Benefits Of Using Bleachfor Roof Cleaning
Bleachis readily available and one of the fastest ways of cleaning algae from theroof and shingles. It is a strongcleaner that kills algae and fungus and removes stains that comes with it. Itmakes it easy to get rid of dirt on the roof and shingles.
There is no need of rinsing or inspecting theroof after the application.
Oxygenbleach is recommended because it does not harm plants and animals in theenvironment. It saves time and energy because there is no need of wateringplants and vegetation before cleaning the roof with bleach.
Two: Wash Down The Solution
Leave the roof with the solution for 10 to 15 minutes. Allow the solution to soak the mold properly.
Oxygen bleach will start killing them and loosen up from their place. Then it will take away the stain. 20 minutes later, take a long handle soft bristle scrub brush. Lightly brush the shingles.
Harsh scrubbing is not advised. It can lift up the roof shingles from their position. Rinse it off with your garden hose. Dont use high pressure while spraying on the roof.
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Apply A Moisture And/or Microbial Barrier
Roofing materials and technology has advanced greatly within the last few decades.
One of those advances is the ability to apply chemicals to your existing roof that repels water, or prevents algae and mold from developing. New roofs are often constructed of materials that have these properties impregnated into them.
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Whats The Safest Way To Clean Algae And Moss From Asphalt Shingle Roofs
You might think that taking a power washer to the roof is the quickest and most effective way to remove algae and moss from the shingles. But power washers are too strong for the shingle granules and will wear them down. Asphalt shingles are designed to withstand rain, not the force of a power washer. Power washing your roof will reduce its lifespan.
Instead, gently pray the roof down with a mix of half bleach and half water. Let the mixture sit on the roof for 20 minutes before you rinse it off. But be sure to wet your plants around the foundation down with water first. This will protect them from the bleach mixture run-off. Then, rinse your foundation plants down with clean water again, so they arent damaged.
Rinsing the roof after bleaching it wont make it look pristine. Your roof will actually look a bit worse before it gets better. The algae will slowly disappear with each rainfall after you bleach it. Moss, however, will look yellow right after bleaching. Gradually, it will loosen from the roof shingles. Once it does, then you can safely remove it with a leaf blower. It can take several weeks to several months for the moss to pull away from the shingles.
When Is The Best Time To Clean My Roof
Another tip for washing your roof free of algae is to double-check the day you plan to execute. Verify the weather prediction and pick a moderate or overcast day with minimal wind. The less wind, the better to not accidentally spray the cleaners onto the rest of your house or a neighbors yard. A cool and overcast day is best for the algae to soak up the cleansers best and properly cleaned off for the roof.
Be sure that any loose shingles or broken gutters have been cleaned. We dont want anything to go wrong when it comes time to clean your roof. Although we recommend using a safe and non-corrosive cleaner, there will undoubtedly be run-off from the roof washing. Youll want to move any lawn furniture or cover anything that cannot be moved and might get in the way of the run-off. Since mold and algae will be coming off the roof, youll want to be sure it doesnt land on any patio furniture or an outdoor kitchen area. The run off will also make your lawn wet and damp and it may take some time for it to dry out.
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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 Prevent Moss On Your Roof
Happily, there are preventive measures you can use to keep your roof moss-free. First, let the sunshine in. Trim any branches hanging over your roof, keep the gutters free of debris, and regularly remove moisture-collectorssuch as leaves, branches, and seedpodsthat pile up on the roof and encourage moss to grow. The best long-term solution is to attach strips of zinc or zinc-coated metal flashing strips just below the peak or ridge caps. When it rains, water flows over the metal strips leaching out moss-retardant zinc particles, which attach to roof shingles and/or tiles to stop new moss from forming.
Working safely, smartly, and strategically guarantees your operations will run smoothly. These prevention measures mean you’ll be able to stay off the ladder and roof for seasons, if not years, to come.
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Protect Your Roof Dont Damage It
Do not use a pressure washer! While it will strip the growth right off, it will also wear down and reduce the lifespan of the shingling underneath. In the short term its a great fix, but in the long run, you will cost yourself a lot more when you have to replace the entire roof sooner than you otherwise would.
