Category: black streaks

Will Copper Strips Keep Your Roof Clean ?

Published on by Chris Tucker

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, 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.

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.

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. 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.

Cleaning Black Roof Algae Tampa Florida

Published on by Chris Tucker

Is there Black Roof Algae on your Tampa Roof ?  
Algae growth on  roofs has reached unprecedented levels in many parts of Florida today. It creates a dull and dirty appearance which can reduce the value of your Florida home. Roofing materials like tiles, slates, cement and all become dull and weakened by Algae and Black Mold growth. Even the thinnest layer of Algae and Black Mold is a problem because it acts like a sponge, absorbing water, which increases the weight and stress on your Florida roof, shortening its productive life. Heat damage is another problem when there is Algae and Black Mold on your roof as it can push the tiles up and crack them.

Much of Tampa Florida’s unprecedented spread of roof Algae and Black Mold can be traced to the Clean Air Act which reduced the output of Sulphur (poisonous to moss) into the atmosphere via coal and fossil burning power stations, or domestic fires and unleaded fuel. Roof Algae which would have been previously killed off by this sulphur in the Florida atmosphere now requires direct action through commercial roof repair and maintenance like regular roof cleaning to prevent it from spreading.

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.

suggests that no pressure roof cleaning process not only cleans your roof safely, it also kills this Algae, so it doesn’t grow back so fast!

Roof Fungus Removal Tampa FL

Published on by Chris Tucker

There’s a Roof Fungus In Tampa!

Say Goodbye to Roof Fungus, Molds, and Black Stains in Tampa!

Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa safely cleans and protects
shingle and tile roofs for proud homeowners!

Certified Roof Cleaners!

  • Why Use Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa ? 
  • WHY YOUR ROOF SHINGLES AND TILES ARE TURNING BLACK– Remember the first time you looked up at your roof, and noticed those black stains appearing on your shingles or tiles ? Do you remember how you felt when you saw it slowly spreading across the roof ? Your home was fairly new and your roof barely a few years old. How could this be happening, and what was causing it? Well, you weren’t alone in your frustration. It appears that this is quite a common occurrence in Tampa Florida. Even on a roof with fungus resistant shingles, the fungus protection applied by the manufacturers of the shingles can begin to fail as soon as 2-3 years in Tampa, after installation. As the protection fails, staining can appear within six months. In Tampa Florida’s hot & humid climate, it seems that inevitably a fungus actually begins to grow on your roof shingles and tiles, leaving behind these unsightly black stains that continue to spread across your shingle or tile roof if left untreated. These fungi live abundantly in the soil here in Tampa. Like all fungi, they multiply by microscopic spores which float through the air and after landing on a hospitable surface, germinate. Fungi feed on organic matter such as wood, paper and asphalt, just to mention a few, and in the process, decompose and eventually destroy the material on which they grow.
  • Tampa’s Best Roof Cleaners!
  • HOW THIS FUNGUS COULD BE COSTING YOU MONEY.– Besides making your home look old and unsightly, researchers looking into this problem have discovered that this fungus could actually be costing you quite a bit of money. If your roof has fungus growth, temperatures under your roof become higher, increasing your monthly air conditioning costs and possibly even shortening the lifespan of your air conditioning unit. Bugs and pest infestation in the property could also cause something of a similar problem. They could eat away at your beautiful decor and compromise the health of your family members. Contact Pest Removal Experts – BBEA  to deal with this problem. Check out for reliable air conditioning systems. Some of these studies have revealed reduction of under-roof temperatures in Tampa by anywhere from 10 – 20 degrees once the fungus has been eliminated. Some homeowners here in the Tampa area have seen utility savings of up to $20-$25 per month. In fact, there is a noticeable difference in your tampa electric bill if the change in you attic temperature reduces the temperature in your living space by just 3-4 degrees. 

