We pressure wash houses, manufactured homes, pool enclosures, decking, concrete - driveways, walks, docks, parking lots.
We just don't pressure wash roofing, because it's the wrong way to do it, according to the manufacturers.!
As to roof cleaning: Are you willing to test a new "green" product on your roof? Blast it clean with a Pressure Washer? Allow a dangerous, damaging, Cement Surface Cleaner on your roof? {LOOKS LIKE A FLOOR BUFFER}
Or have an after- coating applied to it, so it may, as those who sell them suggest, stay clean for 1-2 years?
Or instead, be safe and stick with the roofing manufacturers instructions? Cleaning with their instructions generally lasts 3-5 years. No need for any after-coatings. In fact the manufacturers specifically say not to use ANY AFTER COATINGS!
Below is the manufacturer "non-pressure" gentle dispersion and chemicals we use at
Chuck Bergman Roof Cleaning.
By now, most consumers also know that pressure washing is the wrong way to clean a roof. Pressure washing is great for everything except your roof! WE HAVE BEEN PRESSURE CLEANERS SINCE 1989
Non manufacturer cleaning methods may void your roofing warranty, according to the information in their links below, so we just clean them as the manufacturer says to.
The main manufacturer recommended chemical is chlorine bleach.
Is bleach green and eco-friendly?
Yes I would say it is. Chlorine bleach is Sodium Hypochlorite [look at the ingredients in Chlorox etc] and is made from common salt. It bio-degrades back into salt when it dries up.
Chlorine is something we all drink from our tap water, soak in it in our showers and tubs and swim in it in our pools.
AT LEAST WE ALL KNOW WHAT WE ARE DEALING WITH, WHEN IT COMES TO CHLORINE. NOT SO WITH UNKNOWN CHEMICALS CALLED "GREEN" "Environmentally Friendly" ETC ETC
The only real danger from chlorine, is if an unqualified roof cleaner does not care for your plants, directly below a roof edge, he can burn a line in your vegetation.
We take professional precautions, before, during and after cleaning all roofs, so this does not happen.
HERE ARE THE FACTS FROM THE MANUFACTURERS ETC:
Below are the only manufacturer suggested chemicals I have been able to find on any roofing manufacturer website, bulletin, etc. Some *alternative chemical users* claim "Approved" but do not supply manufacturer links to prove it.
The below info and links, prove how those who manufacture and warranty your roofing actually approve of cleaning them!
__________________________________________________________________
From GAF Roofing Manufacturers about black algae removal:
http://www.gaf.com/Documents/Algae_Staining_on_Shingled_Roof_Surfaces_-_Steep_Slope_Techn-43-808-v3.pdf
Below is a partial "cut and paste" excerpt from the above link: GAF Roofing Manufacturers, on how to clean a roof:
"If a new roof is not an option, GAF recommends cleaning the roof with a special mixture. That mixture is: 4 gallons of water, 1 gallon of bleach and 1 cup of TSP" "What NOT To Do! Do not power wash the shingles to clean the shingles. Some roof cleaning companies offer this service. However, it is not recommended."
From ARMA roofing manufacturers Association-how to clean roofing.
http://www.asphaltroofing.org/pdf/tb_217.pdf
Below is a partial excerpt cut and pasted below from ARMA:
Algae discolorations to remove from roofing surfaces, applying a solution of chlorine bleach, trisodium phosphate, {TSP}and water. Solutions for these ingredients depend on the amount of discoloration. Solutions range to one cup TSP and 2.5 gallons each of bleach and water. First, gently disperse this solution on the roofing surface. Avoid scrubbing the surface, as this friction may loosen and remove granules. Caution! High pressure washing systems for algae removal should not be used.
Owens Corning Roofing Manufacturers say
the same thing:
"USE CHLORINE and TSP" "DO NOT USE A PRESSURE WASHER"
Corning info in link below.
http://webapps.easy2.com/cm2/flash/generic_index.asp?page_id=36077811
This one, from the ARMA, says not to allow anyone to apply any
*after coating*
such as Algae-cides, Fungicides, zinc, copper, or other treatments - not anything!
http://www.asphaltroofing.org/pdf/tb_227.pdf
SO, ROOFING MANUFACTURERS SPECIFY ONE PRODUCT TO CLEAN WITH - CHLORINE BLEACH. CHLORINE BLEACH.
THEY SAY SPECIFICALLY NOT TO APPLY ANY COATINGS AT ALL AFTER CLEANING.
NOW YOU HAVE VERIFIABLE FACTS WITH LINKS TO MAKE DECISIONS WITH. NOT JUST SALES TALKS!.
If you would like your roof cleaned by the above manufacturer specifications, please give us a call!
Englewood 941-474-8883
Cape Haze, Placida, Rotonda 941-698-1959
Venice, Nokomis, Osprey, S. Sarasota 941-698-1959
Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, PGI 941-255-8600
VISIT MY WEBSITE - http://www.bergmanpressurewashing.com/
******************************************************************** SEE SOME OF OUR RECENT JOBS
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27773239@N02/?saved=1 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YOU WILL NOT HEAR A PRESSURE WASHING MACHINE START UP WHEN WE CLEAN YOUR ROOF. YOU WILL NOT GET THE "BUT WE TURN THE PRESSURE WAY DOWN" STORY. We will not claim "No Pressure" and then use a cement surface cleaning maching [ These look like a floor buffer and falsly claim to be a gentle shampoo-far from it!
They just blast the dirt and algae off along with shingle granules or tile glazing, paint and soft cement up the ridge-caps.
We will only clean with the specified manufacturer method.
We are certified roof cleaners, through the Roof Cleaning Institute of America. The RCIA is made up of professional roof cleaners, with a membership of aprox 2400.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27773239@N02/?saved=1
We just don't pressure wash roofing, because it's the wrong way to do it!
UPDATED ROOFING MANUFACTURER LINKS FOR 2013 BELOW. {GAF Roofing Manufacturer} http://georgoulisroofing.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Algae_Staining_on_Shingled_Roof_Surfaces_-_Steep_Slope_Techn-43-808-v3.pdf {ARMA Roofing Manufacturer Association Cleaning Bulletin} http://www.asphaltroofing.org/sites/default/files/tech-bulletin/tb_217.pdf {CORNING Roofing Manufacturer} Click number 1 "algae growth" http://roofing.owenscorning.com/homeowner/thingsyoushouldknow/needaroof.aspx The ARMA also says not to allow anyone to apply any roof coatings. This is a common sales gimmick. Usually pressure washing companies-not roof cleaning companies-will pressure wash your roof and then sell you an after coating, which they want to reapply every 2 years. Names like Roof-A----. Not wanting to name any specific one. Read the ARMA warning below. http://www.asphaltroofing.org/sites/default/files/tech-bulletin/tb_227.pdf