Gearold wrote:

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Anyone tell me where I could find good information on roof cleaning and the facts behind the algae on the roof and what it is doing to the roof. 

 

I have a potential client that insists that cleaning the roof does nothing for it. And that he has had roofs last for 20 years that have had Algae on them.

 

He wants me to send him some information on why he should have the roof cleaned. I downloaded a PDF fromthe ARMA but I am sure there has to be something better out there.

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 I just researched and got this info together this week. Maybe you could use some of this?

Florida Roof Cleaning by The Roofing Manufacturers Method

From GAF Roofing Manufacturers about black algae removal:

http://www.gaf.com/Documents/Algae_Staining_on_Shingled_Roof_Surfaces_-_Steep_Slope_Techn-43-808-v3.pdf

Below is a partial "cut and paste" excerpt from GAF on how to clean a roof:

"If a new roof is not an option, GAF recommends cleaning the roof with a special mixture. That mixture is:
4 gallons of water, 1 gallon of bleach and 1 cup of TSP" 

 
"What NOT To Do! Do not power wash the shingles to clean the shingles. Some roof cleaning companies offer this service.
However, it is not recommended."

From ARMA roofing manufacturers Association-how to clean roofing.

 http://www.asphaltroofing.org/pdf/tb_217.pdf 

Below is a partial excerpt cut and pasted below from ARMA:

Algae discolorations to remove from roofing surfaces, applying a solution of
chlorine bleach, trisodium phosphate, and water. Solutions for these ingredients depend on the amount of discoloration. Solutions range to one cup TSP and 2.5 gallons each of bleach and water.
First, gently disperse this solution on the roofing surface.  Avoid scrubbing the surface, as this friction may loosen and remove granules.
Caution!
High pressure washing systems for algae removal should not be used.

Owens Corning Roofing manufacturers says the same thing:

"USE CHLORINE and TSP" "DO NOT USE A PRESSURE WASHER"

Corning info in link below.

http://webapps.easy2.com/cm2/flash/generic_index.asp?page_id=36077811

So, those who manufacture your roofing and warranty your roofing are the folks to listen to!

Not those who pressure wash roofs, or try to sell you a so called "Green" Eco-Friendly" chemical.

We clean roofs ONLY by the roofing manufacturers methods, so your warranty will not be voided!

WE ARE RCIA CERTIFIED ROOF CLEANERS: ROOF CLEANING INSTITUTE OF AMERICA. LINK BELOW:

http://roof-cleaning-institute.activeboard.com/forum.spark?aBID=123190&p=3&topicID=41055740&page=1

Charlotte & Sarasota County Florida Roof Cleaning by Chuck Bergman Since 1991

 
941-698-1959
941-474-8883
941-483-3673
941-255-8600

Chuck Bergman Soft Wash Roof Cleaning has been serving Charlotte and Sarasota Counties in Florida since 1991 { Prior to that as Chuck Bergman Pressure Cleaning  since 1989 }

With years of experience , it became clear to me that while pressure washing roofs made them look clean, damage was occurring on the roofs. Pressure cleaning machines can only be turned down so far and still accomplish roof cleaning and any amount of pressure, even as low a setting as 300 psi { 3000 to 4000 psi is what most pressure cleaning contractors use } will still remove around 15-20% of the granules that make up the color and protection of your shingle roof per cleaning.

Ugly black algae, left in place on the roof, eats around those granules and the rain removes them. Still eventually destroying the roof and spoiling it's appearance and resale value. With tile roofs, pressure removes the glazing many tile roofs come with. Pressure also blows pieces of cement that hold the ridge-caps in place off into space! If your tile roof is painted, pressure will blow portions of paint off all over the roof, leaving it in need of an expensive paint job!

I started out strictly as a Pressure washing Company! So, what to do?

In 1991 I started developing a system to clean roofs without using pressure.

Now these roof cleaning systems are available for purchase commercially. Even some of these "Non Pressure" systems are what I consider overkill, so I have tried them all and settled on what I consider the best for my customers. Some are designed to do a roof very quickly, using 7 gallon per minute pumps on up! Others [because they are inexpensive] very slowly- 1 gpm pumps. I am in the middle and pleased with my results with a system of 3 gpm output. I want the cleaning solution to remain on the roof, not to run off the roof or into the gutters.

If you would like your roof restored [most of the time to 90% like new!] using only the methods suggested by your roofing manufacturer, call us for a free estimate! We have been a father and son ONLY business since 1994-so you will always get a professional and never get a crew or a new guy in training on your property!