CHEMICALLY CLEANING BARREL TILE ROOF IN TAMPA FLORIDA

Here is A barrel tile roof cleaning job near Tampa Florida that we did last week. This luxury custom built home is 14,000 sq feet, including the 5 car garage, and the owner of this beautiful property is a repeat customer. This one had those wide barrel tiles that are quite common on luxury homes here in Tampa.  This tile roof also had a lot of Copper designer accents on it, so we had to clean slowly, and be sure not to get any of the barrel tile roof cleaning solution on the Copper Accents

 

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   or it could have stripped the Patina. Our customer is a car collector, and had several old and rare muscle cars in the garage. He had a Hemi Cuda as well as a 1976 Trans Am 455 4 speed car that was black and gold, with the big Firebird Emblem on the hood. He is also a Tampa Bay Buccaneer Fan, so we talked plenty of football and hot rods, once we got done cleaning his roof. He told me that several Tampa Bay Buccaneer’s live close to him, in his exclusive subdivision. It feels good when one of our past roof cleaning customers hires us again. We have been doing what we do here in the Tampa area nearly 22 years, and nearly 1/2 of our current business is from customers we have serviced in the past. Though we apply a special roof treatment chemical so our roofs stay clean longer, it is important to kill the Black Algae that is growing on your roof will eventually grow back. The heat and high humidity here in the Tampa Florida area will make certain of that. Our customers home was also right on a freshwater lake, and anytime you have a home on a body of Freshwater, the ambient humidity in the area is also higher, causing accelerated regrowth of this Black Roof Algae. Our goal is to prevent the regrowth of this plant, for as long as our current technology permits. Call us at 813-655-8777 for a free estimate and consultation on all your barrel tile roof cleaning needs. We will answer any and all questions you might have about what is the best way to clean your roof, as well as provide an immediate estimate on what it will cost.  

SAVE MONEY ON ROOF CLEANING !

The discoloration you see on this Tampa Florida area roof, in the before we cleaned it picture, is caused by Algae growth.
This algae growth could have been prevented, and the cleaning of this barrel tile roof would not have been needed !

Just as you spray the yard to control weeds, we can spray your roof once a year to prevent algae growth, and keep it clean.

Save Money – Call (813) 655-8777 BEFORE your roof gets dirty !

If you live in a deed restricted community, a dirty roof will bring a nasty letter from your Tampa Homeowners Association.
If they see a dirty roof, it can bring about a full blown inspection of your property !
Do you really want the Homeowners Association snooping around your home ?
God only know what other violations they will find !
This is how HOA’S “Punish ” you for breaking the rules.

Save Money, and take away their power over you.
It cost far less to keep your roof from getting dirty in the first place.
Call us BEFORE the black algae takes over your roof.

Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa offers an inexpensive (compared to full roof cleaning) once a year Algaecide application.
This will keep the Black Algae off of your roof indefinitely, and save you money .
Plus you get the respect of your neighbors and the Homeowners Association, for keeping your place up.
As well as longer roof life, and lower air conditioning bills.
Remember, this is a plant on your roof that can and will spread to the neighbors property, as well as your driveway, house, and pool deck!

You wouldn’t let weeds grow uncontrolled in your yard, so why let Black Algae growth run rampant on your roof ?
It looks terrible, causes premature granule loss, makes the A/C work harder, and can spread via airborne spores to the neighbors clean roof !

Plus it can bring that dreaded clean your roof or else letter and a full blown home inspection from the Homeowners Association, as well as dirty looks from neighbors for being the eyesore of the neighborhood.

Call us at 813-655-8777 for your free estimate by phone. All we need to know is the size of your home, and what roof type it is, shingle, tile, or metal.

All About Roof Cleaning in Tampa

Here is a great roof mold article by a retired university profesor who lives in a deed restricted Florida Community.

I do not agree with some of it, but there is some great information on what is growing on peoples roofs here in the Tampa Florida area.

