Category: landscaping

RCIA Roof Cleaning Certified Badge

Clean Your Roof Before You Sell Your Home

Published on by Apple Roof Cleaning

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.

FAQ About Roof Cleaning In Tampa

Published on by Apple Roof Cleaning

Frequently Asked Roof Cleaning Questions

 

Q: What is the safest method for cleaning my tile or shingle roof in Tampa ?

RCIA Certified Roof Cleaners!

 

A: A trusted source for safe roof cleaning are the technical bulletins put out by The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (They are an organization that represents the largest shingle manufacturers in the United States) and ELK/GAF (The largest shingle manufacturer in North America). Both of these technical bulletins provide the only chemicals that they consider safe to clean asphalt shingles without voiding the shingle warranties. Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa only uses cleaners approved by ARMA and the RCIA (Roof Cleaning Institute Of America)

Apple Roof Cleaning Won The Chamber Of Commerce Small Business Of The Year Award in 2002

Q: Will Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa use a pressure washer to clean my tile or shingle  roof?

A: No. we use a No Pressure Roof Cleaning Method. The Roof Cleaning Chemical is applied using less pressure than that found out of a garden hose. Using a pressure washer will void the shingle warranty and cause premature failure of asphalt shingles.

Q: When should my tile or shingle roof cleaning service be completed?

A: A shingle roof cleaning in the Tampa Florida area is usually most effective any time of the year. The average temperature is usually above 50 degrees any time of year here. Tile roof cleaning is best performed when it is a sunny day, and the temperature is above 70 degrees. The cleaning chemicals work better when helped by the Sun and warm temperatures. Some companies will clean a tile roof when it is colder outside, or overcast, and use a stronger chemical solution to compensate. This can have strip the glaze from your roof tiles, and kill your plants! Beware!

Q: Why is temperature important to roof cleaning?

A: Once the average temperature is above 50 degrees, the algae will open up and come out of a dormant stage. When the algae is open and growing is the most effective time for roof cleaning chemical to do its job.

Q: When should I schedule my service with Apple Roof Cleaning of Tampa?

A: Most any time, because we have 2 full time roof cleaning trucks to serve your needs quickly.

Q: What sets Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa above the competition?

A: At Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa, we only use the “No Pressure Roof Cleaning method”. This method is the only accepted practice by the Roof Cleaning Institute Of America. We offer a satisfaction guarantee and are FULLY INSURED (million dollar policy). We have invested in the finest equipment the industry has to offer.

Our EMPLOYEES set us above the rest! All of our knowledgeable employees are trained and Certified in “Low Pressure Cleaning”, are drug-free, uniformed, and arrive at the scheduled time.

Q: Is roof cleaning harmful to my landscaping?

A: Yes and NO. Let me explain… In the hands of an inexperienced roof cleaner, a roof cleaning solution will kill any vegetation it comes in contact with. After all, it is designed to kill the algae, lichen, and moss growing on a roof.

BUT…

In the hands of a Certified roof cleaner, precautionary measures are taken before, during, and after the roof cleaning process to prevent any damage to landscaping. Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa has adopted all safety practices for both personnel and vegetation in it’s employee handbook.

Q: Where would be a good place for a homeowner in Tampa to learn more about roof cleaning?

A: Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa is a member of the RCIA (Roof Cleaning Institute Of America) and recommends their site for additional roof cleaning information. Click this link to visit: RCIA WEBSITE

Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa (813)655-8777 is a fully-insured, full-service shingle and tile roof cleaning company serving Tampa Florida, and surrounding areas. Our experienced, RCIA CERTIFIED technicians are highly trained, knowledgeable, and courteous. We incorporate military discipline and values to every project we encounter, guaranteeing 110% satisfaction everytime. Call today for a FREE ESTIMATE for any of our RCIA Certified Roof Cleaning services.

 

 

A Good Roof Cleaning Article

Published on by Apple Roof Cleaning

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.