Yikes! You just noticed green gunk on your roof and its not only an eye sore but a costly headache no Delaware homeowner wants to have. But how do you tackle algae? Taking fast action is essential to not only minimizing the impact algae can have on your roof but will prevent the gunk from causing damages to your home.
Before sharing how to wash your roof lets first understand what algae is. The scientific term for algae is Gloeocapsa magma. The green stuff is technically not algae but cyanobacteria, but no matter what you choose to call it, is irrelevant! What is important to understand is that this “gunk” will feed on your roofs shingles and if left untreated will separate the granules on your roofs shingles and consequently decreasing the lifespan of your roofing system, which is one of the most expensive home repairs you will ever have to make.
Algae colonize where there is a lack of direct sunlight, which is typically the north side of the roof. While it is most commonly found on shingles, algae can also be found on your siding and other areas of your home’s exterior.
Algae spores blow from roof to roof, through the air, and land on your roof. As more algae lands on the roof, the dark areas prevent the roof from reflecting sunlight. This can result in excess heat on the surface, shortening the roof’s lifetime. Eventually, your roof can become so dirty that you may believe the shingles need to be replaced. However, Gloeocapsa magma can be neutralized with the correct treatment.
REMOVING THE ALGAE OFF YOUR ROOF YOURSELF
If your a do it yourselfer let us share a few tips for how to wash your roof that most Delaware homeowners are unaware of. First is using bleach, this is the most commo way to neutralize and kill algae off your roof however bleach is corrosive and if used incorrectly can even be dangerous. If you choose to use bleach make sure it properly diluted mixing it with 33% bleach, 33% water and 33% liquid laundry detergent. Since your using bleach in the mixture you want to make sure that after washing your roof you rinse your plants right away or cover them with a tarp to keep them protected.
Secondly we don’t recommend pressure washing your roof as this can damage your shingles. A pressure washer in an armatures hands can blast a hole through concrete fairly easy so you can image with that force what it can do to your roof, we recommend to DIY it use a garden hose. After you spray the mix on your roof let it sit approximant 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing off with a garden hose so that your roof shingles are safe. Another helpful tip is that you don’t want to wash your roof during the warmest part of the day as this will make the cleaning agent evaporate quickly so choose an early morning or a cloudy day to make sure the mixture has enough time to work.
Delaware Best Roof Washing Company
If all of this doesn’t sound like a household chore you want to tackle yourself, call EvenFlow services. Our professional exterior cleaning team has over 25 years of knowledge and experience as well as the proper tools and cleaning agents to effectively wash your roof without voiding your roof warranty. Our roof treatment utilizes a low-pressure soft wash with biodegradable cleansers to restore the look of your roof safely and effectively. This process is designed to help maintain the integrity of your roof and prevent further damage by eliminating algae, black streaks, and moss at their roots. EvenFlow Services stands behind our work with a 100% guarantee, if for any reason you are not completely satisfied with the service you receive we will return and make it right, at our expense. So, pick up the phone and give us a call us today for a free quote to wash your roof. 302-266-0332