He talks about Zinc Strips preventing the re growth of Algae on roofs, but they don’t work very well here in the Tampa Florida area, unless they are installed every 3 to 4 feet on the roof, and then they become pretty unsightly. I also don’t agree with his statements about using bleach based chemicals to clean a roof with.

Apple Roof Cleaning has cleaned over 25,000 shingle and tile roofs in the 20+ years we have been in business. Yes, we have damaged some plants, despite our best efforts to protect them, but never have we damaged any roof by our cleaning process.

Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa is a Master Certified Roof Cleaning Instructor at the Roof Cleaning Institute Of America

RCIA Certified Roof Cleaning Company !

We have to keep up on all the latest in roof restoration thought.

Still think roof cleaning in tampa is just a cosmetic issue ?

You might want to read this article, and re think your position on roof cleaning ?

ALL ABOUT ROOF CLEANING

by Dr. Victor H. Morgenroth

Dr. Morgenroth is a Keys Gate resident who is a semi-retired, adjunct professor of neurology at UM. He was a principal administrator in the Environment Health and Safety Division of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) for 20 years; prior to that I was a Group Leader in the Toxicology Division at the Center for Food Safety and Nutrition in the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Previously, he was on the faculty of several medical schools in neurology, pharmacology and psychiatry.

Having your roof cleaned actually makes sense. I know most of us were slightly put out by receiving a roof cleaning notice from the Keys Gate Management Association. Although it read a little like an ultimatum and you probably wondered who the inspector of your roof was and what their qualifications were, it turns out that roof cleaning is not a bad idea at all. Check out the pressure washer review here using which you can clean your roof and various other places around the house by your own.

It isn’t just aesthetics. While people like to say that dirty roofs lower a property’s value and may make it hard to sell, and according to professionals the “dirt” on a roof actually shortens its life span and can even present a health hazard. Furthermore, the “dark stains” on a roof act as a sponge to absorb the sun’s heat, which causes a rise in the temperature inside a home or building, creating higher air conditioning bills, that’s why we usually recommend getting a Spanish Tile Roofing on your home since it’s easier to clean.

The dirt isn’t just dust – It’s alive. Some of the black or very dark roof stains are caused by a resilient type of algae, Gloeocapsa magma (a type of blue-green algae commonly found in climates with warm, humid summers). The algae grow in standing water, as well as in our lakes and ponds. The algal spores are carried to our roofs from the water sources by the wind and birds, and then from roof to roof where it grows and feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles and the real dirt on tile roofs maybe in some cases the tiles themselves. Worse still, as the algae grow, they retain water and foster the growth of other roof inhabitants.

The black stains are also very likely to harbor a number of molds or fungi. Unlike algae the fungi on our roofs lacks chlorophyll. They are unable to manufacture food from raw materials. So, it must get nutrition from some form of organic matter. To thrive, these heterotrophs, who used to be called saprophytes, also require a warm, humid environment.

Fungi normally begin their life cycle as an airborne spore that settles on roofs, especially the asphalt-shingle ones. The spores on the northern exposure of the roof stand a better chance of survival because that portion of the roof is the last part to dry after a rain or morning dew. This raises the humidity on the surface of the shingle, thus creating a perfect feeding and breeding ground.

The tar used in roofing is fossilized, dead organic matter — and an important food source for fungi. Asphalt, at the granule base, is normally consumed first. Once these granules dislodge, accelerated deterioration will occur. Ceramic granules represent the outer hard shell that protects against hail and other falling debris. Ceramic granules protect against damaging UV radiation and insulate the roof against extreme heat. So you can understand that their dislodgement by the growing fungal colonies can be detrimental to our roofs’ longevity. Surprisingly, the blue-green algae are also food for the fungi.

While not all mold (fungi) and algae pose a health danger, some are harmful, especially for us older folks, younger children and people who suffer from asthma and respiratory problems. Their spores, which are on your roof, can get inside your home because they end up on the driveway and walkways from rain, and are easily tracked inside. They can even be drawn into our air conditioning systems and eventually populate our ducts.

