The Roof Cleaning Institute Of America Training & Certification Forum
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“All roofing systems require some maintenance. Maintenance may include coating, painting, cleaning, and/or sealing the majority of the roof surface.”

“A yearly visual inspection of a concrete roof can help protect against accumulation of leaf debris in the valleys, or moss growth that could create a damming effect with rain.

Moss and algae do not harm concrete tiles, but periodic cleaning with a power washer by a professional can remove them, and the use of biocides may be incorporated to slow the growth of these organisms.”

I was taken aback by some of these statements.
I have walked plenty of roofs in Sun City and I can tell you from personal experience that:

1. A pressure Washer in the hands of the average Joe WILL cause damage. Sure someone with the proper training can nozzle down to an appropriate pressure and clean a concrete tile roof without damage. But that is not going to remove the biomatter! I haven't met a homeowner with that kind of training.

2. Organisms, especially, Gloeocapsa Magma will certainly eat away at the tile and the mortar that holds them in place. In severely infested cases it changes the way the drainage works and can cause water penetration.

3. May be used to "slow" the growth. Maybe we need to show these guys what we do everyday. We can do much more than change the aesthetics and "slow" the growth.


I'm posting this information for our clients. As RCIA members and Certified Roof Cleaners, please list your experiences and comments here as well.

Thanks!