Roof Cleaning Chemicals and Products Guide

Partial Roof Cleaning Not Recommended

Roof stains usually first appear on the northern-facing areas of a roof surface, as you've no doubt noticed.  This is because these areas receive less sunlight in the Northern Hemisphere (it's the other way around in the Southern Hemisphere, as roof cleaners in Australia could attest to).  Sunlight aids in drying out the southern-facing slopes much more quickly after a rain, and since roof algae growth is accelerated by moisture, you can see how sunlight plays a role.  Direct UV rays from the sun also aid in retarding the growth of algae on these surfaces.

However, it's important to understand that even though the sun helps to slow the growth of algae on southern-facing surfaces, it does not stop it.  If you have stains beginning to develop on the northern-facing surfaces of your roof, it means that it's just a matter of time before the entire roof is covered with algae stains.  You might not yet see black stains on the southern-facing surfaces, but that doesn't mean that algae hasn't already taken root and begun to multiply in these areas.

That's why it's a good idea to have the whole roof surface cleaned, even though it may appear that stains are confined to one side of the roof.  If you can see it somewhere on the roof, that means it's everywhere on the roof.  You can demand that your roof cleaning contractor only cleans the area where you can actually see black stains, but don't be surprised when, 12 months later, that area is still clean but the rest of the roof is suddenly covered in now visible black algae.

Cold Weather Chemical Roof Cleaning Is A No-Go

In a previous post I outlined, in detail, the most effective roof cleaning chemicals and how they should be applied.  I neglected to mention, however, that these chemicals begin to drastically lose cleaning power once the air temperature drops below 50 degrees.  Therefore, winter roof cleaning is nearly impossible in most of the Midwest and Northeast.  Of course, those of you lucky enough to live down south will have more opportunities to clean your roof in the winter, but fresh sodium hypochlorite could be hard to come by.  Your best bet is simply to hold off until Spring or Summer if you can wait, not only to maximize the potency of the chemicals, but also to assure that you're doing it safely.  It should go without saying that attempting to navigate a roof or ladder when there is ice or snow is extremely dangerous.

Cleaning Your Roof Will Extend Its Life

Contrary to popular belief, roof cleaning is about more than just having a nice-looking house.  It's also about attending to the overall health of your roof and home.  The black streaks that you're seeing on your roof consist of Gloeocapsa Magma, which is a hardy type of blue-green algae that if left to its own devices will eventually start to compromise the integrity of your shingles.

Usually the process begins when an algae spore lands on and attaches to your roof.  It then begins to consume the limestone filler in your shingles' granules.  The limestone acts as a food source for the algae and allows it to grow and eventually cover larger and larger portions of your roof's surface.  So as the algae grows across your roof it is literally eating the shingles!  If the growth goes unchecked it will eventually cause loss of roof granules, which are vital to the reflective properties of your roof.  When these granules are lost it leads to greater heat build-up which leads to higher energy costs for you, especially on those hot summer days when the AC is blasting!

Loss of granules and the further deterioration of your shingles could very well shave years off the life of your roof, and with new roofs running between $5,000 and $15,000 these days for average homes, why wouldn't you do everything in your power to max out its lifespan?  Take my advice to have your roof cleaned as needed and you'll not only enjoy a nicer-looking home but you'll be protecting probably your biggest investment: your home!  To learn more about what qualities to look for in a service provider please read this post about roof cleaners.

Why Chemical Roof Cleaning Is Important

Those streaks on your roof are Gloeocapsa Magma, a type of algae that just loves hot, humid climates.  It's become more of a problem in the last several years as shingle-makers now use limestone filler in the manufacturing process, which is actually a food source for the algae.  So the algae is quite literally eating your shingles, quite possibly resulting in a shortened lifespan for your pricey roof!  Additionally, if allowed to go unchecked, the algae build-up can significantly reduce your roof's reflective properties, resulting in more strain on your air conditioner and higher energy costs.  Lastly, those black streaks are ugly, and can drastically tarnish the curb appeal of an otherwise beautiful home.  After a roof cleaning treatment, you'll be astonished by how good your roof looks, and the neighbors will probably appreciate it as well!  Roof cleaning is one of the best, most cost-effective ways to instantly beautify the look of your home and neighborhood.  The job is usually best left to a professional, primarily for safety reasons, but this blog will also explore the most effective roof cleaning chemicals available, should you have the time, inclination, and risk-tolerance to take it on yourself.

Welcome To Roof Cleaning Chemicals

Thanks for visiting our roof cleaning chemicals guide. We have taken the time to organize information that can help you to learn about different roof cleaning products, chemicals, and cleaning procedures. If you’re looking for information on a particular roof cleaning chemical, or just roof cleaning information in general, you have come to the right place.

If any of you would like more information on roof cleaning chemicals, please feel free to let us know. Thanks again for the visit and make sure to check back often to receive additional information on roof cleaning.  This is your one stop shop for all things roof cleaning.