Beneficial-roof-algae-streaks-2

What Are Roof Stains & How To Remove Them?

Do You Have Stains On Your Roof? If So, Here is How to Get Rid of Them

The common cause for roof staining is organisms like moss, lichens, and algae. These organisms are known to feed off the organic roof material in shingles. The longer it is left untreated, the worse the damage to roofs. This is why removing stains should be a priority for homeowners. Roof stain is essentially fungus and mildew spores that are embedded in the shingles from nearby shrubbery, trees, and plants. All roofing is vulnerable to stain damage and that is why it is important to know how to remove roof stains and maintain them.

DIY Roof Stain Removal: Tips and Precautions For Homeowners

Homeowners who would like to make some savings on roof stain removal costs can resort to DIY solutions. But before we start we want to warn you that climbing onto your roof is extremely dangerous and it can cause injuries if you are not careful. This is especially with houses that have large roofs.

The requirements include non-corrosive and non-toxic roof cleaning chemicals, a garden hose, a garden sprayer, and a full-body harness. Special tool applicators and even rinsing tools may be required for severe roof staining. The roof cleaning product that is selected should be safe for the environment and non-corrosive. There are a good number of brands available in the market in this regard.

The ideal day to remove roof stains is a cool/ overcast day that is characterized by little to no wind. This will allow the spray to properly hit the shingles. Furthermore, the cleaning solutions can only soak deeply into the numerous algae colonies in such weather conditions.

It is equally important to properly prepare the roof stain removal area by cleaning the downspouts and gutters and repairing any loose flashings or shingles. This is what will allow the roof stain-cleaning chemicals to drain freely.

Lawn furniture should be moved and vegetation-covered to protect them from inevitable overspray. Good preparation work is necessary as it significantly reduces the cleanup time and effort that would have otherwise been used later.

It is advisable to work from the bottom row and slowly work your way up to the roof peak. The cleaner should be sprayed on the shingles to the point of saturation. Any areas of the roof that dry out in the process should be sprayed again immediately.

Comparing Roof Stain Removal Methods

There are several cleaning solutions that roof contractors use to remove roof stains, the notable ones include the following:

Low-pressure Cleaning

This technique requires the use of high-grade eco-friendly products. It produces complete and instant results. The technicians of roof cleaning companies use equipment that is precisely designed for gentle and safe roof cleaning.

Chlorine Bleach

This method employs the use of sodium hypochlorite (chlorine bleach) mixed in very high concentrations of trisodium phosphate (TSP). This is sprayed on the roof and left to dry. The results are not immediate because the stains take some time to come off. It is affordable compared to other methods.

High-pressure Power Washing

This method is used by a few roof-cleaning contractors. This particular technique of removing roof stains is not very effective because it may leave behind root systems and this leads to a quick return of algae. This can be done with your regular inspections to make sure those pesky algae won’t come back.

Conclusion

Removing roof stains is an inevitable home improvement and maintenance exercise. This is why it is important to hire qualified contractors like us to undertake it. You’ll save not only time but money in the long run because maintaining a good roof is an investment. A well-maintained roof means higher resale value if ever you want to sell your house in the future.

 

Share this post

Other Recent Articles