    SHORTENED TILE AND SHINGLE ROOF LIFE AND INCREASED ALLERGIES.– Compounding the problem, the same studies seem to indicate that the lifespan of your roof is shortened by the increased granule loss from thermal expansions and contractions commonly experienced with this problem. This expansion and contraction can cause a weakening around the fastenings of the shingles on your roof. Also, unhealthy fungus spores and mold could conceivably be tracked into your home. For those Tampa Homeowners suffering from allergies, this breeding ground on your roof could really cause some suffering.SO, HOW DO YOU GET RID OF THIS FUNGUS? As with most of these types of problems in Tampa, everyone you speak with seems to have a different opinion. Some owners believe that cleaning the roof with a high pressure water hose is the best treatment. While it is our understanding that this might temporarily eliminate most of the fungus, enough of the fungus is left behind, actually embedded in the ceramic granules on the shingles, to quickly cause future problems. In addition, high pressure water treatments do seem to damage your shingles over time, causing granule loss and shortening the life of your shingles. Keep in mind, the granules on your shingles are the sources of not only the color of our roof, but also your heat-reflective protection. Granule loss should be avoided. Other owners we spoke with seem to swear by brushing chlorine. They simply apply chlorine to the roof and with a broom, scrub the roof and then simply rinse with an ordinary garden hose. Studies indicate, however, that the use of brushing on your roof can trigger unwanted side effects to your roof, causing shingle deterioration and brittleness, as well as causing damage to the shrubs and sod around your home.THE BEST WAY TO TREAT ROOF FUNGUS. So far, the best way to treat this fungus problem is by using the services of professional companies like Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa, equipped with the right products to eliminate the fungus, applied by trained technicians experienced with these products. Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa will send trained, experienced technicians to your home to apply special, environmentally safe formulas that will not only clean the fungus from your roof once and for all, but also apply a second clear coating that remains on your roof suspended in a bonding agent that prevents future fungus growth. They rinse the treatment with sprayers stronger that a garden hose, but considerably less intense than a high pressure water hose. After your roof has been treated and the fungus totally eliminated, Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa recommends a “lighter” treatment approximately every year. Our company offers an unconditional guarantee that this program, called Guardian Roof  Maintenance will keep your roof fungus and stain free. The cost of the treatments depends on the size of your roof
  • Of the people in Tampa we spoke with, most seem to be extremely satisfied with the results, the fungus has never returned and a number of Tampa owners have, in fact, been experiencing lower utility bills each month of a least $15-$25.That ugly Black Fungus on your roof is stealing your money!
  • Higher Under-Roof Temperatures increase air conditioning costs.
  • Heavier Air Conditioner use shortens your air conditioner’s life.
  • Unsightly Appearance decreases property values in your neighborhood.
  • Shortened Roof Life because of increased granule loss from thermal expansions/contractions.
  • Unhealthy Fungus Spores and Mold can be tracked into your home; especially unhealthy for those suffering from allergies!
  • You’ll have a Beautiful Roof Again!
  • No Damage Chlorine Brushing !
  • Not High Pressure Washing – does not wash the granules from your roof.
  • Reduced Under Roof Temperatures reduction as much as 10 degrees.
  • Less Air Conditioner Run Times – savings as high as $35 per month possible in Tampa.
  • Safer and Cleaner Living Areas – no unhealthy fungus spores and mold tracked into your home.Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa Guarantee: For as long as you continue on our  Guardian Roof Maintenance Program, you have an unconditional and transferable guarantee that your shingle or tile roof will remain free of fungus growth and stains and retain its like-new appearance for the life of the roof.

  • Apple Roof Cleaning of Tampa Florida (813)655-8777 has led the industry in protecting “Asphalt and Fiberglass Shingles” since 1991. It is recognized as the safest, most respected service because it contains no Lye, and totally eliminates the need to ever have your roof pressure cleaned. Roofs that are protected by us stay clean and beautiful all the time, and are proven to last much longer!

    Apple Roof Cleaning Of Tampa’s Guardian Roof Maintenance Program provides an excellent, low cost treatment that kills fungus spores at the microscopic stage and helps extend the life of your roof by bonding the surface! Our “Apple Sauce” is applied yearly, and like a professional lawn care or pest control service, it becomes an integral part of the maintenance of your home. Hundreds of homeowners in Tampa Florida are having their roofs treated and protected successfully with extraordinary results.

     

Apple Roof Cleaning Of Tampa (813)655-8777

Roof Cleaning Questions and Answers

Published on by Chris Tucker

Some Asphalt  Shingle or Barrel  Tile  Roof Cleaning Questions and Answers

For more answers to all of your questions, call us from 9 to 9 pm at 813-655-8777

Q: So, what exactly is all the dark streaking and black staining I see on my roof ?