Different mold species can have varying health effects, but it is important to remember that any excessive mold growth needs to be taken care of, regardless of the species. Any excessive mold growth can lead to increased allergies, toxicity, and house/building structural problems.

For those interested, this box describes some of the most common fungi likely to be found on our roofs and their possible health effects. While “sick building syndrome” has been talked about frequently in the media, it isn’t always reported that this syndrome is often caused by faulty or leaking roof assemblies that result in fungal infestations. It isn’t, as reported, always due to chemicals in carpeting.

Don’t Panic!

Most of us have immune systems that are fully capable of resisting the effects of fungi described below. As a result it would be highly unlikely for any of us to suffer any of the ill effects described. But if fungal colonies are allowed to persist and multiply then the high concentrations of the molds and their volatile organic chemical metabolites might be sufficient to increase the risks from our exposure to them.

Stachybotrys chartarum (atra) molds can thrive on water damaged, cellulose-rich material in buildings such as sheet rock, paper, ceiling tiles, insulation backing, wallpaper, etc. In the majority of cases where Stachybotrys is found indoors, water damage has gone unnoticed or ignored since it requires extended periods of time with increased levels of moisture for growth to occur. Stachybotrys is usually black and slimy in appearance. Events of water intrusion that are not addressed quickly tends to support the growth of more xerophilic fungi such as Pencillium and Aspergillus.

Stachybotrys is another fungi that has the ability to produce mycotoxins, ones that are toxic and can be immunosuppressive. Exposure to these mycotoxins can result through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal exposure. Symptoms of exposure include dermatitis, cough, rhinitis, nose bleeds, cold and flu-like symptoms, headache, general malaise, and fever.

The Cladosporium genera of mold are pigmented dark green to black in the front, and black on the reverse with a velvety to powdery texture. One of the most commonly isolated from indoor and outdoor air, Cladosporium spp. are found on decaying plants, woody plants, food, straw, soil, paint, textiles, and the surface of fiberglass duct liner in the interior of supply ducts.

There are over 30 species in the Cladosporium genus. The most common are C. elatum, C. herbarum, C. sphaerospermum, and C. cladosporioides. These fungi are the causative agents of skin lesions, keratitis, nail fungus, sinusitis, asthma, and pulmonary infections. Acute symptoms of exposure to Cladosporium are edema and bronchiospasm, and chronic exposure may lead to pulmonary emphysema.

Aspergillus is the most common genus of fungi in our environment (it especially likes to grow on corn plants) with more than 160 different species of mold. Sixteen of these species have been documented as causing human disease. Aspergillosis is now the 2nd most common fungal infection requiring hospitalization in the United States.

Aspergillus fumigatus. The most encountered species causing infection. It is seen abundantly in decomposing organic material, such as self-heating compost piles, since it readily grows at temperatures up to 55 C. People who handle contaminated material often develop hypersensitivity to the spores of Aspergillus and may suffer severe allergic reactions upon exposure.

Aspergillus flavus. The 2nd most encountered fungi in cases of Aspergillus infection. It is also known to produce the mycotoxin aflatoxin, one of the most potent carcinogens known to man. In the 1960s, 100,000 turkey poults in Great Britain died from ingesting contaminated feed. Most countries have established levels for aflatoxin in food. However, the risks associated with airborne exposure are not adequately studied and no exposure standards exist.

Aspergillus niger. The 3rd most common Aspergillus fungi associated with disease and the most common of any Aspergillus species in nature due to its ability to grow on a wide variety of substrates. This species may cause a “fungal ball”, which is a condition where the fungus actively proliferates in the human lung, forming a ball. It does so without invading the lung tissue.

Fusarium spp.,common soil fungus and inhabitant on a wide array of plants, this fungi is often found in humidifiers and has been isolated from water-damaged carpets and a variety of other building materials. Human exposure may occur through ingestion of contaminated grains and possibly through the inhalation of spores. Fusarium spp. is frequently involved with eye, skin, and nail infections.

