Roof Cleaning Options For Homeowners
Soon after purchasing a new house or having a roofing system installed, a homeowner may notice unsightly stains and streaks forming on the roof. These blemishes are generally caused by moss, lichens and algae, and Gloeocapsa magma is the greatest culprit. If these growths are not removed from the roof, they can quickly turn into an eyesore and affect the curb appeal of the home. Some homeowners choose to complete the cleaning task themselves using chemicals while others hire professional roof cleaners, who have their own products and pressure washing equipment, to do the job. Speaking with a Toms River roofing consultant may be helpful in deciding the best route to take when it’s time to clean the roof.
Property owners may choose to have professional cleaners wash their roofs using a powerful, high-pressure water spray to remove the moss, algae and lichens. This method is fine for metal or concrete roofing systems; however, if not done properly on asphalt roofing, the process can damage the shingles by ripping granules off them. Further, this pressure-washing treatment leaves the roots of the organisms behind, allowing them to return.
Many homeowners and some roof cleaning contractors use sodium hypochlorite, or chlorine bleach, to clean these organic growths off the roof. Chlorine bleach is often combined with trisodium phosphate for a more effective clean. Sodium hydroxide, which is also called lye, and zinc sulfate are utilized as cleansing agents. These chemicals may not remove all the stains on the day of service, thus requiring a second washing. In addition, they are harmful to humans, animals, the environment and, in some cases, the roofing system itself.
Homeowners may opt to use nontoxic, eco-friendly oxygen bleach to remove the stains and streaks, or they can have a professional roof cleaning company clean the roof using environmentally friendly chemicals and specially designed equipment. With this method, all stains are gone the day of treatment, and the products do not contain chlorine bleach, trisodium phosphate, sodium hydroxide or other harmful chemicals. This treatment tends to be costly because of the expense of the environmentally friendly products and equipment.
At some point in the lifetime of a roof, a homeowner must remove the unattractive stains and streak caused by moss, lichens and algae. It is helpful for the homeowner to speak with a roofing specialist about the pros and cons of cleaning the roof on their own or having a professional company do the work. The roofing experts at Fortified Roofing of Toms River NJ can answer your questions about gutters or skylights.
Term explained by roofing company Fortified Roofing, Toms River NJ:
Gloeocapsa magma
Appearing as dark-colored streaks that run down a roof, Gloeocapsa magma is also called black algae. This organism is a cyanobacteria algae that feeds off the limestone on asphalt shingles. As it feeds off this mineral, Gloeocapsa magma inserts its roots into the shingles, making it difficult to thoroughly eradicate it without harming the shingles themselves.
Toms River roofing contractor Fortified Roofing answer a question:
How can a professional roof cleaning company use power washing and not harm the roof?
Although regular roof maintenance cannot prevent damage from a severe weather anomaly, such as a blizzard, it can reduce the amount of damage that occurs. For example, if the roof is structurally sound and clear of debris, it is less likely that strong winds, rain or snow can cause undue damage. However, if the roof has damaged components, such as shingles, severe weather can exacerbate the problem.
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If you would like to ask a question regarding roofers, a new roof installation, roof leak repairs, skylight options or gutters and downspouts please contact Fortified Roofing today!
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