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BACKGROUND
In Florida, many homeowners’ associations and even some
municipalities requiring periodic "roof cleaning", but the damage caused by
most traditional methods has become a problem that demands
a different alternative. Traditional cleaning typically
involves chlorine bleach or pressure cleaning – both of which have
been known to cause unnecessary and sometimes extensive damage to
the roof and surrounding property. In addition, these methods yield
results that typically last only 6-12 months. Many homeowners in
Florida now expect to replace their roofs after only 12-15 years
rather than 25-30 simply because of the damage caused by repeated
cleaning.
THE
PROBLEM
The black streaking typically found on homes in areas where moisture
settles on shingles is not really caused by dirt, mold, mildew, or
fungus; it's primarily roof algae. Mold, mildew, and fungus are
terms that most homeowners have come to associate with the
discoloration of the roof and so they have now become a much-abused
description of what is actually occurring on the roof. Scientists at
3M have identified the most common form of roof algae as Gloeocapsa
Magma. These algae spores are carried by the wind, which is why so
many houses in the same neighborhood end up with this problem.
During the last
20 years, this particular algae strain has become hardier and has
been able to migrate to less humid environments than it has in the
past. And in areas where it traditionally has been found, the
staining is showing up earlier, is more severe and settles on a
greater number of roofs. This is a “growing” problem throughout the
United States.
HOW
CAN IT BE CLEANED?
A quality roof should last upwards of 25-30 years if cared for and
maintained properly. Unfortunately, many roofs here in Florida (and
increasingly throughout the US) are replaced prematurely simply
because they are discolored, have not been properly maintained, or
they have been subjected to unnecessary stress while cleaning that
greatly reduces the life expectancy of the roof. Roof cleaning can
be done safely and effectively, but it comes with certain pitfalls
that every Homeowner, Property Manager, and Professional Roofer
should be aware of in order to avoid damage to property, unnecessary
repair costs, and the premature replacement of the roof.
Typical methods involve either pressure cleaning or chemicals
treatments such as Chlorine Bleach or Sodium Hydroxide. If used
properly, these methods will clean the roof with minimum adverse
impact – but the effects are very temporary and will have to be
repeated every 6-18 months in order to maintain the appearance of
the roof.
THESE METHODS ARE NOT A LONG-TERM SOLUTION
While these methods are relatively safe and effective when done
properly, repeated "roof cleaning" will lead to
premature aging of the roof. The natural erosion that occurs over
time from the basic forces of heat, cold, wind, and rain alone are
enough to bring most roofs to the point where annual inspections and
minor repairs are a necessity to prevent significant repair costs.
But when the roof is repeatedly subjected to high pressures or harsh
chemicals, the aging of the roof is greatly accelerated.
With repeated cleaning, concrete tiles are more likely to shift,
slip, or break and asphalt shingles are more likely to become
brittle and crack. When this happens, there is a greater chance
of damaging the roof simply by walking on it.
 And once gaps are
created, by natural means or otherwise, and subsequent pressure
cleaning or chemical cleaning is administered to a roof, these gaps
provide water or the caustic solutions with a path to the protective
roof underlayment, moisture barriers, metal valley underlining, and
flashings - increasing the chance of roof leaks and costly
repairs.
WHAT ARE THE BEST
ALTERNATIVES?
The most effective long-term strategies will minimize the use of
high pressures and harsh chemicals by stressing prevention from the
start. These strategies should include periodic roof inspections /
maintenance and regular applications of algaecide protection to
prevent algae discoloration before it begins – and the subsequent
need for cleaning.
(For
roofs that are currently infested with algae, Roof-A-Cide offers
several cleaning solutions that are both Chlorine and Caustic-free
and can be used to clean a roof safely and effectively without
risking damage to the roof or the surrounding property!)
A proper program of
preventative maintenance and algaecide protection will eliminate the
the potential for damage – giving the homeowner an aesthetically pleasing roof
for the life of the roof. Most quality treatment programs have
expected results lasting approximately 6-12 months. Obviously, the
longer the time frame, the better your chances are of minimizing any
unnecessary damage to the roof.
Roof-A-Cide is the industry leader offering an
Unconditional
2-YEAR Guarantee using the ONLY EPA approved algaecide /
fungicide specifically designed and approved for use on Roof
Materials. A light spray every few years is all you need to
eliminate Roof Cleaning and the potential damage associated with it!
Once your roof is cleaned, our Authorized Applicators will treat
your roof with Roof-A-Cide® which
guarantees protection from discoloration for at least TWO
YEARS (24 Months).
With follow up treatments every two years (24 months), your roof
will remain clean for the life of your roof without unnecessary
pressure cleaning and harsh chemicals!
►Read
some of our Customer Comments...
We currently have
Authorized Roof-A-Cide® Applicators in Arkansas, Florida, Georgia,
Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee,
and Texas. These companies are trained and equipped to clean your
roof professionally - without damaging your roof or landscaping.
Coming soon, these services will also be available in
Maryland, New York, Ohio, & Oklahoma.
►Click
here to Locate an Authorized
Roof-A-Cide® Applicator...
Click here for a video
demonstration.
Would you like Additional Information?
Contact us for program availability and costs in your area:
Info@Roof-A-Cide.com
or call:
800/806-6727 |
