Roof Cleaning

When it comes to roof cleaning there's many things to take into consideration. We have a lot of information below to help you understand the different process of roof cleaning.  We're by no means the cheapest company, but the services we provide are also not like others.  Clean by Gene cleans 1000's of roofs a year including Entire HOA's commercial buildings and all roofing types.  We're very familiar with the many roofing manufacturer's recommendations, warranties and best process.  We also provide services for some manufactures and roofing contractors for warranty services as well as new construction cleaning.  Since 2005 we have learned many things about roof cleaning and continue to learn daily as new roofing products come to market.  We're actively involved in industry associations, organizations, and Gene is director of education for PWMCA and provides training, best practices and safety for many in the industry.   When considering price take these factors into account:  Proper Insurance:  Not all insurances are created equally and most do not have insurance that covers roof cleaning, nor insurance that covers the worker or employee in case there's an accident.  If someone falls off your roof, an attorney is going to sue you, period.  If a contractor damages your roof, who's going to pay for the repairs? You are.  Service:  Is the roof cleaning contractor going to clean your gutters?  They should!!  What would that services cost you?  If your gutters are not cleaned, flushed and neutralized, you will certainly see damages to your gutters over time and replacement will be necessary.  What about your AC, Pool Pump, Solar Panels, Pool Heaters, Flashing, Drip Edge, and other metal items?  All highly subject to damages if not properly taken care of.  Landscaping:  The biggest concern by our customers, but really the less expensive one.  When it comes to landscaping every property is different, with different requirements to protect:  Covering, watering, diverting, neutralizing products, special equipment, rinsing, proper cleaning application and amount of professional products.  Do you really think (Chuck in a Truck) cares about any of the above things mentioned?  No they do not, nor will they stand behind their services.  How long have they been in business?  Do they have a proven track record?  Personal references available in your neighborhood or other businesses HOA's?  Proof of insurance that covers the services they're providing?  Proper knowledge of the services they're providing?  Roof replacement cost ranges from 14k-40k on average today with minor roof repairs starting at 450.00 and goes up from there.  Need a recommendation from a reputable roofing contractor or building contractor? We would be happy to provide you with a list of reputable contractors for nearly any service you may need.  We're tradesmen at Clean by Gene and take what we do very seriously.  That's why we have been successfully in business since 2005.        

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Understanding Roof Staining Organisms  

Algae, lichens and moss feed off the organic material in your roof.   Meaning they are simply eating the roof.  The common breed of bacteria found on Florida roofs is known as Gloeocapsa Magma.  This bacteria travels through the air and finds it's way to your roof, where it clings onto the surface and begins to grow just like a plant.     The longer the issue is left untreated, the more damage they will cause damages as the algae will eventually feed fungus and then your troubles began quickly.

 

Property owners often find confusing and conflicting information when searching for roof cleaning services.  There's basically three main roof cleaning methods that service providers will try to sell you.   We want to educate and help you understand what these methods are and explain which method we use and why.  

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 1. Non- Bleach, Eco-Friendly, Low pressure roof cleaning method

It sounds good right.  Well, exactly what is it?  It actually could be several things.  One method they will use just water from a pressure washer, again it sounds good, but it's still a pressure washer. They'll say it's low pressure, but let's face it if it's enough pressure to remove algae it's enough pressure to cause damages, rinsing your roof with water alone is not going to clean it.   This method also does not kill the algae and in a few months you'll be back to a dirty roof again.       

  The 2nd method they may also call shampooing or treating and cleaning with eco-friendly solution.  In this process they will be spraying a chelated fertilizer that's used to supply plants with Iron Manganese, Zinc and Copper.  They will be using a copper and/or zinc based fertilizer in a highly concentrate form.  They spray this on and over time the algae begins to die.  Your roof will usually not be clean on the day they provide the treatment and they will most likely try to sell you a quarterly maintenance program in replacement of providing a warranty.  These companies will most likely talk badly about the use of bleach and claim their product is environmentally safe.  The truth is,  these products in the high dosages used are far worse for environment and will also kill your plants, it's killing the algae right?  Copper sulfate is considered moderately toxic upon acute oral exposure.    The warning signal "DANGER" must appear on the labels of all copper sulfate end-products containing 99% active ingredient in crystalline form per U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  While I'm not a scientist nor doctor, I would come to the conclusion that copper sulfate is always toxic through oral or skin contact and if you research, it's even used as a means to commit suicide in several countries. These are pesticides and regulated by the state as such.  The state of Florida even requires a license to apply these products.  While sodium hypochlorite (bleach) is used to make water drinkable and is also used in many of the products we use.  So don't fall for their scare tactics.  

 

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2. The high-pressure power washing method

Yes some roof cleaning companies use high pressure power washing to attempt to remove roof stains.  This method is nothing but damaging to your roof.  They will blow off the surface of your shingles or the grouted areas of your tile and more.  Some companies will even bring a surface cleaner on the roof that's used for cleaning concrete.  This equipment has a metal bar that is spinning under it at high speeds and will cause more damage, breaking tiles and shingles.  Roof tiles also have a baked on sealer that's applied during manufacturing.  High pressure will alter the appearance of your tiles, and change the porous characteristics.    All manufactures will void any warranty if high pressure washing is used.  Defiantly do not allow anyone on your roof using this method.  

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3. The Soft Wash method

This is our method, the preferred method and our recommendation.   

Also the recommended method by roofing manufacturers and ARMA which you can find here, ARMA.      

In this method it may be called soft wash and/or chemical cleaning.  This method uses sodium hypochlorite (Bleach) mixed with a surfactant that aids in helping it cling to the roof minimizing runoff.   So doesn't bleach kill plants you may be asking?  Sure it can if not used properly.  Chlorine has a huge need for electrons to stabilize its outer ring of electrons.  It easily gets the electrons it needs from oxygen. Unfortunately, the microbes that live in the soil have a need for oxygen also. This creates a symbiotic relationship with plants as they need oxygen too.  Ok, I lost you right?  In simple terms bleach is made from salt and it returns to salt once in the air.  Salt absorbs moisture and oxygen and takes it away from your plants which can cause them to wilt or die.  To prevent this from accruing plants need to be pre-soaked with water and continuous spraying of water as any runoff is coming from the roof, along with redirecting any runoff from the gutters and/or covering plants as needed, in addition to neutralizing agents which most do not use do to associated cost.   This provides the plants and chlorine with the oxygen needed and the bleach turns back into eco-friendly salt.  Think of it like putting a handful of salt in your mouth versus gargling with a glass of salt water.   Even though this is the preferred and recommended method this does not mean that everyone is doing it correctly.  Many companies may be adding additional chemicals, in the mix like trisodium phosphate (TSP) and/or non-tested store bought products, using too high of a concentration, not rinsing, covering or pre-soaking plants and many other things that creates the bad stories you hear about bleach and plants.  Hiring a reputable professional is always the key when having any services done.    

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Gene Can Make Your Old, Dirty Roof ...

Look New Again

Friendly Professionals Trained & Certified in the Art of Professional Roof Cleaning

          Servicing: Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River & N. Palm Beach County.

 

         

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