How To Clean A Metal Roof
How to clean a metal roof like a PRO!
By Roof Cleaning Pro – Pierce Parker of
Cleaning a metal roof can be a very tedious and lengthy process depending on which way you decide to go about it. There are many types of metal roofing types, coatings to work with, and variables involved on every job. Every metal roof cleaning evolution is different with no two being the same ever!
Hire A Roof Inspector
Your roof should be inspected at least once a year. At Preman Roofing-Solar, we offer cleaning as part of routine maintenance to your roof. Our team can also check for leaks, apply a sealant to flashing, and repair or replace roof shingles as needed. Weve proudly served the San Diego area for over 20 years, and all of our work and pricing comes with our guarantee.
With proper roof maintenance, an asphalt shingle roof can last 20 years. Cedar shingles can last up to 30 years before they need to be replaced. But without regular cleaning and inspection, you may need to replace your roof in as little as 8 years.
Even if you prefer to clean your roof yourself, regular inspection can also prevent serious structural problems from water damage and wood rot. Excess water can lead to mold and mildew problems, which can cause respiratory problems and flare-ups for people with asthma.
How To Clean Mold Off A Roof
This article was co-authored by Mike Kapur. Mike Kapur is a home inspector and the owner of Sonic Home Inspections, a home inspection company in Westchester, New York. With over 15 years of experience in pre-inspecting properties, Mike specializes in mold, radon, asbestos, lead, water, and air quality testing as well as hazardous materials, pest, infrared, and general home inspections. Prior to founding Sonic Home Inspections, Mike worked pre-inspecting apartments. Mike holds a BS in Accounting from Queens College and is a Certified Mold Assessor in the state of New York.There are 17 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 68,974 times.
Its easy to let a mold problem sneak up on you on in out-of-the-way places like the roof of your home. Just because you cant see it, however, doesnt make it any less dangerous. At best, slimy black mold deposits are an eyesore at worst they can pose serious health risks. Thats why if you find evidence of mold growing on the roof of your home, eliminating it right away should be a high priority. You can bust up stubborn mold, along with other types of growth like moss and algae, by spraying your roof down with a powerful chemical cleaner.
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How To Prevent Algae Regrowth
There are a few things you can do to prevent algae from growing on your roof.
- One solution is to apply zinc and copper strips when youre installing your roof. Zinc and copper kill the algae on your roof. However, its not recommended to add it to an existing roof. This is because youll end up with exposed nails which can cause leakage, or you could end up breaking the sealant bond which may cause wind damage.
- Install algae-resistant shingles when youre installing a new roof. These are shingles made with copper granules to prevent algae growth on your roof.
- Trim back the trees to allow more sunlight on your roof and kill any algae or moss.
- Remove debris from your roof.
- Keep your gutters clean. This will promote good water drainage.
Whats Involved In Roof Cleaning
During roof cleaning, the focus is on killing and removing the algae or moss growth. Chlorine bleach, the same kind you use to whiten laundry or scrub your toilet, is enough to kill off moss and algae spores. The ARMA recommends a 1:1 ratio of bleach to water to clean a roof. They also advise against using a pressure washer on asphalt shingles, as the force of the water can damage them.
After being allowed to sit on the roof surface for up to 20 minutes, the bleach solution should be rinsed away with clean water. A few rain showers should be enough to wash any remaining algae off the roof. The person cleaning your roof might also use a leaf blower to remove any leftover pieces of moss.
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How To Use Bleach To Cleanroof Shingles
Using bleach is a fast and efficient way of cleaning and keeping your roof shingles clean. It can be is used to clean stained and dirty roof shingles.
Some of the items you will need for the method below include water, chlorine bleach, 1 cup of powdered laundry soap, a stiff roof broom/brush, ladder pump garden sprayer, a large bucket, a ladder, gloves, apron, goggles and rubber soled shoes with good gripping.
Precautions
Bleach irritates mucous membranes, the skin and the respiratory system. Do not forget to put on protective gear gloves, lab coat or plastic apron, and goggles
Bleach reacts readily with other chemicals, so caution should be exercised when using this chemical. Ensure the area is well ventilated when diluting or using bleach.Cold water should be used for dilution as hot water decomposes the active ingredient, sodium hypochlorite, rendering it ineffective.
