Keeping your Roof Clean will Save You Money!
Roof Stains… not only are they ugly and impact your property’s curb appeal, but they also can cause severe damage to your shingles! If you’ve ever wondered where the stains come from, the simple answer is from a living “plant” called Gloeocapsa magma. This algae is feeding on the limestone filler used to add weight to asphalt shingles. The reason it is more prominent on the north side and shaded areas of your roof is because these areas get the least amount of sunlight which causes that area of the roof to stay wetter longer. Lack of sunlight means moisture from morning dew and rain remain on these areas longer, creating the perfect environment for maximum growth.
Roofing Discoloration
As previously mentioned, the “simple” answer is a living plant causes the discoloration. To get a bit more technical, that “plant” is actually a cyanobacteria. Once the colony gets established is creates a petri-dish effect on your roof, allowing dozens of different hazards to thrive, such as lichen, mold, mildew, moss, and even ferns!3 Common Types of Roof Cleaning Methods
We Use The Soft Wash Method. Many Other Roof Cleaning Companies May Try Selling You One of The Other Two Methods Shown Below
1. Soft Wash Method
This is The Only Method Recognized by The Major Roofing Manufactures and The American Roof Manufacturers Association (ARMA) which you can find here. https://www.asphaltroofing.org/algae-moss-prevention-cleaning-asphalt-roofing-systems/. This method uses sodium hypochlorite mixed with a surfactant that allows a clinging effect minimizing run off. Proper techniques need to be used since this is a mildewcide one must take a number of critical steps to protect surrounding vegetation including pre soaking and post soaking surrounding plant life, using too high of a chemical mixture ratio and not adequately rinsing can be problematic if one is not adequately trained in this process.
Benefits of Roof Washing by Soft Washing:
We soft wash using only the process approved by the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association Click here to learn more. in many cases we wont need to get on your roof. Using our method in this Northwest climate the results are amazing and long term. We remove all organic matter such as moss, mildew, alga, lichen and debris without using the damaging process of a pressure washer thus maintaining the roof warranty. Your roof color will be back, street appeal will be increased thus raising the value of your home and its resale ability.
2. Non Bleach-Eco Friendly Low Pressure With Cleaning Method
Non bleach-Eco friendly low pressure with cleaning method may sound good to you, but isn’t approved by ARMA. One method is using volume pressure washer using just water but this process won’t kill the algae at its roots and the roof will be dirtier sooner. The 2nd method which they may call shampooing or treating with an Eco friendly solution typically uses copper, zinc or iron manganese. Over time, the algae will begin to die. These companies usually sell a quarterly maintenance plan.
3. The High Pressure Method
The high pressure method (pressure washer) is still used to this day to remove roof stains, moss, algae and lichen and will make your roof appear clean but will dramatically shorten your roof life by also removing the granule base and loosen, crack and break shingles and loosen fasteners
Home Owner Warning
Did You Know?
Some Insurance Companies Are Canceling Homeowner Insurance Policies Due to Dirty Roofs? Don’t Let This Happen to You! Call Regal Pressure Washing, We Can Safely and Effectively Remove Algae, Mildew, Lichen and Contaminants From Your Roof! Watch this video.