Several species can produce the trichothecene toxins which target the circulatory, alimentary, skin, and nervous systems. Vomitoxin is one such tricothecene mycotoxin that has been associated with outbreaks of acute gastrointestinal illness in humans. Zearalenone is another mycotoxin produced by Fusarium. It is similar in structure to the female sex hormone estrogen and targets the reproductive organs.

Penicillium fungi are commonly found in soil, food, cellulose, grains, paint, carpet, wallpaper, interior fiberglass duct insulation, and decaying vegetation. Penicillium may cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis, asthma, and allergic alveolitis in susceptible individuals.

The genus Penicillium has several species. The most common ones include Penicillium chrysogenum, Penicillium citrinum, Penicillium janthinellum, Penicillium marneffei, and Penicillium purpurogenum.

These fungi have been isolated from patients with keratitis, ear infections, pneumonia, endocarditis, peritonitis, and urinary tract infections. Penicillium infections are most commonly exhibited in immunosuppressed individuals.

In conclusion, during the digestion of substrates, fungi secrete enzymes into nutrients in order to break down complex compounds into simpler compounds that can be taken up by the fungi and used as nutrition. These digested nutrients produce secondary metabolic byproducts called mycotoxins that are released to give the fungi a competitive edge over other microorganisms and fungi. Unfortunately, mycotoxins can also be toxic to humans causing a variety of responses including cold/flu-like symptoms, sore throats, headaches, nose bleeds, fatigue, diarrhea, dermatitis, and immune suppression. Some mycotoxins may also be carcinogenic and teratogenic. Molds that have been known to potentially produce these toxins are Acremonium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Chaetomium, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Penicillium, and Stachybotrys.

Even though these molds may potentially produce mycotoxins, they will not do so unless specific environmental conditions exist. Currently, it is unknown exactly what conditions promote the growth of mycotoxin production and more scientific research needs to be conducted on this topic for it to be fully understood.

Why Is My Roof Dirty ?

RCIA Certified Roof Cleaning Company

What you see on your Tampa Roof is not dirt!

The blackness is actually algae we call mildew that lands as a spore, germinates and then grows using the roofing surface as a nutrient base. Green Mildew will always appear initially on the north side of your house and roof in Tampa. This is because moisture stays there longer and mildew needs three things to grow: moisture, heat and some sort of nutrient. The humid, rainy climate here in Tampa Florida is ideal for Green Mildew and Black Algae growth! If you have put of cleaning your roof way to long and it is past the point of return, then consider replacing it by contacting this roofing service.

Other variables besides the direction your house faces are the type, grade and manufacturer of your roofing shingles or tiles, whether you have a pond or swimming pool nearby creating abundant moisture and hot/humid weather here in Tampa. Continuous warm humid weather in Tampa promotes mildew growth. Shade on your roof provided by nearby trees can promote mildew growth due to increased moisture, as well as leaves and pine needles that sit on your asphalt shingle or barrel tile roof for extended periods of time.

filthy tampa tile roof

tampa tile roof after cleaning

tampa shingle roof cleaning using chemical roof cleaning emulsifier technology we pioneered.

Notice how the roof cleaning chemical sticks, for less run off ?

Cleaned Church Shingle Roof In Tampa FL

Why Should I Clean My Dirty Roof ?

Besides being an eyesore, a mildew-covered roof in Tampa can actually be unhealthy to some people with allergies. Over time mildew and black roof algae can breakdown the shingles or tiles and dramatically shorten the life of your roof. A mildew-covered roof also keeps under roof temperatures a lot higher by prevented the reflective capabilities of the shingle granules or tiles from doing their job. These higher temperatures make your air conditioner work a lot harder and increase your electric  bills from Tampa Electric, sometimes as much as several hundred dollars a year. Finally, homeowners associations here in Tampa Florida are becoming more abundant, primarily to maintain and enhance value of the individual homes and neighborhoods. The main reason homeowners want their roofs cleaned in Tampa is to keep them looking clean and new.

