The Roof Cleaning Institute Of America Training & Certification Forum
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Hey Guys,

I was asked by a newer RCIA member about a picture I have on my website that I threw up there when I first built the site and had since forgot about, but, this brings up a good point and one that I want to bring to everyone's attention.

I had never been asked about it before but now that it was brought up I will change its since I don't want the majority of homeowners to veiw and immediately think PRESSURE WASHING.

Below is the PM I sent as a response to the inquiry.

This goes to show that even an experienced roof cleaner can let things fall thru the cracks, especially with technology  and keeping up with a website and its pictures.

May this info below serve to help another roof cleaning contractor to check up on your old pictures and information and keep it current and updated or you may get others giving you a "Check up, from the neck up"

Here is the response to the inquiry of the picture in question.

"Yes, I found the picture. Thanks XXXXXX.

It is an old one and I had forgotten it was even in my pictures, but, yes, it is a pic of a LOW PRESSURE rinse being performed for a customer who wanted us to rinse her roof to follow the EXACT American Roofing Manufacturers Association procedure to the letter.

Yes, you were perceptive, and thanks for noticing it, but, alas, you were incorrect on the use of an actual high pressure washing system in use by my company on roofs.

Roof Clean USA uses ULTRA LOW and NON PRESSURE, soft washing on roofs and exteriors ONLY.

The only time we ever use high pressure is in the cleaning and beautification of concrete drives and pool decks, etc.


The picture you noticed is a wide spray 6540 tip, 70 PSI and a 1/2" stainless wand.

This is acceptable, but not advised unless a last resort or a deal breaker.

You may be asked to rinse from time to time if you show your customers, or direct them to, the ARMA technical article on Algae Discoloration on roofs.

To make clear, there was some pressure being used, but a very low pressure and this is what is ACTUALLY suggested if you carefully read the ARMA asphalt shingle roof cleaning standard method which suggests a H.O. or contractor rinse the roof after roof cleaning agents are applied and allowed to dwell.

We teach the NON PRESSURE method at RCIA and ARCA because most property owners don't care to have you rinse and want the least granule loss possible and it is more cost effective from a labor standpoint and for the purpose of water conservation, it is better on the Terra scape.

I appreciate your comments and concerns and for bringing this to my attention as on the internet and the web in general, it is all about how the public perceives you, even if all is not as it appears?

Have a terrific day!