Roof cleaning is a necessary part of maintaining your home’s exterior. Over time, roofs accumulate dirt, moss, and lichen which can damage the materials and reduce curb appeal.
Several methods and techniques can be used for eco-friendly Roof Cleaning Summerville SC. These options are gentler than traditional power washing and can be more cost-effective.
Chemicals
One of the most common methods of cleaning roofs involves the use of chemicals. These products break down the organic build-up that can cause stains, discoloration, and other unsightly marks on your home’s exterior. They are also effective at removing any moss, mildew, or algae that may be growing on your roof. However, these chemicals are not without their downsides. They can be harsh on your roofing materials and can leave a damaging residue behind once they are rinsed off. They can also contaminate the surrounding environment if they find their way down your gutter system and into stormwater lakes or rivers.
If you are looking for an eco-friendly solution to your dirty roof, try biodegradable cleansers. These products work by breaking down and loosening the dirt build-up on your roof before being rinsed away with water. This method is not only environmentally friendly but it’s also very effective at restoring your roof to its original condition.
Another option for eco-friendly roof cleaning is oxygen bleach. This product is safe to use on shingle roofs and can effectively remove stains caused by oil, grease, algae, and other substances that can discolor your shingles. It is also safer to use on your roof than chlorine bleach and will not leave contaminating residues when it dries.
Finally, another great way to keep your home and the surrounding environment protected is by using downpipe diverters to redirect chemical runoff into a garden or mulch pit. This will help to prevent roof cleaners and other pollutants from reaching stormwater systems, which in turn can harm your plants, wildlife, and local ecosystems.
While the use of chemicals for roof cleaning is not always a good idea, some options can make this process less detrimental to the environment and your property. For example, a soft washing approach uses gentle detergents that are suitable for the type of roof you have on your home and are safe for your pets, children, and other residents of your household. This method is also more affordable than traditional power washer methods and will provide you with the same results.
Soft Washing
Dirty roofs are more than just unattractive; they can cause other problems as well. For example, a roof that is stained with mildew or bacteria can corrode the shingles and shorten their lifespan. Soft washing is a method of cleaning that uses low-pressure and special solutions to clean the dirt from your roof, eliminating these organisms without damaging the surface.
This type of cleaning is environmentally friendly and safer for the environment than high-pressure power washing, which can damage delicate surfaces such as cedar shake siding and coquina shingle roofs. It can also be used to clean exterior surfaces such as stucco, vinyl siding, and brick. It uses a mixture of cleaning chemicals to dissolve and lift dirt, and water at a moderate and gentle pressure is then used to rinse the solution and dirt away.
The cleaning solutions in soft washing are biodegradable, so they don’t leave harmful residues behind. They also use less water than a traditional power wash, so they are a more efficient way to clean the exterior of your home. Additionally, the soft washing solution kills organisms that live on building surfaces, including mold, mildew, moss, and algae.
Another benefit of soft washing is that it can help prevent pests such as birds and cockroaches from nesting on your roof. When your roof is dirty, these insects are more likely to come into your home, and if they live there for too long, they may eat through the shingles, leading to expensive repairs or even premature replacement.
Lastly, soft washing can help to reduce your electric bill by lowering the amount of sunlight that is reflected off your roof. A dingy roof is darker in color, which means it attracts more heat from the sun, causing your home to be warmer and resulting in higher electric bills during the summertime. A soft-washed roof is lighter in color and reflects more of the sun’s rays, keeping your home cooler and cutting down on your energy costs.
Non-Chemical Methods
The most obvious benefit of eco-friendly roof cleaning is that it doesn’t harm the environment. Harsh chemicals that are used to clean your roof, such as bleach or high-power pressure washing, can do more damage than good. When these chemicals are washed off your roof, they can work their way back into the ecosystem and cause damage to plants and animals that live in the area. Additionally, the harsh odors created by these chemical products can be harmful to people and pets who spend time in the yard or garden.
Another problem with using chemical cleaners to wash your roof is that they can damage the underlying material of your roof. Depending on the type of roofing material that you have, chemicals can strip the protective layer and allow water to seep through the surface and into your home. Eco-friendly cleaners, on the other hand, use natural ingredients that are safe for your home’s shingles and will not cause any damage to the underlying structure of your roof.
If you’re concerned about your shingles being damaged by harsh chemicals, consider using a softwash technique to remove organic materials like moss or mildew from your roof. This method uses low-pressure washing equipment and biodegradable cleaning solutions to kill off fungus, mold, and algae without damaging the underlying shingles. Soft washing is a great option for homeowners with delicate landscaping or a beautiful slate or tile roof that can’t withstand the harsh chemicals of traditional pressure washing.
In addition to being a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to chemical cleaning, soft washing is also a more economical choice. Chemicals can be costly, while the softwash process uses 90% less water than a standard pressure washing system. This can help to save on your water bill and is especially important in areas where water scarcity is a concern. The low-pressure washing system also helps to minimize the amount of waste produced, which can be a significant problem in some areas. This helps to protect the environment and preserve local ecosystems, preventing pollution that can affect flora and fauna.
Roof Cleaning Contractors
Homeowners should choose contractors who use a non-toxic and environmentally friendly cleaning solution. These solutions can clean tile roofs and remove stains without damaging the surface of the roof or harming landscaping, pets, or wildlife in nearby waterways. They do not bypass runoff recovery systems and are generally diluted enough that they can be safely applied to the roof and washed away with rainwater.
Moss, mildew, and algae can cause unsightly stains on a roof, reducing the overall beauty and curb appeal of a home. In addition, these organisms can block airflow and compromise the insulating properties of roofing materials. They also weaken shingle edges and lead to deterioration, which can result in leaks over time. Regular roof cleaning eliminates the buildup of these organisms and extends the lifespan of a roof.
Many homeowners are surprised to find that eco-friendly cleaning methods can provide similar results as traditional chemical cleaners. This is largely due to innovations and creative experimentation in the cleaning industry. It is also possible to apply preventative treatments that inhibit the future growth of moss, mildew, and algae.
When selecting a contractor for routine roof cleaning, be sure to ask what products they use and how they clean the roof. Avoid companies that use bleach because it can damage the surface of shingles and cause them to break down faster.
Some of the best options for a non-toxic cleaning solution are designed to kill and remove fungi, algae, lichen, and mold and leave the roof surface completely free of dirt. In addition, these products do not contain chlorine bleach or phosphates which are known to damage plants and pollute local waterways.
In addition to using a non-toxic cleaning product, it is important to regularly brush and vacuum the entire surface of a roof. Regular brushing will remove loose debris and limit the amount of spores that grow on a roof. It is also recommended to trim back overhanging trees and branches that drop leaves, twigs, seeds, and other organic material onto the roof. These contaminants can clog gutters, promote the growth of fungus, algae, moss, and mildew, and create areas that are difficult to reach for future cleanings.