Home Decoration

Many Florida residents who are from the north, surprised to be surprised by the idea of cleaning the roof - and more by the fact that many communities need here in Florida. Reasons for cleaning are aesthetics, property values, energy efficiency and increased lifespan of the roof.

Whatever the reason, if done, it is your own interest, what options are available to meet you. A quality roof should last up to 30 years if cared for and maintained properly. Unfortunately, many roofs here in Florida (and increasingly in the USA), exposed to unnecessary stress while cleaning the greatly reduced lifespan of the roof. With the roof cleaning comes certain pitfalls that repeated every landlord, property manager and professional cleaner should be known in order to avoid damage to property, unnecessary repair costs and the repayment of the roof.

WHY IS THE ROOF turned black?

The black band is usually placed on homes in areas where moisture is on shingles is not caused by mold or fungi, is the roof algae. 3M scientists have identified the most common form of magma Gloeocapsa. B algae spores carried by wind, which explains why so many houses in the neighborhood can be found with this problem. Bred in the last 20 years, this particular strain of algae is stronger and therefore able to migrate to a less humid than in the past. And in areas where it has traditionally been found, the staining was already evident, is stronger and sits on more roofs.

HOW CAN be cleaned?

Typical methods of roof cleaning involve either high pressure cleaning solutions or chemicals, bleach or sodium hydroxide. Properly used, these methods the roof with minimal adverse own - but the impact may be very limited and generally must be repeated every 6-18 months to get the look of the roof.

WHAT IS THE BEST way to clean?

Each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

A solution of chlorine and water can be used, followed by thorough rinsing. Of course, since chlorine can be toxic to humans and plants, should be paid sufficient attention to protecting workers and the surrounding property spray and runoff. The benefits to using chlorine content much faster cleaning and rinsing small compared to the difference of other methods. This is reflected in significantly less wear on the roof - especially the roof of asphalt shingles.

Based cleaners sodium hydroxide is generally advertised as safer for the landscaping, but sodium hydroxide is caustic, very toxic, and should also be used to protect employees and surrounding property. Sodium hydroxide is also a very effective degreaser. Thus, a high level of sodium hydroxide in the detergent may cause damage to a roof of asphalt shingles and May appears to be irreversible. These products generally require much more than the method of rinsing chlorine. The rinsing process is not only time consuming, but it can also potentially damaging to the roof if not done correctly. A sodium hydroxide product quality based should not wash more than 100 pounds per square inch by an effective one roof with asphalt shingles, and even then, expect some loss of grain.

High pressure cleaning is an option that should be used as a concrete, barrel tile, or metal roofs. High pressure cleaning has the advantage of being without use of chemicals, which represent some of the costs - in addition to the landscape and concerns of exposure to chemicals. The disadvantage of high pressure cleaning, it’s very time consuming and puts enormous pressure on a surface that is not really designed to deal with it. In addition, repeated pressure cleaning can wear away the surface of some tiles, which are covered by a thin layer of dye. When this happens, the gray is showing through the concrete and the roof must be stained or painted.

These procedures are not long term solutions.

Even if these procedures are relatively safe and effective if done properly, repeated use leads to premature aging of the roof. The natural erosion that ends in a draw on the game, some of the basic forces of heat, cold, wind and rain, but enough to weaken most roofs to the point where annual inspections and Minor repairs are necessary for the costs of major repairs. But stop when the roof is constantly exposed to high pressure or harsh chemicals, is the aging of the roof are greatly accelerated. With repeated cleaning, tiles are more likely to switch to break or slip brick and asphalt tend to be brittle and crack. When this happens, there is a greater risk of tearing the roof membrane simply by walking on the roof. When creating gaps in the roof and the high pressure cleaning or subsequent chemical cleaning takes place, these differences in water or a base to increase the lead in the roof and the possibility of leaks in the roof expensive.

What is the alternative?

A true preventative maintenance program eliminates the need for future cleaning and the potential damage that comes with it. Preventing the recurrence of the algae growth will require a light spray of chlorine and water or an anti-algae.

Most quality algaecides will be about 6-12 months before the modified product reuse is necessary. Of course, the longer, the better your chances, and to minimize unnecessary damage to the roof. Prevention programs must be read in conjunction with neighbors, if possible, be made and many can be used without the need to walk on the roof.

An important algaecides Mote: Algaecide products are regulated at the state and federal levels. All algaecide product used on a roof, should EPA registration as a pesticide or biocide and approval for use on a roof. The contractor against the law in this regard are cold fined up to $ 10,000. per event.