Roof and exterior cleaning in Central Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland by Liberty SoftWash.
Liberty SoftWash specializes on cleaning all types of exterior surfaces including but not limited to vinyl siding and trim, stuco, gutters, concrete, wood, aluminum siding or trim, all types of roofing, and more. Asphalt shingles, slate, cedar, metal and rubber roofs can all be safely cleaned using low pressure and detergents. We also offer pressure washing services for both commercial and residential customers in Central PA and Northern MD.
Black stains and streaks on a roof are caused by the growth of a from of algae called Gleocapsa Magma. Since this algae is a contagious, roof eating bacteria, it should be tread like another household pest. This typed of approach requires a 99.9% sanitation of whatever surface is to be cleaned. typically you will see the majority of the growth on the north facing side of a home due to the lowered level of daytime sunlight. However, the spores can travel by wind, or be carried by birds or squirrels so, treatment of the entire roof surface is required. The only preventive maintenance you can do that will reduce the stains from appearing is to have the entire roof properly treated.
What Detergents are used in the cleaning process?
detergents that are designed to kill mold and mildew. The majority of contractors use Sodium Hypochlorite. This chemical comes in a liquid form and is derived from sodium chloride or common table salt. You can find 5-6% strengths designed for interior cleaning and laundry purposes commonly sold as bleach. Bleach or Sodium Hypochlorite is both safe and effective for numerous cleaning processes when used properly. Additionally, Sodium Hypochlorite is widely used in local water treatment plants, restaurant or playground sanitation, swimming pool treatment and more.
Why use any chemicals at all?
The chemicals we use, when used properly are safe for all cleaning purposes. Specifically, lets talk about Sodium Hypochlorite. You will find Sodium Hypochlorite to be quickly biodegradable. If you were to pour some bleach into a bucket and leave it sit overnight, you would find in the morning, you are left with is flakes of salt. Also be weary of contractors warning of the evils of cleaning with chlorine. Truth is, there is no such thing as liquid chlorine, chlorine is a gas which debunks any chlorine cleaning myths you may have heard.
Don’t just take our word for it, the shingle manufactures themselves describe the only way to clean asphalt shingles is by using a bleach based solution and low pressure. When considering your roof cleaning, please remember, there is no product on the market that will prevent these streaks from appearing on your roof. The only maintenance measure you can take is to have the roof properly cleaned to insure complete sterilization of the roof and a 99.99% kill ratio of the algae growing on your roof.
How to safely remove moss from asphalt shingles, slate or cedar roofs?
Moss can be safely safely cleaned from roofs however, you must remember that just as the moss didn’t grow over night and it will not release from your roof immediately. Moss and lichen both have a root system that will grow through your shingles. Because of this strong attachment by roots, these plants cannot be picked or scraped off or they will remove the protective granules on your shingles, shortening your roof’s life.
During the cleaning process, these heartier plants will turn white in color, which lets us know the plant is dead. As the dead moss and lichen dry out and decompose, their debris will be remove with rain and wind. This drying and decomposition process can take a few weeks or more. Soft Wash roof cleaning will remove the black streak instantly but dead moss and lichen debris will remain after the cleaning process is complete.
These ugly stains, moss and lichen growth began on the very first day your roof was installed. This algae growth process is slowly deteriorating your shingles and should be addressed before the infestation becomes too extreme. It may take years for these stains to develop but, once they begin, they will continue to grow with a vengeance.
Don’t let the dirt, mold and algae take away your home’s curb appeal. Declare Your Freedom From Fungus with Liberty SoftWash Roof and Exterior Cleaning. (717) 578-5342
www.LibertySoftWash.com