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How To Remove Algae From Roof Shingles
Have you begun to notice some streaky discoloration on your roof? Or maybe even some green, mossy stains that seem to have come from nowhere? Maybe it even looks dark, like someones been rubbing charcoal over your homes roof! Youre probably dealing with mold or algae that has started to creep onto your roofs surface. Usually, homeowners will begin to notice the marks after two or three months, as the algae continues to worsen and become more prominent?
How do I remove Algae from Roof Shingles? Washing your roof with a powerful roof cleanser will do the trick. In this process you will want to use water and bleach to cleanse your roof. Below, we will delve more into what to do if algae has become apparent on your homes roof.
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Get Rid Of Mold And Algae On Your Roof
The old standard method for cleaning algae and mold stains from asphalt shingles is to spray on a solution of chlorine bleach and water. Some people add TSP for extra cleaning power. You let the solution sit for about 5 minutes, or so. Then rinse it off with garden hose, not a pressure washer, which can damage your roofing.
However, I’m not recommending bleach for a few reasons: It’s toxic to plants , and it can damage shingles if it’s left on too long or isn’t completely rinsed off. You can protect your plants from bleach spray, but then you have the rinse water pouring down your gutters into your yard, etc. Not worth the trouble.
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How Often Should Cedar Be Treated
STAINING CEDAR WOOD: THE BASICS OF PROTECTING YOUR SIDING According to Networx, wood siding should be repainted every 3-7 years, or stained approximately every 4 years. How often youll need to restain or repaint will depend on your regions weather conditions as well as how often your home suffers damage.
What Causes Black Streaks On Shingles
The dark stains or streaks that sometimes form on shingle roofs are usually a sign of a Gloeocapsa Magma infestation. This is a species of bacteria that resembles algae and thrives in damp and cold environments. Its very likely to show up in humid climates, or on surfaces that receive plenty of dew or shade.
Since the north-facing side of a roof is normally the side that gets the least amount of sunlight, this is where the first streaks will usually appear. However, they can also occur in areas that have significant tree coverage. Since Gloeocapsa Magma spreads via air, theres a significant possibility that it will soon infest the surrounding roofs as well.
On top of being an eyesore and reducing the curb appeal of your home , this bacteria also absorbs and holds moisture. If left untreated, it can cause your shingles to age, rot, or lose their granules prematurely.
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Preventing Mildew From Forming
Removing overhanging tree branches and allowing sunshine and air movement over your roof. This can eliminate the mildew-friendly environment and stop it from growing.
Installing zinc strips under a row of shingles near the ridge of the roof will prevent mildew from forming. The mild chemical reaction caused by rainwater coming in contact with the zinc inhibits the growth of mold and mildew.
Applying asphalt roofing shingles containing a copper additive in their surface granules is an option. The copper granules in combination with rainwater have a mild chemical reaction that prevents mold and mildew.
Spray-on commercial products that you apply and leave on are also available. Annual application reportedly blocks the growth of mildew.
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Guide For Algae & Moss Removal On Your Roof
If you live in the South, Midwest, or another region of the country that has warm, humid summers, you may have noticed stains and streaks showing up on your asphalt shingles. These stains look a lot like moldbut in fact, much of this so-called mold is actually blue-green algae . In some cases, what looks like mold might be more properly classified as moss.
In less frequent instances, the streaks on the roof actually are mold, which can be very dangerous for your family and more difficult to get rid of. The most serious mold cases can cause asthma, headaches, and other health problems, so its crucial to understand the difference.
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Taking Care Of Your Asphalt Shingle Roof
You should expect to get about 15-25 years out of a shingle roof upon replacement. Thats if, and only if, youre taking proper care of your roof throughout the years. Other roof types may vary in life expectancy. Check out the best roof types and their life expectancies.
The weather and environmental stress can be tough on a roof. Not only the roof itself, but also your gutters, chimney, trees, and sealant. When you cause damage to those, that can also lead to further roof damage. Let me share with you key tips to taking care of your asphalt shingles:
How To Remove Mold From Roof Shingles
Mold can be found nearly anywhere there is a lot of moisture, such as around leaky pipes, wet basements, and even on your roof. Characterized by its black-greenish hue, algae can gradually eat away at roof shingles, resulting in rot and an unsightly appearance. Mold on roof shingles often appears as black streaks or stains, and while it is more common in climates that experience warm, humid summers, mold can grow in a wide range of conditions.
