washing. Power washing does not involve the use of chemicals, which makes power washing an environment-friendly method of roof cleaning. However, power washing is rather time consuming and can put more strain on the roof. If you have coated roof tiles, the thin layer of coloring can be easily washed away by power washing. If you have a concrete roof, power washing will bring out the concrete's natural gray color, and this could mean that you will have to paint or stain the roof afterwards.

Chlorine Bleach Solution Washes

Compared with the other two roof cleaning methods, chlorine bleach solution washing involves less rinsing. This makes the process of cleaning a roof relatively shorter. Because the roof is cleaned fast, it becomes less vulnerable to wear and tear. Chlorine, however, is toxic to plants and to some individuals. Thus, if you go with this roof cleaning method, make sure that you take the necessary precautions of carrying out this task. Chlorine bleach cleaning is suitable to asphalt shingle roofs.

Sodium Hydroxide-Based Cleaning

This type of roof cleaning method can be very effective at degreasing roofs. However, this cleaning method takes a much longer time than chlorine bleach washing because the sodium hydroxide needs to be thoroughly rinsed. As a consequence, a roof becomes more at risk for being damaged. A force of 100 psi is enough to wash away the cleaning solution on asphalt shingle roofs, but the force is enough to cause some asphalt granules to get washed away during the rinsing process.

Advertisements claim that sodium hydroxide is safe to use, but it can actually be toxic. Thus, make sure that the solution does not run off or come into contact with people, plants and anything in the surrounding area during the application and rinsing process. In addition, sodium hydroxide is corrosive so any residues left can damage the roof, particularly those that are made of asphalt shingles.

Factors that Cause a Roof to Age Prematurely

The three roof cleaning methods are relatively safe and effective when they are properly executed. However, if they are repeatedly done, it will cause the roof to age faster. Be aware that roofs are already subjected to a number of "abuse", most of them coming from Nature itself -- heat, rain, wind, cold, etc. Thus, when roofs are subjected to power washings and chemicals, even if the methods are done sporadically, they are enough to hasten a roof's life. Over time, roofs require yearly inspections and repairs.

Repeated cleaning will wear down the roof. The tiles will shift, split or slip. Asphalt shingles will become brittle and get cracked. Gaps and holes appear, allowing corrosives to seep into the roof's supporting structure. In short, the roof deteriorates.

Preventing Algae Growth

You can keep your roof from aging prematurely by preventing algae growth. Lightly spraying algaecide or chlorine mixed with water on the roof on a regular basis will keep the algae away and eliminate the need for bigger, more elaborate roof cleaning. A good algaecide is able to keep algae from roofs for up to 12 months. To avoid damaging the roof even more, try to apply the algaecide without needing to tread on the roof.

Be aware, though, that algaecides are regulated at both the state and federal levels. So before using algaecide on your roof, make sure that the algaecide you use is registered as a biocide and approved for roof use with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If you hire a contractor to apply algaecide on your roof, make sure that he is aware of this law, as violators can face up to $10,000 in fines for each violation.
 
RAC said:
Here is the entire article:
http://www.epowerwash.com/node/24
http://www.roof-a-cide.com/RoofCleaning.html
http://www.roof-a-cide.com/906RoofCleaningArticle1.pdf


It was written a few years back, by me, and has been published in several magazines and on several websites.

The guy who posted this article referenced in the original link is some sort of a Cat Expert that decided to plagiarize the article for some unknown reason.
Click to expand...

THAT IS INTRESTING JOHN, WHAT DO YOU DO ABOUT THINGS LIKE THAT ?
 
Judging by the fact that the Expert Links at the bottom of each page point to the "Pressure Washing King" , (http://www.pressurewashingking.com/pressure_washing_service.htm), we'll probably have someone call the Pressure Washing King & ask politely that our copyrighted work not be used without our permission or at least the common courtesy of a mention.

If that doesn't work, we will have someone use the "Response" bottons on the bottom of the pages of the dozen or so sites he has posted to. And we will simply explain that the article has been plagiarized and we'll direct people towards a more credible source for information and education on property maintenance.

BTW, here is his "Expert" Background:
http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=David_P._Lee
 
I swear that when I first saw this post earlier this morning, I was going to say that it sounded like something written by RAC. I didn't just in case it wasn't.... RAC gets bent when RAC is mentioned. The give-away was the reference to biocides and licencing.

John, let us all know how that goes with them taking your words.
 
FCPWLLC said:
I swear that when I first saw this post earlier this morning, I was going to say that it sounded like something written by RAC. I didn't just in case it wasn't.... RAC gets bent when RAC is mentioned. The give-away was the reference to biocides and licencing.

John, let us all know how that goes with them taking your words.
Click to expand...
I recognized it as John's writing too, right away!
 
Ron:
That's not my rig. It's one that was built for a RAC Applicator.

And yes, Roof-A-Cide is based in Florida, but we have Applicators in 13 other states as well.
 
Apple Roof Cleaning said:
I recognized it as John's writing too, right away!
Click to expand...

Thanks Chris.

As always, I know you work hard to raise the standards of this industry. I know you have done your own extensive testing of chemicals, equipment, and methods. You are one of the FEW people that know, from experience, what works and what doesn’t – and I have nothing but respect for you. And you always have the open invite for fishing off SFLA.

So in the interest of educating the Contractors that read these boards, please feel free to point out ANYTHING I have written in any of these articles that is either incorrect or misleading & let's discuss it.

I am not trying to convert anyone or start arguments here, but I would be very disappointed to see someone like "Cat Boy" be perceived as a more credible source for information on Roof Cleaning than someone that has actually cleaned a roof.
 
I see the roof cleaning industry heading towards preventive maintenance myself.
As more and more communities become deed restricted, and learn the hazards of even "safe" roof cleaning methods, prevention will be where it is at.

Though I currently do not "push" prevention, I find myself getting asked for it more often.

"Can you place me on a yearly spray plan" is something I am hearing lately.
 
Please bear in mind while reading this question that we are NOT roof cleaners. My interest lies solely in the realm of water conservation. Could the mixes currently out in the forums be utilized in a way that less rinsing is required? Maybe better to rephrase - can the love percentage be reduced further so that it can sit and work as opposed to working instantaneously therefore rinsed immediately?

Again - not looking to reinvent a wheel or show my lack of knowledge in the roof cleaning arena - my mind is strictly on the dry conditions and seemingly impending doom of washers - there must be a way to continue to safeishly treat roofs while using less water.

Celeste
 
Just don't rinse them, let the rain do it, save water.
The roofs are clean of algae minutes after being hit with the sauce.
Rinsing is not necessary for appearance, unless rare circumstances are present.

And, even if you do rinse, roofs always look better with a few rains anyway.
No one rinses like God :)
 
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