Barrel Tile • Asphalt Shingle • Cedar Shake • Slate Tile
  Apple Roof Cleaning of Tampa would like to become your roof and exterior-cleaning specialists. We absolutely guarantee satisfaction, and you will appreciate our experience and professionalism. Call us at
813-655-8777

Will Copper Strips Keep Your Roof Clean ?

Roof cleaning measures such as pressure washing can remove or roughen the surface of the roofing material, reducing the intended productive life of the roof. At best it is a messy, temporary solution which would need to be repeated frequently. This sort of procedure also does nothing to kill the spores that created the Algae and Black Mold.  Plus, Pressure Washing will damage your roof!  will give more details. Look at some of the damage it can cause below.

Copper strips is a natural “solution” to roof moss, algae and mold problems.
We feel Copper Strips perform far better then Zinc Strips do here in the Tampa, Florida area.
When fitted on a clean roof, by experts about whose contact information you can find here, the Copper Strip will HELP, but not totally prevent plant growth on your Florida Roof by exposure to air and water which causes the copper to oxidise, creating Copper Sulphate which runs down the length of your roof in the rain water. Gutter Cleaning helps to minimise unnecessary weight on the roof that can affect its integrity and longevity. 1 OAK Roofing is just what you need.

This is deadly to roof plant spores and will therefore HELP keep your roof free from Algae. This effect is obvious under copper vent pipes or lead flashing’s under chimneys. Mind you, that flat roofs are easier to maintain and keep clean.

Copper Strips —the low cost, natural alternative to repetitive roof cleaning, HELPS put an end to moss, algae and Mold on your Tampa Florida roof. It is also widely used by most Denver commercial roofing companies. If you require any help with the replacement or repairs of your roof, contact us today.

I feel the Copper Strips work, to a degree.
In our opinion, they are “better then NO roof protection”.
Plus, the Copper Strips look FAR better in our opinion, taking on a nice Copper Patina over time.

It is our GOAL here at Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa to make this your LAST roof cleaning.
If you choose to have us clean your roof, we will gladly SHOW you some simple steps you can take to KEEP your Florida Roof clean forever!

Call Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa Florida at 813 655 8777, and make this the LAST time you ever have to clean your Florida Roof!

Call us today for an informative roof cleaning chat, or a free, no-obligation quotation.

Clean Your Roof Before You Sell Your Home

Don’t Let a Dirty Roof Turn Away Prospective  Buyers

In the rush to dispel clutter, clean every square inch, and make sure the lawn looks green and inviting.  Homeowners who are making preparations to sell often completely forget about a part of their home that will be visible in every exterior marketing photo, and from the curb. This part of the home is the roof – one of the hardest working, and most
expensive parts of the average home. On the flipside, the interiors aren’t to be ignored either. If you want to know about the real estate condition and know how to improve the look of your house for a quick sale, then check out the Market Oracle website. There may be pests, bugs & vermin that might be lurking around in the nooks & crannies. Contact a proper pest exterminator before proceeding to put up the house for sale. Since according to some realtors having a bug or a pest infected house will really affect your progress in selling the house, learn ways to drive them away. Appearances are important when selling a home. Because today’s roofing materials are higher in quality than they once were, a home’s existing roof may have decades of wear left before it will need replaced. If, however, the roof’s surface is marred by stains and dirt or coated with rotting leaves or a layer of moss or bear signs of mold, you will need to call in A Home Inspector before buyers automatically assume the roof is in poor condition and lose interest in the home. You can hire the Apple Roof Cleaning Company to come clean it for you. No matter how clean, neat, and attractive the interior of the home is, buyers who are turned off by the appearance of the roof may change their mind about viewing it, causing the seller to lose out on a potential offer. You can leave the repairs and fixing to water damage removal pros in Tampa.