A:  This unsightly shingle or tile  roof discoloration is due in part to a pandemic like spread of the airborne spores and later adult cyanobacteria called Gloeocapsa Magma algae. This particularly hardy strain of roof algae cyanobacteria are particularly attracted to limestone which acts like a fertilizer, allowing this once dormant blue green algae to react like a living roof plaque. This is due in part to a reduction in petroleum additives in the asphalt and fiberglass roofing shingle manufacturing process and the increase of “OTHER” inert, crushed and powdered filler material, used to help control the ever spiraling fuel, energy and oil costs.

Due to rising oil prices as a cost saving measure, powdered, limestone and other filler products were added starting 25-30 years ago (about the same time as the OPEC oil embargo) and since that time, the addition of these petroleum “fillers” have been commonplace according to research we have located on the internet.

These inert “additives” have, in recent years, been acting like a “snack food” or corner “Quickie Mart” for many of these roof eating miniature plants, especially Gloeocapsa Magma.

This unknowing addition of what amounts to “Algae Fertilizer” by roofing material into the manufacturing process has since, in part, produced a ever increasing worldwide roof algae pandemeic

Especifically damaging once the algae root system begins to methodically work it way into the sun drenched roofs in the hot, humid densely populated areas, enhancing the degradation of roofing materials located in the southern regions of the U.S.

If you are a property owner and are reading this, chances are, this ALGAE is up on your roof, as well as on shingle or tile roofs all over your neighborhood.

This very fast moving Gloeocapsa Alage , move thru airborne spores, ROOF hopping, if you will, like the common cold, from roof, to shingle or tile  roof, its shortening the longevity of countless roofing, while creating a neighborhood wide eyesore throughout many owns, and cities nationwide.

20 to 25 years ago many roofs typically lasted the full 20 to 30 year lifespan. Not anymore. With Roof life has been shortened in recent years due to increased roof algae, mold, mildew, moss etc.

Many roofs are being replaced today in Tampa due to a lack of proper cleaning and roof maintenance.

Premature shingle or tile  roof replacement can be avoided with proper maintenence.

According to research, staining and  discoloration account for over 60 percent of re-roofing occurring across the country, much of which is unessaary.

Just like washing and maintaining your car, spraying and clearing off your patio, porch or deck of annual debris, or soft washing the vinyl siding on your home, your roof should be cleaned, maintained and treated periodically to repel algae and other ” shingle or tile roof destroyers” .

Naturally, you would not go very long without brushing your teeth, showering or washing your clothes, and along that same line of common sense thinking, it just makes sense that in order for your roof to perform as it should, and to provide you safe shelter for all your belongings and personal possessions, it too should be cleansed and cleared of leaves, pine needles, debris and roof algae, etc

.

Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa 813-655 -8777 uses non pressure and ultra-low pressure pumps and rinsing equipment combined with specialized cleaning agents to eliminate algae and mildew stains and streaks, along with environmental pollutants and dirt from asphalt shingle and clay and concrete tile roofs—all without the risk of damage associated with using high-pressure methods.

Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa 813-655 -8777 offers a 1 year written unconditional guarantee providing residential and commercial property owners with the piece of mind of knowing that, once their roof is cleaned properly the first time, our maintenance residual treatment program insures an “always clean roof”.

“How your home looks from the curb says a lot about who lives there. As the old saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

New Paint or Siding give you some visual curb appeal, and, a freshly mowed, landscaped yard deinitely helps yet both of these home improvement projects combined, pale in comparison to, a freshly cleaned, well maintained, new looking roof.

 

DID YOU KNOW ?

Since most roofs capture 30 to 60 percent of the visual appearance of most homes, NOTHING stands out quite the same way a new looking roof does.

In fact, now that I have mentioned it, look around your specific neighborhood and visually note how a dirty, filthy looking roof detracts from the appeal of even the most well manicured of homes.

Well, now that you are more aware of the algae, mold and mildew you are in a informed position to do something proactive about it.

Years ago nobody had an answer for what it was occurring up on the roofs, the staining and discoloring to most proprty owners and cleaning contractors. And back then we had no information, no real solution to the problem.

It’s important to understand that an algae, a bacteria, a plant is quietly feeding on the oils that preserve your roof from the suns damaging rays and setting up a permenent residence on your roof due to the limestone in your roof shingles. This “uninvited guest” or pest if you will, is silently ‘snacking” on your roof, also dislodging the ceramic granules that are helping to provide your roof with much needed important UV protection and color.

