When your roof is spotted with dark patches of algae or a thick layer of moss, it’s time for some roof cleaning. Left unchecked, moss can damage asphalt shingles and cause leaks.
A strong surface cleaner can effectively remove the grime that stains your roof and make it look brand new again. But you must find one that’s safe for your kids, pets, and gardens too! Contact Roof Cleaning Sarasota now!
Many homeowners are under the false impression that chlorine bleach is an effective way to clean moss, mildew and algae stains off shingle roofs. Unfortunately, the long-term use of this type of chemical can result in serious shingle damage, not to mention a host of other health and safety concerns for you and your family.
If you spray a solution of household strength chlorine bleach on your roof, you will be creating dangerous hydrochloric acid that attacks the surfaces it comes into contact with, including your eyes and mucous membranes. At higher concentrations, chlorine will corrode metal such as your gutter systems, drain pipes and even your home’s metal roof flashings. Chlorine is also toxic to plants and animals and can kill or cause severe skin burns on contact.
The high-level chlorine gas produced by spraying multi gallons of liquid chlorine bleach on your roof to remove moss, mildew and algae can also harm the environment around your house, as it can contaminate groundwater supplies, kill grasses and shrubs and discolor wood decking. Additionally, it can cause the death of trees, and can be lethal to pets and children.
In addition, the vapors of chlorine bleach react with the soil to form chlorinated organic compounds that are harmful to humans and other organisms. The toxins can attack the respiratory system, cause eye and oral irritation, and lead to nausea, vomiting and even death at high levels of exposure.
Furthermore, when diluted with water, the vapors of chlorine bleach can create a strong acid which can damage your shingles. It will weaken and erode the asphalt shingles, leading to premature breakdown. Additionally, it will cause your shingles to dry out, which can cause fungus and algae growth on your roof.
Another important consideration when considering a roof cleaning method is whether or not it will void your roof warranty. Most of the bleach-based cleaners on the market contain sodium hypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite, which can void your shingle manufacturers warranty. To avoid this, you should choose an RCAI certified Safe Roof Stain Removal Contractor.
Wash Safe
Wash Safe is a highly concentrated, non-toxic cleaner with a high concentration of surfactants that allow it to penetrate and dissolve the thick dirt that accumulates under roof shingles. Its powerful cleaning agents also kill spores of moss and mildew, preventing their future growth. When applied with a brush or low pressure power washing equipment, it can quickly and effectively remove black streaks and other unsightly stains from exterior surfaces without damaging them or the surrounding plants.
This eco-friendly product is made from natural ingredients and contains no chlorine, bleach or other hazardous chemicals. It’s formulated to be safe on all exterior surfaces of the home, including wood, vinyl, concrete and metal. It’s also safe for pets and children, and contains no petroleum distillates or harmful solvents. The product can be purchased from many local hardware and garden stores. The product is designed to be mixed with water in a 5-gallon bucket or plastic drum, and should be stirred frequently until it achieves a white color. Using Wash Safe before a rainstorm will help prevent runoff that could potentially damage local plants and pollute nearby streams and ponds.
Soft wash roof cleaning is a popular choice for homeowners who are concerned about the potential environmental impact of traditional power washing. This process uses a combination of water and biodegradable detergents to wash away dirt and stains from the surface of your roof. It can safely clean your shingles and other exterior surfaces, and it’s environmentally friendly. It also helps to reduce the amount of soap runoff that can contaminate the environment and cause erosion.
A professional power washing contractor can determine if soft wash cleaning is a good option for your home. This process is typically used when a home has an older, brittle roof, or if it has a lot of dirt buildup under shingles and around the eaves. A soft wash system uses a low-pressure rinse that’s only slightly stronger than the force created by a garden hose’s spray nozzle. This low-pressure rinsing won’t loosen or damage old, brittle roofing tiles and it won’t wash away granules along the surface of your roof.
Spray & Forget
Spray & Forget is an effective alternative to traditional cleaning solutions that contain toxic ingredients. Its non-corrosive formula works to remove stubborn stains without the need for scrubbing. It’s also safe for most surfaces and is biodegradable.
This revolutionary cleaner is available in a 1-gallon bottle and can be mixed with water to make 10 gallons of cleaning solution, enough to cover 1000-2000 square feet. Its fast-acting formula works to remove stains caused by mold, mildew, and algae in just minutes — rather than weeks!
Its non-acidic formula is safe for most surfaces and does not damage roofs, plants, or trees. It also does not require rinsing and can be used on a variety of exterior surfaces, including siding, brick, wood, stone, fabric, and more. Spray & Forget also works to prevent biological growth from returning, making it a smart choice for homeowners looking to avoid costly roof repairs.
For best results, this product should be applied on a sunny day with no rain in the forecast for at least 12 hours after application. This allows the cleaner to fully penetrate and disintegrate the staining, resulting in the most complete and thorough clean possible. If you want to speed up the cleaning process, agitating the surface and simulating rainfall by spraying the area with your hose will help.
This easy-to-use spray and forget outdoor cleaner can be used on all types of exterior surfaces to remove green and black stains caused by algae, mold, mildew, and moss. It’s an ideal solution for hard to reach areas and second story siding and roofs. It is also safe for most surfaces, including windows, gutters, patio furniture, and car surfaces.
Chomp Pro
The Chomp Pro algae and mildew stain barrier is a powerful solution for removing mildew, mold and algae stains. The water-based cleaner is safe to use on shingles, cedar and other surfaces. It is also effective in removing moss. It is a great choice for people who are looking for a strong surface cleaner that does not contain bleach.
The product is easy to use and does not require a pressure washer to clean. It can be wiped on the exterior of a home and rinsed off with a garden hose. It works well on gutters, siding and metal trim. The advanced formula breaks down the dirt and grime and removes black streaks, filth and green stains instantly. The product is available in a gallon size.
Another feature of this powerful cleaning solution is that it leaves a protective barrier behind. This prevents the growth of future fungus and mold. This is a great feature as it can save homeowners time and money in the long run. This solution is a good choice for people who have a lot of fungus and mold in their roofs and other areas of their home.
It is important to be aware of the different types of cleaning chemicals used by various roof cleaning businesses. It is important to know what they are using before hiring them. Many “roof cleaning” businesses use a combination of products including chlorine and bleach. This can damage the eco-system around your home and could result in hefty fines from OSHA or the DNR.
To ensure that the roof cleaning business you choose does not use bleach, look for one that offers a softwash system. It should include a biodegradable solution and contain no chlorine or bleach. The company should also provide you with a written contract. In addition, they should give you a list of products that they use and their toxicity. This will help you determine if the business is worth hiring. You should also ask about their insurance coverage and whether they are licensed. If they are not, you should not hire them.