Small issues can quickly morph into expensive problems
Another concern pointed out is about a dirty, unkempt roof is the potential for underlying problems to
develop. This is especially true when leaves, acorns, and other debris settle into the low
points of the roof where seams are located. Over time, this debris can become saturated
with rain and even more solidly packed, working its way under the shingles and into
flashed areas where it can cause leaks to form. If this happens you have to call a residential roofing company to resolve the problem.
When this type of build up is allowed to stay on the roof for long periods the potential for damage can become even worse. Moisture and exposure to the sun can cause the layers to act like a compost pile, which decomposes organic matter and turns it into rich soil.

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During the composting process, the materials will produce a surprising amount of heat
that can cause even more damage to the roof.
If not quickly corrected by cleaning away the build up of organic matter and allowing the
surface to dry, the heat may cause damage to the roofing material and the supports underneath. For the homeowner, this means an increased risk of interior leaks, moisture damage to insulation, wood, and drywall and even an increased risk of mold, mildew, as well as Algae issues. You can understand the risks that are associated with leaks and moisture damage. There are many pests that end up damaging roofs too, thus if you want a good sturdy roof contact  and get their expert professionals to help you.

It is always advisable to own a table saw as it helps in the last adjustments of various objects. Buyers usually tend to search for flaws in a house to reduce its price but having such handy tools can help you fix various damages in advance and also help you in justifying your pricing.

Good selling experiences start with a clean roof. Moreover, clean roof gives you an opportunity to use rain harvesting system to gather some water and use it in the garden.
Sellers who take time to make sure that their home’s roof is clean and attractive will be
helping to boost their curb appeal and make sure that buyers want to see what is inside. If the roof appears to be coated with just dust or pollen, it may be possible to use a garden hose or portable air compressor with a wand attachment to rinse or blow away dust and dirt and make the roof look neat and clean.
Homes that have had dirty roofs for some time, or those that have sap or rust stains,
however, will need a more intense approach to cleaning. A professional roof cleaning
company like Apple Roof Cleaning is usually the best option for this type of situation because we have the equipment and cleaning solutions necessary to remove dirt and stains, without harming the roofing materials.

Soft Wash Roof Cleaning Tampa

Apple Roof Cleaning Of Tampa (813)655-8777, and our exclusive to us no pressure soft wash roof cleaning process, fully comply with the asphalt shingle and tile roof manufactures guidelines. (A.R.M.A.) We guarantee in writing that our roof cleaner will NOT harm your roof. Our soft wash cleaning solution is made up of algaecides, mildewcides, soaps and water. Our soft wash , no pressure, chemical roof cleaning system is the safest and longest lasting for all asphalt shingle, tile and metal roofs in Tampa. The exclusive soft wash system we use and develpoed actually kills and removes the algae, mold and mildew that are discoloring your tile, metal, or shingle roof.Then the exclusive growth retardant roof treatment chemical that only we offer, ensures that your soft wash roof cleaning will stay beautiful for much longer, then roofs cleaned any other way.

You can spend more money, but you can not buy better looking, or longer lasting,  shingle, metal, or tile roof cleaning in Tampa, then what we have to offer you!

We are not house painters, window cleaners, or yard guys, masquerading a roof cleaners, we are Apple Roof Cleaning Of Tampa (813)655-8777

We did not win this award below for nothing!

Apple Roof Cleaning Won The Chamber Of Commerce Small Business Of The Year Award in 2002Apple Roof Cleaning Of Tampa (813)655-8777 takes great care and all precautions when dealing with your landscaping, home and ourselves. We never work alone; We only work in 2-3 person teams.

  • First person is the “dedicated ground man.” Their job is to continuously water the ground, plants, and home during the entire time.
  • Second person is the one who is fully trained and Certified by the Roof Cleaning Institute Of America to spray the soft wash chemical on the roof, and rinse it when finished. Third person (if needed) is assisting the rinsing of chemicals and grounds on larger jobs.

