Many Florida residents who came to the state from North are awestruck by the thought of roof maintenance as well as at the thought that numerous communities in Florida need cleaning their roofs. The reasons for roof cleaning are aesthetics, property value energy efficiency, as well as Roof Washing Albany Ny.
Whatever the motive, if it’s being done it is in your responsibility to research the options that are available to you. A high-quality roof can last for a minimum of 30 years if maintained and maintained correctly. Unfortunately, many roofing systems in Florida (and increasing across all over the US) are put through excessive stress when cleaning them. This drastically reduces the longevity for the roofing. The repeated cleaning of roofs can bring some pitfalls that homeowners, property managers and professional cleaner must be aware of to avoid property damage and unnecessary repairs, and premature replacement of the roof.
WHY HAS THE ROOF TURNED BLACK?
The dark streaks that are commonly seen on houses in areas where moisture accumulates on shingles isn’t caused by fungus or mildew It’s algae that grows on roofs. 3M researchers discovered the most frequent kind known as Gloeocapsa Magma. The spores of algae are carried by the wind, and that is why there are so many homes within the vicinity could be affected by this issue. Over the last 20 years the specific algae species has become more durable and is able to move to areas that are less humid as it did previously. In areas in which it is typically located, the staining has been appearing sooner and more severe, and is more likely to occur on larger areas of roofs.
HOW CAN IT BE CLEANED?
Common roof cleaning methods include either chemical or pressure cleaning that contain Chlorine Bleach and Sodium Hydroxide. If they are used correctly the methods can remove the roof without any negative effects – however, the effects are brief and may need to be repeated at least every 6-18 months to maintain your roof’s appearance.
WHAT IS THE BEST CLEANING METHOD?
Each approach has its pros and drawbacks.
A solution of water and chlorine is a good option, to wash the solution thoroughly. However, as chlorine can be harmful to both plants and humans it is essential that proper care be taken to shield workers and the property from the effects of overspray and runoff. The advantages of chlorine use include a more efficient cleaning process and less washing as opposed alternatives. This results in less wear and tear on roofs – especially asphalt roofing made of shingles.
The cleaners based on Sodium Hydroxide are typically advertised as safe for landscaping, however sodium hydroxide is causticand extremely poisonous, and must be taken to protect workers and the surrounding property. It is also an extremely effective degreaser. The high concentrations of sodium hydroxide within the cleaning products can cause damage to the asphalt roofing shingle that could be irreparable. They generally require more rinsing than chlorine method. Rinsing is not just time-consuming and time-consuming, but it could cause damage to the roof if it is not performed properly. A good sodium hydroxide-based product shouldn’t require greater than 100 psi to effectively clean an asphalt roof and, even then, some loss of granules should be to be expected.
Pressure cleaning is a method which should only be utilized on barrel, concrete tile, or metal roof. Pressure cleaning offers the benefit of not needing chemicals and removing some of the expense – as well as landscape and chemical exposure concerns. The downside to it is it can be extremely time-consuming and creates a tremendous amount of force on surfaces that are not designed to handle it. Furthermore, the repeated pressure cleaning could cause damage to the tiles’ surface which are covered only by only a small amount of color. If this occurs the gray concrete color begins to peek through, and the roof has to be painted or stained.
THESE METHODS ARE NOT LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS.
Although these techniques are safe and effective when applied correctly, repeated use can cause premature ageing on the roofing. the natural erosion which happens in the tie caused by the basic forces of cold, heat winds, rain and wind alone can weaken the roof until they require periodic checks and repairs of minor nature are essential to reduce the cost of repairs. When the roof is subjected to extreme pressure or harsh chemical treatments, the aging process of the roof’s structure gets dramatically increased. When the roof is cleaned repeatedly tiles are more prone to move, slide, or break, and asphalt roofing materials are more likely to get brittle and break. If this happens then there is a higher possibility of tearing the membrane of the roof simply by walking across the roof. If gaps form within the roof, and the subsequent chemical or pressure cleaning is carried out and these cracks allow water or caustic solutions with a way to reach the roof membrane , which increases the possibility of expensive roof leaks.
WHAT IS THE ALTERNATIVE?
A good routine of preventative maintenance will reduce the need for further cleaning as well as the risk of damage that may result from it. In order to prevent the recurrence algae growth requires the use of a small amount of chlorine and water , or an algae-prevention product.
The most effective algaecides last between 6 and 12 months before reapplication is required. The longer the period of time you can afford, the better the chance are of minimizing excessive damage to your roof. Prevention programs must be implemented with the help of neighbors whenever feasible and most are available without a requirement to walk over the roofing.