Low Pressure Roof Cleaning

The black stains on many roofs across the Midwest are caused by an airborne algae known as roof algae. This algae is becoming increasingly problematic in this region of the country. Shingle manufacturers are trying to combat the problem by producing algae resistant shingles.

We have seen many cases of algae resistant shingles suffering from roof algae so obviously there is still some research and development to be done by the shingle manufacturers. Something else the shingle makers do to help with the roof algae problem is to recommend roof cleaners and roof cleaning methods. These guidelines are effective for restoring a roof's appearance without harming the shingles.

The method the recommend is a low pressure chemical application followed by a low pressure rinse. Care should be taken to protect shrubbery and landscaping. What is not recommended and is actually warned against is the use of a pressure washer to clean roof algae off of asphalt shingles. Excessive water pressure will remove the shingle granules which are there to protect the shingles. This will lessen the longevity of the roof.

Neglecting the roof algae will also result in premature failure of asphalt shingles. The roof algae will only get worse if it is not taken care of. Roof cleaning should be considered before a roof replacement. Roof cleaning usually costs about a tenth of the price of a total roof replacement and can completely restore your roof's appearance when it is done properly by a professional roof cleaning company.