It like miniature warfare, but thankfully Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa 813-655 -8777 is winning the battle. We know much more than we did years ago and instead of harsh pressure washing there is now, a soft wash, safe, non pressure solution to properly cleaning and maintaining roof surfaces and we offer this to our customers.

Now that you know more, I am sure you will soon be calling us to schedule your reasonably priced roof cleaning very soon.

By allowing Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa 813-655 -8777 the privilege to safely clean your roof using certified non pressure roof cleaning techniques, and proper roof treatment equipment you will add instant curb appeal to your first impression / appearance areas.

Not only will our safe, effective non pressure roof cleaning service transform the aesthetics of your home or business’s asphalt or fiberglass shingle roof, this enhancement will continue to allow your shingle or tile roof the ability to continue to look and perform its very best for its useful lifespan which is Apple Roof Cleaning of Tampa’s 813-655 -8777  top priority.

Don’t just take our word for it, look around and see, while your driving to and from work, while walking your dog, while outdoors traveling to and from your local friends and relatives and I am sure you will agree.

Truth be told, a nice looking residential or commercial property is only complete with a clean, well maintained shingle or tile roof.

Tampa Palms Flat Tile Roof Cleaning

Published on by Chris Tucker

Here is a flat tile roof cleaning in Tampa Palms we did today 11/20/2013

The trees this home is under provide shade, but also make the black streaks come back faster. This is because the trees stop the Sun from drying the roofs moisture up. Heat and Moisture =’s Mold, it’s real simple. In the first picture, you can see some of the debris we had to blow off of this Tile Roof.

We are perfectionists when it comes to cleaning tile roofs, as you can see by the bottom picture. This roof will look even better, after it has had the benefit of a few rains. But you can still see all the edges of the tiles and the ridge caps are all nice and clean, for the holidays. Our customer was a very nice lady, who plans to have her large family over for Thanksgiving.

She has used us to clean her flat tile roof before, over 5 years ago. Tampa Palms was sending out “clean your roof or else” letters, and our trucks were cleaning other homes, on her street.

That’s how she found us, and she remembered us, all these years!

Though we are number one for almost any Tampa Roof Cleaning Search, most of our business comes from happy customers we cleaned years ago like this one, who remember us, and tell their friends.

 

 

 

A Good Roof Cleaning Article

Published on by Chris Tucker

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. 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.” But companies like Calgary roofing provide the best market prices within a reasonable budget.

The Roofing Company Houston Tx told Hollingshead that they’d be happy to replace her roof, but that she really didn’t need it. What she needed was for it to be cleaned so we went on the net and found the best Commercial cleaning perth, and as their prices, we affordable and the services were rated excellent by their previous customers.

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, Iannacchione said. “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, 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.

Black Stains On Roof

Published on by Chris Tucker

Roof Cleaning

It’s inevitable, your roof is going to eventually get dirty and start developing black streaks on your roofs. Your roof might not show these signs for a long time but eventually it’s something you are going to have to deal with. Most people don’t really notice the roof stains on buildings until it happens to our own house. Just look at all the houses you pass by each day and you’ll most definitely notice black stains on some of the roofs. This isn’t good and it needs to be taken care of right away.

Roof cleaning is extremely important as it can damage the roof if not taken care of immediately. It will also really increase the curb appeal of your house, which is always a good thing. This is especially true if you’re trying to sell your home. It’s one of the first things someone will notice when driving up to your house to get a look at it.

 One thing about developing roof stains on your home is that the affected area won’t be even across the roof but it will instead appear in patches. Some spots will be relatively clean while others have very noticeable spots or streaks on them. This is because certain parts of a roof won’t get as much sun as other parts. It could be because of trees that cast shadows onto the roof or just the fact that the roof faces north which won’t get as much sun as the side facing the south. This will lead to the moisture staying in the shady areas of a roof longer than spots that get more sun.

Moss is one of the more common growths you will find growing on your roof shingles. Also, black algae are another common growth on roofs that get a lot of moisture on them. These things need to be taken care of immediately because the damage they can do is surprising. They can eat right through your shingles and will spread around your roof doing even more harm.  Don’t delay get yourroof cleaned today.