FAQ

11 Most FAQ's About Roof Cleaning

As a home owner, you are aware that your home is probably your largest investment and that taking care of it is an important and necessity in maintaining it's value. Unlike the inside of your home, the exterior is exposed for all to see, and it can reflect heavily on your image.

Maintaining great curb appeal is pretty high up on the maintenance budget. Lawn care services, landscape maintenance, painting projects, and exterior cleaning are all definite home improvements that give you the best bang for your buck. There is nothing that screams curb appeal more than a good house cleaning, fresh mulch, trimmed shrubbery and a thick green lawn.

One of the biggest eye sores and curb appeal killers is roof mold and fungus. Roof mold appears as black stains or streaks on your roof's shingles. It can really take away from the beauty of an otherwise gorgeous home. So what can be done about these unsightly black streaks? We will answer this question and some of the other most frequently asked questions about roof cleaning.

Q: Can this roof algae be removed?

A: The good news is YES!. A No-Pressure Roof cleaning service is offered by ALL-PRO. The roof algae can be killed and removed safely without the use of a pressure washer, this method will restore your roof's appearance and your shingles..

Q: Will cleaning my roof damage the shingles?

A: When the wrong methods are used, the answer is YES!. Inexperienced contractors or home owners can easily damage shingles by removing excessive amounts of shingle granules otherwise called (aggregate), which are there to protect the shingles. The main culprit of roof cleaning damage is using too much water pressure to blast the shingles clean. Never allow a pressure washer to be used on your roof or any other aggressive method!

Q: So, how can the shingles be cleaned without causing damage?

A: By using the No-pressure methods recommended by the shingle manufacturers themselves. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, GAF, and Owens Corning have all suggested cleaning methods and solutions to clean roofs suffering from roof algae. They recommend using a No-pressure chemical application.

Q: What is the solution that should be used on my shingles?

A: The proper cleaning solution that is recommended by ARMA, GAF, and Owens Corning is a Bleach based solution with Copper Oxide and Zinc Phosphate, also we have incorporated a release agent into the mix which attacks the fungus directly at the root so it comes off easier and faster. Generally we can clean a roof faster with a garden hose than someone can with a pressure washer, keeping your cost down. This type of cleaner is effective in killing the algae and keeping your roof clean for around 5 Years. After this commercial grade detergent algacide is applied to your roof a No-pressure rinse is generaly needed which is done with the use of a garden hose and pin point nozzel.Max Pressure 85 psi. Most pressure washer start at 500 Psi and go up from there, which is just to much pressure for your roof to handle.

Q: Do some of the other lye or sodium hydroxide-based roof cleaners work well?

A: Unfortunately, they do not. The shingle manufacturers do not recommend these products because they are not very effective. They only work when used in conjunction with excessive pressure from a pressure washer, which leads to lessened longevity of the roof. When not used with pressure, some of these products even state on the label that the roof may take 2-3 months to begin appearing clean after an application, and in some cases more than one application is necessary.

Q: Will a Bleach-based solution harm my landscaping?

A: It can when handled improperly; after all, roof algae are plants. You've probably used bleach before when doing laundry, right? Would you give the same gallon jug of bleach to a 4 year-old and tell them to do the whites with it? Of course you wouldn't! because in the wrong hands it can be harmful either to them or your clothes. Well, it's the same thing with roof cleaning. This is why it is important to let a roof cleaning professional clean the roof for you. They will know how to handle the cleaner to protect themselves and your property from damage.

Q: How long will my roof stay clean?

A: There are some biocides and sealers on the market that claim to keep the algae away for good, but the test results are very limited so no one really knows. The best thing to do after getting your roof cleaned is to have your roof sprayed. For a fraction of the original cost they will come out and give your roof a maintenance coat so the algae doesn't return.

Q: When I do get a new roof, are algae-resistant shingles effective?

A: Well, they call them algae-resistant (not algae-proof) for one simple reason; they help in eradicating the roof algae problem but they aren't a full proof answer (not yet anyway). As a roof cleaning contractor, I have seen algae-resistant shingles suffering from roof algae, so a No-pressure roof

cleaning was still necessary. If a company is advertiseing, " A clean it once and protect it forever" service. Chances are they want you to sign a service contract that you can NOT get out of. BEWARE there is nothing out there that we have seen in our 20 years experience that you can spray on a roof that will stop future growth forever. (NOTHING!)

Q: When is the best time to have my ROOF Cleaned?

