REASONS FOR ROOF CLEANING
Removal of Roof Stains Provides Increased Attractiveness
Roof stains caused by algae start out as areas of light discoloration then turn to black or dark brown streaks. If not stopped, the entire roof may blacken as the algae continue to grow then deteriorate. These discolored roofs and ugly roof stains detract from a home's appearance and may affect its resale value. Lord's cleaning process removes stains and increases the roof's and home's attractiveness.
A Clean Roof Lasts Longer
Algae can cause damage to shingles and shorten the life of an asphalt roof. The algae take root on the surface of the shingles helping to dislodge the shingles' protective granules. Surface temperatures increase because of the dark stains. Algae growth holds water on the roof's surface which intensifies the sun's ultra violet rays like a magnifying glass. The increased moisture and UV rays work to further dislodge the protective granules and attack the shingle's protective asphalt coating. Moisture, UV rays, and thermal movement from temperature extremes are a roof's greatest enemies. Algae growth intensifies all three. It can lead to earlier than necessary roof replacement.
Clean Roofs Diminish Energy Costs
Roofs darkened by algae growth can increase cooling costs by as much as several hundred dollars a year. Surface temperatures of dark, algae stained areas are often as much as 10% hotter than unstained areas on the same roofs; thus, more energy is needed to cool homes as roofs grow darker and a cleaner, lighter roof can result in lower energy costs.
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LORD'S METHOD OF ROOF CLEANING
Lords' safer, more effective roof cleaning system utilizes a roof cleaning chemical; a safe, low-pressure rinsing tool; and an optional stain blocker. The cleaner strikes a perfect balance between aggressive cleaning and not being harmful to the roof or surrounding vegetation. It's made of an optimized blend of detergents, coupled with a unique buffered Sodium Metasilicate- a chemical, made from sand and soda ash, which is recognized as a non-pollutant. The cleaner breaks up the masses of algae rooted to the shingles' surface into very fine particles. Then, a specially developed rinsing tool is used to remove the algae from the surface. The rinsing tool removes the algae spores and any remaining roots more effectively than just rinsing with a garden hose. This is no more harmful to the roof than a hard driving rain which means that roofs stay cleaner longer, and no damaging pressure washing is needed.
The stain blocker forms an invisible shield that helps prevent stains from returning. Maintenance coats should be re-applied about every 2-3 years. The frequency of maintenance coats will depend on many factors. Climate, orientation of the roof, and surrounding trees that keep direct sun off the roof are just a few of the factors that determine when a maintenance coat will be needed. In extreme cases, maintenance coats may need to be applied yearly. In ideal situations, maintenance coats may only be needed once every five years.
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METHODS OF ROOF CLEANING NOT USED BY LORDS
Chlorine Bleach Discolorations from algae and biological growth are difficult to remove from roofing surfaces. Bleach will lighten the stains to the point they will not be visible. However, bleach will not fully remove the algae colony or its root sys-tem. Because of this, stains will typically return sooner on roofing cleaned with bleach than with some other products. In extreme cases, algae stains have returned in as little as 6 months. Bleach solutions rinsed from the roof into the ground can kill surrounding vegetation. It will also neutralize many chemicals used for termite protection and may void your home's termite warranty. Bleach can accelerate corrosion of metal gutters, downspouts, flashings, and roofing fasteners. It may also fade or dull the color of the roof. Besides the obvious health risks of handling chlorine bleaches, strong bleach solutions can damage almost any hard surface that comes in contact with it. Asphalt shingles are no exception.
Sodium Hydroxide (lye) is the active ingredient found in many paint strippers, oven cleaners, and drain cleaners. It is caustic and care should be used to follow all cautions on the label. These solutions when rinsed from the roof into the ground are somewhat safer than bleach for surrounding vegetation. Sodium Hydroxide is an effective degreaser, and high concentrations may cause irreversible damage to asphalt shingle roofs. Sodium hydroxide based products are generally more effective at removing algae colonies, but require more dwell time and are harder to rinse from the roof surface than chorine bleach. Effective rinsing often requires the use of high pressure washing systems.
Pressure Washing Some roof cleaning companies use a pressure washer to speed the rinsing process. Even though they turn down the pressure, use a wide tip, and hold the tip higher above the surface to avoid damage, they are still blasting the surface with 200-300psi of water pressure. Asphalt shingles are not designed to withstand even that much pressure and permanent roof damage may result. A good stiff rinse is needed to remove algae colonies and their root systems, but it's generally considered best to avoid the use of power washers.
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