 

No Pressure Soft Wash Roof Cleaning w/protective treatment coating:

    On arrival we do a full walk of the roof and inspect the it for any damage, including excessive loss of granules, tree damage, cracked or missing shingles, cracked pipe jacks, etc. And before any soft wash  chemicals are applied we completely water the ground, plants and home.
Then we apply an even coat of our soft wash  roof cleaner solution. Wait 10-15 minutes to allow the roof cleaner to go to work and break up the algae rooted in the shingles surface. (This is the most important part of the soft wash  roof stain removal.) If needed, we will apply a second and even a 3rd coat of our roof cleaner to guarantee your shingles are completely free of the algae so you know you have a clean roof. 

After the roof cleaner has done its job, we completely rinse everything with a garden hose (no pressure) to remove the algae without doing any damage. We also use a gas string trimmer to trim all of the tall grass. Apple Roof Cleaning Of Tampa (813)655-8777 never ever uses high pressure, or stiff bristle brushes, as this can damage things further.

Once the roof is free of algae the protective coat goes to work, these exclusive to us roof treatment chemicals are already mixed in with the cleaner, and start to work immediately. This keeps your roof clean and beautiful, by helping prevent the stains from coming back for many years to come.

Below are a few examples of some soft wash roof cleanings we have done, here in the Tampa area.

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If you are considering getting your roof soft washed (because you don’t want the broken tiles or shingle roof damage from pressure washing) call Apple Roof Cleaning Of Tampa (813)655-8777

Non Pressure Roof Cleaners In Tampa

Don’t settle for Pressure Washing your roof, just because it seems “powerful.”

Historically, brute force rarely gets the job done as well as a thought-out and planned course of action, and we prove this every time we finish cleaning a tile or asphalt shingle roof with our exclusive soft wash method.

Roof Cleaning Improves Property Value of Tampa Florida area Homes

As a home owner here in the Tampa area, you spend countless hours caring for your property. If you own a beautiful marble floor then surely it would need cleaning from time to time and using a vacuum is great for this and you can go online to find the best buy shop vacuum in 2020 for you. But if it a hardwood floor you own, then an epoxy coating from is all it needs. They are qualified and their services are good. From repainting walls to replacing flooring, mowing the grass and updating the landscaping, pride in property appearance often goes hand in hand with pride in ownership, and includes caring for and updating the interior and exterior of your home. Non Pressure Roof Cleaning dramatically improves the overall look of your home. And anything that improves the look of your home ups its property value.

If you were to check out an article about eavestroughs, you’d know that dirty roofs detract buyers. A dirty roof in Tampa automatically appears to be in disrepair, even if the shingles, tile or asphalt  membrane below are actually in good condition. In real estate, appearances are everything, and if something looks like it’s broken, the property value reflects that, even if there’s no real damage present.

Regularly cleaned roofs last longer. A new roof is expensive; there’s simply no way around it. Yet people lose years off of the lifespan of their roof simply because they fail to have it cleaned. The algae and mold that grow on roofs, causing those dirty-looking green and brown streaks, actually eat away at your roofing material. So your 30 year roof could really turn into a 20 year roof. In short, a well-maintained roof lasts longer, and properties with long-lasting, expensive features are worth more, whether it’s your roof or the durable tile you choose for your foyer.
Dirty roofs in Tampa stick out like a sore thumb. A lot of what goes into determining property value is the value of the properties surrounding it; if you’re on par with comparable homes, your property value is relatively “true.” Yet if there is something about your home that’s “less than” your neighbors’, your property value drops. Whether or not you’re planning to sell your home in the future, if you live in a deed restricted area with well-maintained roofs, yet algae and mold cover yours, it is automatically worth less than the comparable properties surrounding it. Add in branches, twigs and other debris clogging your gutters and covering recess in the roof, and the in-shambles look quickly drops your property value by thousands of dollars.

Pride in one’s property is a personal thing; some homeowners couldn’t care less, and it shows. Yet taking pride in the appearance of your Tampa area home isn’t just a social undertaking; it just makes good financial sense.

