Roof Washing

Is your roof looking a little drab? Perhaps you’re starting to notice green or black spots near your gutters. Whatever the problem, Westchester Power Washing is here to help. Our superior roof washing services can safely and efficiently freshen up the roof over your head.

Soft Washing: Protect Your Roof

Roofs can prove to be tricky parts of a property to clean for a number of reasons. Because they are high overhead, you must decide if you will work from above (on the roof) or from the ground using a ladder or pressure washer. The trouble with pressure washing is that highly pressurized water can tear into the relatively soft roof shingles or even blow up underneath them. When that happens, water can seep into the wood of the roof or even into the insulation where it creates the ideal environment for mold and mildew growth.

These problems can be avoided by taking care of your roof washing with a soft wash. Soft washing uses a specific self-contained soft wash system that sprays water at pressure levels around 175 psi, significantly lower than normal pressure washing levels closer to 4,000 psi or more. The lower pressure and environmentally-friendly detergents can scrub a roof clean in no time while keeping all the Shingles intact. Maintenance is important to prolong the life of your roof and prevent shingle break down!

Causes for Shingle to Break Down:

• Algae and fungus filament roots promote decomposition. Fissures can be seen in the shingles causing them to curl and bulge.
• Fungi and algae are ravenous for limestone fillers. Algae and fungi thrive on the phosphates found in limestone, which is a good source of nutrition.  The waste products produced when fungus and algae cause a break down of limestone fillingsand the shingles are harmed by the acidity of this waste.
• Excessive heat brought on by the shingles’ darkening. As a result of algae streaking, shingles absorb more heat as they become darker. The shingles dry out and the petroleum in them ages due to the excessive heat.

Roof Shampooing

Roof shampooing is a process of cleaning the roof of a building using specialized cleaning products and equipment. Over time, roofs can accumulate a buildup of dirt, grime, and algae that can make the roof look unsightly and can also cause damage to the shingles. Roof shampooing is an effective way to remove these contaminants and restore the appearance and integrity of the roof.

During the roof shampooing process, a cleaning solution is applied to the roof using low-pressure equipment. The solution is designed to loosen and dissolve the buildup of dirt, grime, and algae on the roof’s surface. Once the solution has been applied, it is rinsed off using high-pressure equipment, leaving the roof clean and looking like new.

Roof shampooing has several benefits. First, it can extend the life of a roof by removing contaminants that can cause damage to the shingles. Second, it can improve the appearance of a roof, making it look new again. Finally, it can improve the energy efficiency of a building by removing the buildup of algae that can absorb heat and increase cooling costs.

Roof shampooing is an effective way to clean and restore the appearance and integrity of a roof. It is an important maintenance task that should be performed regularly to ensure the long-term health of a building’s roof.

Roof Soft Washing and Shampooing can be used and is recommended on most roof types:

• Asphalt Shingles
• Slate Tiles
• Wood Shingles and Shakes
• Clay and Concrete Tiles
• Composite Roofing
• Metal Roofing

Starting Fresh

Roofs can be pretty vulnerable parts of a home. They take the brunt of all weather conditions and are difficult to reach to clean. Some common troubles with roofs are more than just unsightly, they are dangerous. Regular roof washing can rid you home of any number of problems:

Dirt

Anything outside is vulnerable to dirt. It is carried on the wind and on the legs of birds that stop in for a visit. A little dirt can easily go unnoticed, but when it builds up, it can make roofs look shabby and drab. A good roof washing can scrub away all traces of dirt and leave your roof looking brand new.

Tiger Stripes

More a problem for gutters than for roof shingles, tiger stripes describe streaks of dirt or debris that build up near the lip of a home’s gutters. Such buildup attracts moisture, and when that moisture drips down the gutter, it leaves black lines or “stripes.” Any kind of particulates can lead to striping, including dust, pollen, mildew, chimney fumes, tree sap, and insecticides. Tiger stripes are most common on gutters, but they can also appear fascias and even siding.

Tiger stripes are literally a large black spot on a home’s curb appeal, and the best way to treat them is to prevent their formation in the first place. Regular roof washing can prevent debris buildup that leads to striping. If you do not catch it in time, the right detergents and pressure settings can scrub away the ugly streaks.

Algae

If you see black growth on your roofing shingles, it is very likely algae. This microorganism actually munches on roof asphalt, gradually wearing it down. Black algae growth can also interfere with the reflective properties of the roof. Algae should be washed off quickly before it can do significant structural damage.

Moss

Moss is spongy and green and charming in forest settings, but it is not a good match for a New York roof. Moss can cause the edges of the shingles to curl upward, increasing their likelihood of blowing off during windy weather. Remove moss right away with a professional roof wash.

Mold and Mildew

Mold poses many health challenges, especially for those who struggle with asthma or other respiratory issues. Mold spores are carried on the air, making breathing difficult if the mold is allowed to progress too far. If mold spreads to a home’s interior structure, such spores can be circulated in the HVAC systems.

Mildew is another form of fungus that grows from spores, but while mold penetrates the surfaces it grows on, mildew is a surface-dweller. Either way, it smells musty and looks terrible.

Mold and mildew are a large concern in areas like New York that have higher moisture content in the air. Parts of roofs that see a lot of shade are particularly susceptible to fungal growth. You can nip this in the bud by performing a regular roof wash, dislodging any budding mold spores.

Roof Washing with Westchester Power Washing

Westchester Power Washing has everything you need when it comes to timely and effective roof washing. Our signature soft washing system will preserve your roof’s integrity and completely clear away all grime and debris. Our cleaning solutions will keep your roof cleaner for longer, and regularly taking care of your roof washing is an important step toward extending its lifetime.

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