Roof Cleaning is an important home maintenance activity. It increases your curb appeal and extends the life of your roof.
It helps your roof retain its energy efficiency by reflecting sunlight instead of absorbing it. It also reduces moss and algae growth, which interferes with the roof’s ability to function properly. Read on for some ideas.
Debris Removal
Debris that accumulates on a roof can impede water flow and lead to roof damage. A clean roof allows for a smoother path of moisture to exit a house and can extend the lifespan of a roof.
Before starting to clean a roof, it is important to remove any loose debris. This can be done by using a leaf blower or by gently sweeping the surface of the roof with a broom. It is also a good idea to clean out the gutters, as clogged gutters can cause water to back up and overflow onto the roof.
The next step is to apply the cleaning solution to the surface of the roof. A pump-style garden hose sprayer is the preferred tool to use, as it provides a wide coverage area and reduces the chances of damaging shingles or tiles with excessive force. It is also a good idea to cover nearby plants and landscaping with plastic sheets to protect them from runoff and potential chemical damage.
Moisture Removal
Roofs are designed to keep water out, but fungus, mildew, algae, and moss all love moisture. This means they can trap it on the surface and force it underneath shingles where it can lead to leaks. Fungus and the like also release spores that can be harmful to children, pets, the elderly, pregnant women, and immuno-compromised people.
Roof Cleaning professionals use a variety of cleaners to remove the moss, algae, and fungus. Bleach is the most popular and generally effective. It can be bought at a grocery store in concentrations up to 5.75%. This is high enough to kill most roof growth, but low enough that it will not void your roof warranty.
Alternatively, some cleaners use potassium hydroxide or calcium chloride. These clean the roof similar to sodium hypochlorite, but they leave a white haze on the surface that cannot be rinsed off. Until someone develops a variation that eliminates this problem, these cleaners will not be widely used in roof cleaning.
Algae Removal
Algae and moss streaking a home’s roof can have a negative impact on the curb appeal of your property. It also makes the roof more susceptible to wear and tear, as algae can trap heat, which can cause shingles to dry out and break apart.
The best method for removing black algae is to use a specialized cleaning solution, such as Wet & Forget Outdoor, which kills the algae without bleach or pressure washing. The cleaner is applied to a cool, clean roof surface and left to rest for 30 to 45 minutes. Then, a low-pressure rinse is performed.
This process does not damage shingles and will help to prevent future algae growth. In addition to regular roof cleanings, homeowners can prevent algae and moss stains by planting trees that produce shade, keeping leaves off the roof (which can carry spores), and installing zinc strips near the peak of the roof. Also, opting for algae-resistant shingles can help reduce the likelihood of algae and moss growth on the roof.
Mold Removal
When a company comes to perform mold remediation on your roof, it is important that you do what you can to help them work safely and effectively. This includes moving all furniture and items unaffected by the mold into another room or outside, sequestering house pets in a safe area, and covering plants and other landscaping with tarps to keep the bleach solution from soaking into them.
Using a commercial cleaner like chlorine bleach mixed with trisodium phosphate (TSP) can help remove mold, moss, and algae from your roof shingles and rooftop areas. It’s best to use a pump sprayer to apply the mixture, and it should be sprayed generously on all affected areas of your roof.
Only complete roof sections should be treated to ensure an even result and prevent mold spores from transferring between the different sections of your roof. After cleaning, a waterproof sealant can be applied to protect your shingles from further moisture damage and the development of additional mold and algae. Find out more!