Roofing Washing Information for Commercial Buildings

If you read this, chances are you are looking for roof cleaning pointers because your shingles aren't looking brand new and appealing. If your roof looks dark and discolored in some areas, you might assume that mold and/or mildew has actually established itself on top of of the shingles. However, the black streaks you're seeing are really colonies of green algae. If you're observing thick, grass-green patches on the roof, then you've got a moss problem. The north, west, and shady areas of your roof are most susceptible to these dampness-needing nuisances.

Black Streaks on Your Roof

Moss and algae spores are brought by the wind or animals from rooftop to neighboring roof, which is why entire areas are typically affected. Moss can seriously impact asphalt roof shingle efficiency by triggering them to bend up and blow off, eventually causing leaks. Algae eats away at asphalt shingle components, specifically the limestone, causing roof failure.

Further, getting on your roof often to clean off growth CAN cause damage to your roof and shorten its lifespan by loosening up the granules on your shingles. So, it's best to recognize how to clean your roof properly so that you guarantee you do not need to do it frequently.



Understanding this, what are the most effective methods to clean a roof of algae and moss infestation? Read on for our best roof-cleaning pointers!

Do not utilize a pressure washer, which can loosen up shingles and seriously damage your roof.
Do utilize a sprayer connected to a garden hose that's filled with equivalent parts chlorine bleach and water or household fluid chlorine bleach and water. This is the best way to clean a roof if you have asphalt shingles. After spraying onto the roof with the blend, permit it to sit on the surface for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with clean water.

Do not overlook your landscape and surrounding areas, which can be damaged by the bleach solution.
Do wet thoroughly plants and bushes with clean water prior to covering them with plastic, then rinse them once more after using the bleach mixture on your roof.

Don't assume the cleaning mixture will immediately remove the growth from your roof and use the mixture a second time.
Have patience. The algae will stream away during succeeding rainstorms, and moss will ultimately loosen to the point where it can be removed with a leaf blower.

Don't clean your roof on a warm day, which can cause the bleach solution to evaporate too fast, limiting its cleansing results.
Do clean your roof on a cloudy, calm day when the wind isn't blowing and there's no threat of rainfall.

Don't clean your roof without taking proper safety precautions.
Do clean your roof just after establishing that you can securely walk its top. If the slope is too steep to conveniently traverse or if your home is taller than one story, you need to employ a professional roof cleaning company. If you do get up on your roof, wear shoes with slip-resistant rubber soles and make sure to wear eye and skin protection.

Don't procrastinate until your roof is covered in algae or moss to do something about it.
Do trim back overhanging branches to open up the roof to sunlight, and clear particles such as sticks and leaves from its roof surface with a leaf blower if needed. You should keep gutters clean to make sure roof coverings remain as completely dry as they can be.

Now that you understand the best methods to clean a roof, make certain to comply with these standards very carefully. Keep in mind that our roof-cleaning pointers only apply to asphalt shingles. If you have a different type of roof, it is essential to consult your roof manufacturer to find out how to clean your roof. Actually, it's smart to consult your shingle maker for roof cleaning pointers regardless of what type of shingles you have in order to avoid unintentional damage.

roof maintenance Often roof shingles are beyond cleaning or the cleaning exposes other, much more significant, concerns. In those cases, it is always best to contact a roofing professional for your options.