Removing fungus, moss, mildew, and associated stains from a roof is no easy feat. That is why many homeowners rely on experienced roofing contractors to complete the job. However, if you believe you are up for the task, take the time to protect your property and gather the right equipment and supplies for the job. Learn how to remove mold from roof shingles and discover why you may want to consider hiring a professional.
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What To Watch Out For
Cleaning any roof can be hazardous, particularly if you plan on climbing up on the roof itself to wash it. Many people mistakenly believe that metal roofs can be simply hosed off, or even power washed. Unfortunately, a simple garden hose is often not enough to free most of the dirt from the roof, while a power washer may dent the metal or cause corroded areas to sustain even worse damage.
Therefore, its usually best to clean a metal roof from on top of the house itself. Keep in mind that metal roofs tend to be much more slippery than an asphalt roof, and that many aluminum roofs will also dent easily if walked on.
Before you can clean your metal roof, youll need to do a thorough inspection of the roof itself. This is because metal roofs may harbor some areas of corrosion, and this corrosion may weaken the roof, making it more hazardous to walk on. Some standing seam roofs may also have sharp edges, particularly if a seam has bent or moved over time, which can also make cleaning the roof more dangerous. If you find either of these on your roof, you may want to call for a professional roofer to help clean and repair your roof before you attempt to clean it yourself.
In addition to areas of damage, you also want to take a look at what it is that needs to be cleaned from your roof. White roofs that have been stained by blue/green algae may require a different cleaner than a green roof which merely has a few built up layers of dust, debris, and pine sap.
Rinse The Bleach Solution
After spraying the shingles with the bleach solution, allow the bleach to sit for approximately 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the severity of the mold growth. Using a garden hose at low pressure, rinse the roof shingles thoroughly to remove the bleach solution. When rinsing, start at the top affected shingle and work downwards. While wearing gloves, run your fingers across the shingles. If you still feel slime on the shingles, apply the bleach solution a second time and let it sit for an extra 10 minutes. You can then rinse the roof again.
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Bleach Solution Will Remove Mold From Roof
Q.What do you think of the products and people who clean roofs of various stains? I have quite a few stains, and wonder if I need to hire a roof cleaner, or buy products such as Roof Begone at Ace Hardware. I have one of those zinc strips installed parallel to the roof ridge, but it is exposed only 1 inch and I still have the stains. I treated some lichen with a lot of water, and when the spots finally came off, they pulled off a lot of the shingle. DAN, Lynnfield
A. Roofs seem to be collecting a lot of stains of late: mold algae moss get on your roof. That Roof Begone sounds intriguing, but at $30 a gallon its as expensive as some paints.
Or make your own: one part bleach and three parts water, which will kill mold and algae, but algae needs scrubbing and an extra dose of the bleach/water solution. You can scrape off the moss, or treat with a strong stream from the garden hose.
Unless the power is turned way down, it is not a good idea to power wash an asphalt shingle roof.
Finally, those zinc strips will prevent new growth of all these pesky things, but will not remove whats already there. Other metals that will deter growth of the three peskies are copper and lead.
Q.Warm water is running from the cold water taps in both my kitchen and bathroom. Replacing the fixtures did not solve the problem. How can I fix it? NANCY, in Hottons chat room
I would avoid candles, they produce a lot of soot and other contaminants.
What Is The Best Cleaner For Roof Shingles
When cleaning roof shingles, there are several excellent cleaners you can use.
Two cleaners you can use to spray on your roof and then leave are Spray & Forget or Wet & Forget. You can also use chlorine bleach and water to clean your roof as the sodium hypochlorite in chlorine bleach is effective for cleaning algae, fungi, and moss. A third option is sodium hydroxide which is also known as lye.
In addition to these cleaners, you will also need a ladder, garden sprayer, hose, and a safety rope or harness.
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