Whether your roof is infested with mold or not it requires proper cleaning at regular intervals. Besides all the debate on which method is better for cleaning a roof, three methods are used world over. All of these methods have their own pros and cons. The three methods are:
- Chlorine solution wash
- Sodium hydro oxide based cleaning
- Pressure washing
Washing your roof with a solution of chlorine bleach and water is the most time saving method as it does not require much rinsing. An advantage of this process is less wear and tear as it does no require prolonged scrubbing and rinsing. However, the solution it self is hazardous to the environment. It can negatively affect some people as well as the plants around your building. Hence care should be taken while using this method and the people and plants around the site should be well protected. Roofs with asphalt shingles are best adapted to this method.
Sodium hydro-oxide based cleaning is similar to the method mentioned above but it requires extensive rinsing. The solution is first applied to the roof and then thoroughly rinsed off. Besides being time consuming, it is the most dangerous process as Sodium hydro-oxide is highly toxic to plants and people. At lest water pressure of 100 psi is required to was the solution off the roof which can damage and wash away the protective granules from the surface. Also if some of it remains unwashed on the surface, it can be highly corrosive.
Pressure washing works best with concrete, barrel tile or metal roof. It is considered to be n environmentally friendly method as it does not involve the use of any chemicals. On the other side it is time consuming and can put a lot of strain on the roof. If you have a tiled roof with granules coated on the surface, power wash can wash them away discoloring your roof. However, in case of concrete roof, it can bring out the original grey color so you have to sin or paint it again.
Roof Masters is a Chemical Roof and Pressure Cleaning business serving Palm Beach and Martin Counties. Roof Masters is the oldest Chemical-Wash company in the Southeast. We are licensed and insured and have been in business since 1998. Call us at (561) 630-7826 for a free estimate.