Will Bleach Damage Asphalt Shingles
The quick answer is no, bleach doesnt typically damage asphalt shingles. Bleach is also an excellent choice for killing mold, moss, mildew, and algae. Also, bleach helps dissolve dirt, mud, and other grime on a structures roof.
However, there is one exception to keep in mind. Bleach might dry on a roof surface during a sunny day, as said. If you need to use bleach to kill mold and other contaminants, wait for overcast weather or later in the day.
Also, its vital that you rinse bleach completely, to prevent it drying and to avoid odors as much as possible. Lastly, bleach cleansers might leave behind an unpleasant, bothersome smell. If you have breathing sensitivities, consider something other than a bleach-based cleaner.
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Cleaning The Roof With Bleach And Trisodium Phosphate
The benefit of using Trisodium Phosphate is that it comes with sodium hypochlorite as the active ingredient. Cleaning your shingles with this solution requires a pressure washer with black soft spray chemical injector tip, 5.5 gallon system and hot water
The disadvantage of this is that trisodium phosphate strips paint from the roof. If the solution is left on windows, it dries leaving tough stains that are difficult to remove. It also contains phosphates that are harmful to the environment.
Cleaning Asphalt Roofshingles With Bleach And Water
Bleach and water work well when cleaning asphalt roof shingles. Clean the roof following the procedure below
When using this method ensure that you clean the roof in the morning hours or when its cloudy and there is no rain. If you clean on a sunny day bleach will evaporate. Keep repeating the process till the roof is clean. If the problem of algae and moss persists then it is important to consult a professional roof cleaner.
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Thankfully There Are Some Killer Alternatives To Bleach
1) Sodium hydroxide products are NOT recommended!! A chemical alternative to bleach uses theantifungal agent sodium hydroxide also known as lye. Lye-based products appeared on the market a few years ago, but turned out to be even more dangerous to use than bleach! Even at low concentrations, permanent damage could be done to the roofing, possibly even dissolving the roofing nails!
Fortunately, most lye-based products have been removed from the market.
2) Here are a few bleach-free chemical treatments that can help keepfungus under control:
Bleach & Water To Clean Your Roof
Have you noticed black streaksdistracting from the beauty of your roof? These blemishes usually indicate thepresence of blue-green algae. If the stains appear to be lighter in colour, youlikely have green colonies of moss growth.
Luckily, you can use a solution oflaundry-strength chlorine bleach and water to fight off these stubborn moss oralgae stains:
Warning: A bleach solution couldstain your asphalt shingle roof if you apply too much at once or dont wash theliquid off properly.
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Will Bleach Discolor Shingles
No, bleach will not cause discoloration in your shingles, or asphalt shingles.
Especially not if you apply bleach with the 50-50 mixture that we recommended above, then youre definitely not going to deal with any discoloration.
Generally, the only thing elements that can cause shingle discoloration is just general wear-and-tear from getting absolutely blasted by the heat of the sun over the years. Also, certain kinds of algae and moss can cause discoloration, which is even more motivation to get your roof cleaned routinely.
Get A Sprayer And Mix Solution
A garden sprayer with a pump-action handle works well to apply the vinegar solution. A tall ladder will allow you to spray the entirety of the roof from the ladder without walking on the roof. If you need to get on the roof, you should use the appropriate fall arrest safety procedures and walk carefully.
To mix the bleach solution, simply dump your vinegar into the garden sprayer with about an ounce of dish soap.
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Final Roof Cleaning Tips
After you finish the roof cleaningprocess, you should take preventative measures to prevent algae from comingback. For example, cut away any tree branches that are touching your roof orblocking sunlight. If you allow these branches to hang around, youll promotemoss and algae growth.
It would be best if you also made aneffort to go on top of your roof and clear the gutters of debris. Use abattery-powered leaf blower for convenience. The whole process shouldnt taketoo much of your time, and itll promote adequate drainage and prevent algaeand moss from growing.
What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Roof
In addition to unnecessary wear and tear on your roof tiles from the weather, the number one concern that you should have if you don’t regularly clean your asphalt shingle roof is moss growth. As moss thickens and continues to grow on your roof over time, it can actually raise up the singles in an unnatural way.
Not only will this allow debris to gather in an area where it doesn’t belong, but it also promotes water buildup. This in turn not only limits the lifespan of your roof and could cause individual tiles to rot, but it also makes a leak much more likely – leading to damage inside your home, as well.
