No Pressure Roof Cleaning

No pressure roof cleaning is a common practice that involves spraying chemicals and rinsing of roof surfaces when mold, algae, and spots begin breaking down. Some companies use chemicals that do not require rinsing. According to most expert roof cleaners, it is the best option for cleaning roofs since damage to roofs is minimized.

Most people fail to realize how effective this method is as opposed to high-pressure roof cleaning considering that chemicals used in cleaning are never washed off to nearby vegetation. Foam is created over the roof which breaks down algae hence leaves no damage on the roof. When the foam evaporates, it leaves a protective coating that prevents future growth of algae.

What No Pressure Roof Cleaning Entails

No pressure roof cleaning generally involves two steps: spraying of chemicals on roof surfaces and rinsing of the surface once dirt spots and algae have broken down. There are generally two applicable ways to spray chemicals on roof surfaces:

1. The non-bleach eco-friendly way
2. Chlorine bleach cleaning method

1.     The non-bleach eco-friendly way

Cleaning companies that employ this technique make use of good quality eco-friendly cleaning agents that lack chlorine-bleach and phosphates that pose a threat to vegetation and often pollute water drainage systems. After applying the eco-friendly bleaches, brushing is done to scrub away all toxic matter from roofs.

The roof is allowed to dry then later rinsed with clean water. This is an effective way to clean rooftops since it offers instant results. The procedure gets rid of Algae and moss instantly. Most contractors use roof shampoo and required equipment to ensure safety and maintain the aesthetics of the roof.

This method may, however, prove to be costly considering the high cost of eco-friendly bleaches as opposed to cheaper chlorine bleaches.

It is advisable to pick a cleaning contractor who gets rid of moss and algae before leaving the household premises and offers stain prevention techniques.

2.     Chlorine bleach cleaning method

This method makes use of sodium hypochlorite solution which is mixed with other highly concentrated chemicals like trisodium phosphate. The mixture is then sprayed on roof surfaces and allowed to dry. It is later re-applied severally. Stubborn stains which fail to wash off will eventually when washed away by water.

This cleaning method is cheaper than the ecofriendly method since chlorine is cheap. The chlorine, however, poses great danger to people when exposed to flames or drinking water. The impact of chlorine on the ecosystem is damaging.

There’s also another third method by some companies (NoPressureCleaning & Biggreenmen). These companies claim to have developed a special solution that isolates and dissolves mildew without pressure washing or rinsing the roof. The process takes less than an hour and the solution is composed of mildicide, a substance that leaves behind a film that will prevent future mildew growth

Precautionary Measures

There are safety precautions which are necessary to take before cleaning any roof that include:

Clean during dry weather and on an overcast sky

A cleaner should refrain from cleaning on a sunny day. The metal tends to create a glare effect which reduces vision. Dry surfaces are also critical since climbing onto a slippery surface increases the chances of slipping and hurting oneself. It is crucial to minimize slipping once a cleaner starts washing.

Reachable cleaning areas

A cleaner should asses the roof before cleaning and decide on reachable parts that need cleaning. Regions that are precarious to safely reach should be avoided since safety is vital in cleaning.

The power washer can extend a cleaners’ reachability and in cases where scrubbing is necessary for hard to reach places, one should consider hiring a professional since safety is critical in cleaning roofs.

Make use of a partner

A cleaner should not clean a roof alone, they should seek help from a partner in handling small chores. The partner can also assist in cases of emergency and can inform a cleaner of hazards he may be unaware of.

Securing oneself

A safety harness always comes in handy in cleaning operations. For corrugated roofs, one can use a bolt strap and for standing-seam roofs, one can use a ridge clamp. The safety lines of these harnesses should be attached to a roof’s sturdy feature such as a chimney.

The roof which this method is appropriate and not appropriate for

Soft wash is recommended for Shingle roofs which require softer handling. Asphalt granules are never designed to withstand rough handling. No pressure washing prevents the growth of bacteria on roofs and ensures granules remain intact over time.

Pros of roof cleaning without pressure washing

• It is fast
• It safe especially when using Eco-friendly chemicals
• No pressure washing adds to a roof’s lifespan. Getting rid of bacteria and debris adds life to a roof’s material since bacteria always speeds up wearing out of the roof.
• Washing the roof always gives it a transformed look that stands out.
• Roof cleaning raises the property value since the cleanliness of the roof can make an impact on a property’s value.
• Cleaning a roof gives homestead protection against unnecessary water leakage and preventable roof repairs.
• Roof cleaning always eliminates roof damage. Patches created by mold and moss always wear down the quality of the roof. It is expensive to repair damaged roofs and cleaning minimizes the potential damage.

Cons of roof cleaning without pressure washing

• Eco-friendly products always have a higher cost hence this is an uneconomical way to clean any roof
• Chlorine detergents often pose harm to plants and trees hence this method sometimes proves not to be eco-friendly.
• Using rough brushes often dislodges shingle granules that protect the roof from UV rays. Hard brushes also tend to wear out roof paint

No pressure roof cleaning complaints from Users

Based on reviews from popular online review platforms like yelp.com and angieslist, majority of homeowners claim that chemicals used in this procedure cause damages to the nearby plants.

Some home owners have complained that some roof cleaning companies that specialize in no pressure cleaning are quite expensive and their services substandard.