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Brent wrote:

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Greetings all

My name is Brent and I recently started a roof cleaning business here on the north east coast of South Africa. We have a fantastic sub-tropical climate and therefore lots of black and green algae covered roofs to clean. It has been a huge learning curve so far and after reading some of the topics posted on this site I know I still have a lot to learn, but where to start. I have been using a pressure washer specifically built in SA for high pressure cleaning, but apart from being cumbersome to use on roofs, as you are all aware it is also potentially damaging to the tile surfaces if used incorrectly. I was particularly interested to read about the various chemicals one can use for cleaning roofs, however I do have a few questions and any advice will be greatly appreciated. I generally do not use chemicals due to the potential harm to the environment.

 Firstly, I get many requests to do work in various ecologically friendly estates where the use of any harmful chemicals is rightfully frowned upon. Are there chemicals or a mixture of chemicals that are completely bio-degradable and have no impact on the environment, but are effective in cleaning roofs and reducing algae growth?

Secondly, what are the simplest most cost effective methods and systems for applying these chemicals?

This site and the RCIA has opened up a whole new approach to my business for 2009. There is no such institution that I know of in SA.

Thanking you all in Advance

Brent Botha
Breathe Industries.

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South Africa ?
I have heard the Dog called a Rhodesian Ridgeback has urine that will clean a roof, LOL
Seriously, you need a chemical pump, not a pressure washer to clean a roof.
Look at the instructions to make Apple Cider roof cleaning chemical, and get the stuff you need to make it,
The KEY ingredient is 12.5 percent Sodium Hypochlorite.
You must find it.
When you spray it on the roof, you must either cover the plants with a tarp, or wet all plants down,  and KEEP them wet as checical drips on them.
Properly diluted, the chemical is pretty much harmless.
Undiluted, it will burn and kill plants.