Black algae and similar types of issues are also very common on asphalt shingle roofs that are not properly maintained, all of which mean that cleaning your roof on a regular basis should always be a top priority in the life of any homeowner.
Cleaning an Asphalt Shingle Roof
Most asphalt shingle roof cleaning methods require the use of some type of chemical – this is especially true if you’re dealing with algae stains and other visual issues. Whatever you do, make sure that you don’t use harsh chemicals or you could artificially shorten the life of your tiles. Use a product specifically designed to not only remove moss and algae stains, but one that is marked safe to use on asphalt shingle roofs.
Once you’ve taken the chance to wet down your entire roof with the aforementioned solution, give it a chance to sit – usually about 15 minutes or so will do just fine.
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Does Spray And Forget Work On Roofs
Wet and Forget is an excellent choice for cleaning roofs, as said. It offers a thorough clean that works over time. Also, its designed to get rinsed off gradually by rain, dew, and other natural processes. In turn, you dont necessarily need to rinse it off your homes roof after application.
Additionally, note that Wet and Forget is safe for a variety of outdoor surfaces. You can use it to clean concrete, patio pavers, and wood decks and fences. Wet and Forget is even useful on outdoor glass!
Lastly, note that Wet and Forget is bleach free. In turn, its an excellent choice for those sensitive to bleach odors. If you have allergies, asthma, or other such health concerns, consider Wet and Forget for your property.
How To Clean Shingles: A Step
How to clean shingles the right way. Its never too hard to learn how you can do something in order to keep your home, or any other place, in good shape and looking its best. Youll be glad to know that if you have shingles, its not all that difficult at all to learn how to clean them and keep them in great condition.
Shingles are a common roofing material that are often made from asphalt, wood, or slate. They are rectangular in shape and usually have a smooth surface. Shingles can be installed either vertically or horizontally, and they are often used on homes and other buildings. Although shingles are durable and long-lasting, they can become dirty over time and need to be cleaned periodically to maintain their appearance. In this article, we will discuss how to clean shingles the right way so that they look good as new.
Roof Shingles Cleaning
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How To Clean Roof Algae
The easiest way to clean algae off roofs is with the use of bleach and water. As long as the problem has not advanced to the point where the roof is seriously compromised, a 50/50 mix of bleach and water should clear away the algae and restore the cleanliness of your shakes or shingles. Bleach is the active ingredient that kills algae on contact.
After mixing bleach and water in a large plastic bucket, gradually spread the mixture over your roof with a mop. The algae should quickly loosen up and wipe away from the shingles as you cover the roof, foot by foot. Once you have finished, hose the mixture off the roof. This stage is a good time to check your gutters for any obstructions that could possibly impede the drainage process.
To prevent the re-growth of algae, line the shingles with copper flashing to inhibit any further development of algae, which is allergic to copper. Better yet, contact a roofing service professional to perform this service. A licensed roof cleaner will know how to keep balance and perform the job fast on a residential rooftop.
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How To Remove Mold Mildew And Algae From Your Roof
Mold, mildew, and algae are significant problems for any home, but can be even more persistent in warm and humid climates such as the South or the Midwest. As the snow starts to melt and the temperatures rise, you may start to notice dark streaks and stains on your asphalt shingles. While not dangerous, this common occurrence can lead to more serious consequences down the road if not handled properly. Fortunately, there is a wide range of ways to handle mold, mildew, and algae that can keep your home looking fresh. Learn all about how to remove contaminants and protect your home from moisture with the roofing experts at Shanco today!
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Why Should You Remove Algae From A Roof
The algae on your roof are unsightly and cause stains. In addition, algae interfere with the performance of highly reflective or cool roofs.
Moss causes the shingles to lift or curl which increases the chance of shingles blowing off. It also changes the water flow of the roof which may cause damage to any porches or roof decks you have.
How To Remove Mold From Wood
Wood easily absorbs liquid, especially water. As a result, wood is an ideal home for mold and mildew caused by insufficient ventilation or dampness. Mold normally appears in greenish-brown or black patches. Mildew is the term prevalently used to associate mold fungi and the discoloration found on wood surfaces. Aside from the unpleasant appearance, mold spores may cause allergies and other health issues.
Before removing mold from your wooden surfaces, make sure to prepare the basic tools and supplies.
You need the following supplies:
- commercial removal product
- scrub brush with soft bristles
Here are the steps to remove the mold that has grown on wood:
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