A Good Roof Cleaning Article

Here is a really good roof cleaning article that was partially written by our good friend Marcus Raif of Katy Memorial Roof Cleaning in Texas who’s worked as a roofing contractor for a significant amount of time. Marcus is a fellow member of the Roof Cleaning Institute Of America, and is also an RCIA Certified Roof Cleaner.

Think You Need a New Roof? A Cleaning Instead Might Do

Patti Hollingshead thought she needed a new roof.

The Pittsburgh resident’s roof was covered with moss and black streaks.

“It looked terrible,” Hollingshead said. “It looked like it was in poor condition. We had a roofer look at it but got an astronomical estimate. It was tens of thousands of dollars for a new roof.

Over the past two decades, more homeowners across the U.S. have experienced the very same issues with their roofs as Hollingshead. Gloeocapsa magma, a type of bacteria that presents as the black streaks, is the culprit.

“About 15 years ago, in the manufacturing process, (fiberglass) roof manufacturers added limestone in the asphalt shingle mix,” explained Brad Iannacchione from Orezona roofing in Corvallis. “That’s what (the bacteria) enjoys eating.”

Though there’s no demonstrated proof that the bacterium is harmful to roofs, industry experts say it can lead to premature rotting of the shingles if left untreated. Plus, the appearance of those streaks can lower a home’s value if you’re trying to sell it. In an effort to curtail unnecessary roof replacement, some insurance companies are even making it a requirement homeowners have their roofs cleaned, or risk losing their policy. A professional roof cleaning will usually rid those black streaks for five years or longer.

“The biggest reason is aesthetics, as far as making sure your house looks nice again and clean,” Raif said. “(Plus), the black on the roof raises the attic temperatures within the house. It can reduce your electric bills by reducing the heating of your attic by getting rid of the black streaks.”

Both Iannacchione and Marcus Raif of Katy Memorial Services in Katy, Texas, recommend a non-pressurized cleaning as the most effective method for removing the black streaks.

“You’ll blow the granules off an asphalt roof” with pressure washing, Raif said.

 

“The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association recommends you don’t use any pressure whatsoever on the roof.”

The “soft-wash” method using a chlorine-based chemical wash is the best way homeowners should go for a roof cleaning, both experts say.

We don’t use any more pressure than a garden hose to spray our cleaning solution on the roof. “By the time we leave, the roof is 99 percent clean. The other 1 percent will be gone after the first rain. A lot of times, homeowners themselves will get up there with the pressure washer, and frankly, it works. It will take care of those black streaks. Unfortunately, those folks just ruined their roofs, in my opinion, because there are a lot of different granules and little stones on the shingles. I’ve talked to a lot of different roofing manufacturers, and it will actually void the warranty that homeowner has for the roof.”

Before hiring a company to clean, you could try them out yourself or ask about the method the technicians will use. Raif said he’s certified by the Roof Cleaning Institute of America. Check that the company carries liability and workers’ compensation insurance, so you’re protected in the event they cause unforeseen damage or someone gets injured on the job. A roof cleaning for homes can range in price from about $250 to $1,000 or more, depending on the size of the home, pitch of the roof and how dirty it is.

If you do decide to have your roof cleaned, be sure the company protects grass, shrubs and flowers from runoff. Both Raif and Iannacchione said their companies always send two technicians to the job; one who applies the cleaner and one who stands on the ground, constantly saturating the grass and plants with water from a hose.

Hollingshead said she noticed an immediate difference after having her roof cleaned and is glad she didn’t pay to replace it.

“They did an absolutely excellent job,” Hollingshead said. “He came out and did the roof in about five hours. It’s absolutely immaculate. It looks like a new roof. The roof was in good condition, but it didn’t show it. But now that it’s cleaned, it really looks like a brand new roof. It saved us tens of thousands of dollars.” go to this company’s website for more details on roofing.