Roof Washing and Roof Cleaning around Portland Oregon
Dirty Roofs
In time, your roof becomes dirty from tree debris, construction and roadway dust, chimney soot and pollution. Moss, algae and mildew will eventually begin growing which leads "stains" or "discoloration" on your roof and also gutters. These roof stains or discolorations are on the surface. It can be removed. The cermaic granules on the composite roofs do not change color. Roof cleaning removes algae, fungus and mildew stains on your roof to uncover its original color.
! Important ! - Your Roof Warranty
I want to say right up front that you should check with your roof manufacturer before you have your roof cleaned or washed. Some people pressure wash the roofs. I do not. This will most likely void your roof warranty. I don't know a single roofing manufacturer that will honor a roof warranty if it has been pressure washed. Also, find out what chemicals that a roof cleaning person is using. Is it biodegradable? Will it hurt plants? Is it approved by your roof manufacturer? These are very important questions that need to be asked. You wouldn't want to find out after the fact. I have talked to several roof cleaners that haven't even considered how they are voiding the home owner's roof warranty by their roof cleaning process. Ultimately it is the home owner's responsibility, but it is also the responsibility of the person doing the work to help, not hurt the customer.
Important Changes in CCB Regulations and How It Affects You
Also, an important note on recent changes in business law. The CCB (Construction Contractor's Board) deregulated pressure washing of roofs. So now, just about anyone can offer the service of roof cleaning. They don't need to have insurance, a bond or any special license. I recommend having a contractor do the work so that if they ruin your roof, then there is insurance claims and bond claims that can be made. This protects you as a home owner. Of course, I recommend checking on the roof cleaning method and chemicals involved (if any) before any work is done. You should not have to sign any wavers to your roof leaking or voiding the warranty of your roof. This should be a huge red flag!
This composite 3 tab roof is coated with green algae. The moss was treated over a year ago. The owner has a lot of trees nearby. The moss stayed damp. As the dead moss released nutrients, aglae grew because it had moisture too. So the roof was washed. Photo by Bradly Lewis, Portland Oregon USA
Biodegradable Soap and High Volume Low Pressure Roof Cleaning
The process of roof cleaning and roof stain removal is simple. First I spray on a biodegradable roof cleaner that helps lift the stain. This roof cleaner will not void your roof warranty. Secondly I wash it off with a hose. I don't use a pressure washer. Granules are not lost like when pressure washing. I use a process that I call "volume washing". Using higher volume of water and a biodegradable roof cleaner is safer than using higher pressure to dislodge the stain. Also, the process does not void the warranty on your roof. The roof stain removal cleaner is biodegradable and formulated for roofs so it won't remove the oils which help the granules stick to your shingles.
Hours later, the roof looks much cleaner thanks to roof cleaning. No harsh chemicals were used in washing this roof. You can see that the roofs stains were on the surface and the original color of the ceramic granules were not changed. Photo by Bradly Lewis Portland Oregon USA
Your Roof Looks Much Better
Washing your roof and biodegradable roof soaps with proper roof cleaning techniques improves roof beauty and lengevitiy. This is my most recently added service. |