December 13, 2019
| Safe and Effective Chemical Roof Cleaning Many Tampa Florida area residents that have come from the Northeast are surprised by the idea of roof cleaning – and even more surprised by the fact that many deed restricted communities here in the Tampa area require it. Whether you have a Barrel Tile, Concrete Tile, Asphalt Shingle, Wood Shake, or Metal Roof – The reasons for non pressure chemical roof cleaning include aesthetics, property values, energy efficiency, and increased longevity of the roof. Whatever the main reason, if you are going to have it done, it is in your best interest to know what choices you have available to you. A quality roof should last upwards of 30 years in Tampa if cared for and maintained properly. Unfortunately, many of the roofs here in Florida are subjected to unnecessary stress while cleaning that greatly reduce the life expectancy of the roof. With repeated roof cleaning comes certain pitfalls that every homeowner and property manager should be aware of in order to avoid damage to property, unnecessary repair costs, and the premature replacement of the roof. WHY HAS YOUR ROOF TURNED BLACK? The black streaking typically found on homes is not really caused by mildew or fungus; it’s roof algae. 3M scientists have identified the most common form as Gloeocapsa Magma. Algae spores are carried by the wind, which is why so many houses in the same neighborhood can end up with this problem. During the last 20 years, this particular algae strain has become hardier and so has been able to migrate to less humid environments than it has in the past. And in areas where it traditionally has been found, the staining is showing up earlier, is more severe and settles on a greater number of roofs. HOW CAN IT BE CLEANED? Typical roof cleaning methods in Tampa involve either pressure cleaning or harsh chemicals treatments such as S Hydroxide (lye). These crude methods will clean your roof with adverse impact – and the effects are very temporary and will have to be repeated every 6-18 months in order to maintain the appearance of the roof. THESE METHODS ARE NOT A LONG-TERM SOLUTION. While these methods are effective, repeated use will lead to premature aging and replacement of the roof. The natural erosion that occurs over time from the basic forces of heat, cold, wind, and rain alone are enough to weaken mortar joints of most roofs in Tampa to the point where annual inspections and minor roof repairs are necessary to prevent significant repair costs. But when the roof is repeatedly subjected to high pressures or harsh chemicals like Lye, the aging of the roof structure is significantly accelerated. At this point, the concrete roof tiles are more likely to shift, slip, or break and asphalt shingles are more likely to become brittle and crack. When this happens, there is a greater likelihood of tearing the roof membrane simply by walking on the roof. Pressure cleaning will greatly increase the chances of this happening. Once gaps are created and subsequent pressure cleaning or harsh chemical cleaning is administered to a roof, these gaps provide water and/or the caustic solutions a path to the roof membrane, and increase the chance of costly roof leaks! WHAT IS THE BEST TREATMENT OPTION ? Pressure Washing is much too destructive to the roof surface for this to be a viable option. For initial cleaning, an RCIA Approved Chemical Roof Cleaning Solution can be used, followed by an application of our Apple Sauce time released algaecide protection. Of course, proper care is always taken to protect the landscaping and surrounding property. The most effective long-term strategies will include periodic roof inspections, and regular applications of algaecide protection. A proper program of preventative maintenance will eliminate the need for future cleaning and the potential for damage that comes along with it. Most algaecide protection programs will last for approximately 6-12 months before the algae starts to take hold again and then cleaning or reapplication is necessary. High quality treatments like Apple Sauce™ will provide AT LEAST 2 years (24 months) of protection. Obviously, the longer the time frame of effectiveness, the better your chances are of minimizing any unnecessary damage to the roof – just due the the decrease in walking on your roof! Treatment programs should be done yearly here in Tampa, and in conjunction with your neighbors whenever possible, applied every 12-24 months in conjunction with a roof inspection, and depending on roof type, and environmental conditions.Sometimes, these chemical roof treatments can be applied without a need for the Applicator to walk on your tile roof. POTENTIAL COST SAVINGS Homeowners’ Associations in the area, can take advantage of group buying discounts offered by Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa, that can lower the actual costs by as much as 30-40%. This translates into significant savings for the residents of the Association. For example, if an Association of 300 residents in Tampa can save $100 each, the residents have effectively saved $30,000, which can be put to other uses throughout the community. When combined with the aesthetics of a coordinated maintenance program and the reduction of the wear & tear on the roofs, this is the most logical choice for most Homeowner Associations in Tampa. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions! Ask about our “Total Roof Care Program“ to learn more about how you can keep your roof looking great, without spending much money! Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa is committed to providing the very best in customer service and property maintenance in the safest and most cost-effective manner for our clients. All of our work is guaranteed and we are licensed and insured for your protection! Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation quote! Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa is an authorized Applicator of Apple Sauce, the safest chemical roof treatment available ! |
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