How To Safely Remove Algae & Moss From Roof Shingles
The ugly black, red, green, or brown stains on your roof are likely algae or moss. The organisms use your roof shingles as food, which slowly deteriorates the materials. Getting rid of the problem is important, but how do you safely remove algae and moss from roof shingles?
It takes special care to clean algae roof stains and moss off the roof. You should never use home remedies or store-bought chemical products to clean algae.
It takes the right amount of water pressure and often the addition of professional-grade cleaning solutions to truly remove algae and moss from the roof and siding of your home. This is important in order to not harm the roofing and siding materials.
Siding products like Hardie-Board have warranties that get voided if the product is damaged by incorrect cleaning methods. This is because they know that it’s common for homeowners to use chemicals to clean algae. It’s simply not worth it to risk damaging your home’s materials whether there’s an active warranty or not.
Softwashing To Remove Roof Algae & Moss
We use a softwashing technique at Sherwood Roof Cleaning & Power Washing to clean roofs here in Fairfield County. This is the only safe way to effectively remove algae and moss from roof shingles. We use chemical solutions that are approved as safe from shingle manufacturers and a low-pressure soft wash technique that doesn’t cause damage.
The soft wash technique is performed by skilled technicians on industrial grade pressure washers. While the pressure is stronger than you can get with a home-grade pressure washer, the technician sets the machine at a safe setting for the building materials. It will effectively and safely remove algae stains and moss from your roof shingles.
Why Can’t I Use Chemicals To Clean My Roof?
The asphalt roofing manufacturers association (ARMA) explains it well. They say that algae discolorations are difficult to remove from surfaces and that high-pressure washing should not be done on the roof. They recommend that you use a mild bleach/water solution but the results will only be temporary and the stains will come back. They also mention never to use anything else that isn’t approved by the shingle manufacturer.
Softwashing techniques and manufacturer approved chemical solutions provide longer lasting results. There are also algae-resistant roofing products we can use as a treatment to prevent recurrence.
If you have questions or are looking for safe roof cleaning services in Fairfield County, call Sherwood Roof Cleaning & Pressure Washing at 203-254-8558, or fill out our online request form.
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