A: First and for most you should have your roof cleaned at the first site of black mold streaks or fungus growth, Unfortunately most people think it will go away on it's own so they wait untill their roof is a mess and then it usually cost more to have it cleaned. However in the southern regions of the country where the weather is warm year round such as ( Florida, Georgia and the Carolina's) Roof Cleaning is a year round business. In the northern area's such as ( Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Connecticut ) Roof Cleaning is a seasonal Business which can only be done when the weather is 50 degree's or up, Reason being is that the mold & Fungus goes into it's dormat stage when the weather drops below 50 degree's, as you well know when fungus is in it's dormat stage it will not drink therefore you can not kill it.

Q: What should I expect to pay for a ROOF Cleaning?

A: It really all depends on how much fungus you have on your roof. As a general rule of thumb, a person can expect to pay thousands of dollars to replace their roof and hundreds to clean it, and the cleaning should last around 3 to 5 Years. It's really a no brainer!

Q: What are some good tips in choosing a good roof cleaning contractor ?

A. FIRST and FOREMOST never hire a contractor who doesn't have Insurance! there is a very good chance they could ruin your roof or break your shingles. A company with the most years of experience is usually your best bet. They are established and they will offer you a warranty, where you can count on them being around in the future. In 2003 ALL-PRO was the first company to bring roof cleaning to the New England area. If anyone tells you or states differently, they are liar's and you probably should NOT hire them!

DON'T HIRE! A Contractor: who has A dirty or disorganized truck. Appearence is everything, Take a good look at thier vehicle when they pull up to your home, usually if their truck is clean and organized they know the importanace of valuing their own property and will do the same to your's.

DON'T HIRE! A Contractor: who has a been arrested or has a record, they are not very responsible people. Do your Homework first check them out. To help you with this we have provided a link to the Rhode Island State Web Site. RHODE ISLAND JUDICIARY

also check them out on the

RHODE ISLAND CIONTRACTORS REGISTRATION BOARD make sure they don't have any violations. If a company has a web site and does not provide a link on their web site to their license or registration board, chances are they have violations and don't want you to see them.

Remember anyone can pressure wash a ROOF! if you want your roof pressure washed you shouldn't pay more than $200.00 no matter what the size of the roof, after all, your going to have to replace it very soon thereafter! There are only a few companies who will take the time to do it right. A good roof cleaning company will advertise a NO-PRESSURE ROOF CLEANING SERVICE. If they don't! then bank on them useing a pressure washer.

Beware: Of Tag team companies. These are companies which conducts business under two totaly different names, yet they are one in the same. They prey on the fact that you will call both of them for an estimate. Also hiring a roofer to clean your roof may not be such a good idea, most roofing companies that offer a roof cleaning service have an ulterior motive. They want to get their foot on your property to talk you into replacing your roof. after all thats how they make a living. Just think about this, roof cleaning has been around since 1985 and yet not one roofer has ever stated that you could clean your roof, until now when there is a company in your area who specializes in roof cleaning and thats(ALL-PRO) we make a living by cleaning your roof and extending the life of it.

February 27, 2003

Contact: Web Moderator

Info: Sponserd by the Homeowners Association

What is that on my Roof?

MOSS

Water on the roof helps aid growth!

Although Moss does not damage your shingles as severely as other growth it is a very unsightly topical growth which collects dirt, debris and other growths that land on the roof, some take root.

Also Moss and other growths can trap water and ice promoting Ice Dams and other concerns in the winter months.

Trapped water and snow will keep your roof from functioning properly reducing the life of your Roof!

Lichen(Li'Kin)

*Lichen which is a commonly found on tree trunks has a very strong root system which feeds on Limestone. Limestone is the base product of you shingles that provides a food source for growth, as growth feeds on the Limestone it loosens up the aggregate(little Stones) on your shingles and they fall out, thus leaving you with premature aggregate loss reducing the life of your Roof.

Lichen growth will cause sever damage to you Roof!

Algae

Algae growth causes a dark discoloration on roofs. The algae is usually brown to black in color which results in a streaked, dirty looking rooftop. It can be mistaken for soot, dirt or tree droppings, which typically produce only localized discoloration.

It's caused by the growth of air-borne algae which deposits on your roof.

Growth starts out as a spore then lands on your roof, It then recognizes the limestone in your shingles, seeds itself, germinates and then blooms. As it blooms it spews off more spores and the process goes on and on.

The good news is that algae growth can be removed with a simple Eco-Friendly process to save life of your roofing material.

It occurs most often in warm, humid climates such as the shady north and east facing areas of your roof.