Roof cleaning services extend the lifespan of your roof. A properly cleaned roof will help prevent rot, mold and algae from building up. Moreover, it helps in keeping pests at bay. Clean roofs will also improve the appearance of your home.
Pressure washing vs soft washing
Pressure washing and soft washing are two methods that can be used to clean a roof. These methods differ in a number of ways. Some of the major differences include how much water they use, the cleaning solutions they use, and the pressure they use to do the job.
Pressure washing uses a high-pressure spray to remove dirt, grime, and even paint from a surface. It can also strip away loose materials such as asphalt shingles. But it’s important to choose the right kind of method for your project.
Soft washing is similar to pressure washing, but uses lower-pressure water. The main difference is that soft wash requires less water, resulting in a more economical and environmentally friendly alternative. This type of cleaning method is suitable for a variety of surfaces and can help increase the value of your home.
Aside from removing the dirt, grime, and buildup that clogs up your house, soft washing can also improve the look of your house. This is especially useful if you’re looking to sell your home. Even if you don’t plan to sell, maintaining the appearance of your home is important for your own enjoyment.
Unlike the pressure washing method, a soft wash won’t damage your roof. Instead, it will improve the quality of your exterior while extending the life of your roofing materials. While a pressure-washer can destroy a roof, a soft wash can preserve the structure of your concrete or wood-shingled roof.
Soft washing is also safer for you and the environment. The low-pressure system that’s used by a soft wash system is made up of a pump that puts out a similar amount of pressure as a garden hose.
Soft washing is also the better of the two options when it comes to the most effective way to clean your home. Although it’s not as effective as pressure washing, it still does the trick and will leave your house looking like new.
Whether you decide to use a soft wash or pressure washing, remember to do your research first. After all, you don’t want to accidentally ruin your siding, shingle, or patio.
Algae, mold, mildew, lichen and moss removal
If you are tired of looking at algae, lichen and mildew on your roof, you need to take the necessary steps to remove the unwanted organisms. This will help you keep your home looking great and will make it last longer.
These organisms can be harmful to your health. Algae can cause respiratory problems and allergies. Lichen can also be a health risk. You should clean your roof regularly to avoid these issues.
Moss is a type of plant that can be found on a variety of surfaces. Moss can eat away at shingles and siding. It is also known to cause roof shingles to warp and bend.
Mold and mildew are fungi that grow on damp surfaces. They can take on various shades of color and can be harmful to your health. The best way to remove these problems is by getting professional help.
You can use a 50/50 solution of liquid chlorine bleach and water. Apply the mixture with a sprayer and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the best results. Do not use ammonia-based cleaners with bleach as they can cause toxic fumes.
Other methods include using a pressure washer. Make sure that you don’t put too much pressure on the shingles. Otherwise, you could damage them and create more problems.
Moss can be removed from a roof by using a 50/50 solution of water and bleach. You can also use oxygen bleach. For a less toxic option, you can mix a cup of white distilled vinegar with a gallon of water. Vinegar will take a couple days to kill the moss.
Lichen can be removed by using a stiff brush. You can also buy readymade cleaners to apply. Some of these products hook up to a hose. Using a readymade cleaner will save you time and prevent you from having to wash your roof again.
To protect yourself from health hazards, it is best to consult a roofing professional. You can also purchase a moss prevention material to keep your roof looking great for years.
Whether you have moss, lichen, mildew or mold, you should get them off your roof as soon as possible. By doing so, you will keep your home looking great and will save yourself from the costs associated with replacing the roof later.
Increased solar reflectance
Increasing the solar reflectance of a roof can decrease the cooling load and improve indoor thermal comfort in hot climates. While a conventional roof will have a reflectance of 0.2-0.4, a cool roof should have a reflectance of at least 0.65 across the full solar spectrum.
In a study of 20 coatings in Milan and Roma, Italy, Paolini et al found that the highest reductions were achieved with high-albedo white roof coatings. After one year, the solar reflectance of a roof decreased 13% to 23%. The reductions were also higher in rougher surfaces.
Natural weathering exposures were used to examine the effect of aging on the performance of cool white roof coatings. Samples were prepared for characterization of the material properties in the laboratory. These specimens were then subjected to the natural weathering process for one year in Sao Carlos, SP, Brazil.
The results of these studies showed that the total payback for a typical residential building was around 13 years. However, if cleaning maintenance was performed, it changed the payback from 19 to 20 years.
A spectral reflectance laboratory measurement was performed according to the ASTM E903-20 standard. This was done at wavelength intervals of 1 nm. It was determined that the average albedo degradation accelerated after the first two months, slowed down after the second year, and remained steady after the third year.
One study found that the initial solar reflectance of a new roof was 0.70, and after the roof was cleaned, it was restored to 0.90. When the same data were compared with a cleaning maintenance schedule, it was noted that the net energy savings were around 40%.
Other studies showed that soiling decreased the albedo of a cool roof by approximately 25% within three to four years. These results suggest that maintaining the solar reflectance of a cool roof can reduce the heating penalty for a roof, and it can also increase its durability.
The most important factor in evaluating the long-term performance of a cool roof coating is its ability to minimize the soiling effects of the weathering process. Cleaners can be used to prevent this from occurring immediately after the coating is applied.
