Dangers of Unapproved Roof Cleaning Methods

If you are a homeowner looking to have your roof cleaned, the first thing you might do is look at websites that allow people to review companies. This is a great first step, but not always a perfect indicator. Some reviews may not be from real reviewers, and some great companies may not solicit or have many reviews online. You may also look at sites that allow companies to post information, and have articles relating to the type of service you are seeking. One recent article we found full of inaccurate information sparked our interest in posting some better information.

In the case of roof cleaning, one would do well to look at organizations that pertain to the industry, like the Roof Cleaning Institute of America. Places like this are where professionals who actually clean roofs every day congregate to gather and share information. There are also other forums and venues dedicated specifically to roof cleaning. Other sources for good information include the roofing manufacturers themselves, and organizations relating to roofers and roofing manufacturers.

Often times clients will call us needing their roof cleaned, full of questions about the process and the type of results we offer. We carefully explain the benefits of hiring a certified roof cleaning company like Ultrasoft Pressure Washing LLC to handle their roof cleaning needs. We also carefully explain why our methods are the best. We use a zero pressure process with proprietary solutions that gently removes roof algae, and improves the look of your home without damage.  Our methods are exactly what the RCIA and the roofing manufacturers recommend.roof cleaning damage

A pressure washer should never be used for roof cleaning. Call our Jacksonville roof cleaning experts today.

Unfortunately, there is a bit of misinformation on some of these “reputable” sites, provided by companies using unapproved alternative roof cleaning methods. There are also a lot of people cleaning roofs the wrong way. Some are using chemicals that are not designed for roof cleaning. These chemicals can be extremely dangerous when used improperly, and using them on a roof is improper!

Others are using methods which require pressure washing to make your roof look clean. The bad thing about this is that any pressure put onto asphalt shingle will void the warranty. Pressure washing is not for roofs. Some companies claim to “shampoo” your roof, then wash it off using “low pressure”. The problem is, they are using pressure washing wands or even surface cleaners. The latter of which is designed for cleaning concrete not roofs!

These companies claim that by using their “shampoo” and “low pressure” they can properly clean your roof. This is not true. Their process will remove granules from your roof, and it will not correct the problem. When your roof is “dirty” it’s covered by a living organism. That organism is not killed by the “shampoo” and is not fully removed by the pressure washing. The only thing these methods remove are the granules and your warranty. Using any kind of pressure to clean a roof can severely shorten it’s intended life span and cost you thousands to repair.roof cleaning pressure washing

This tool is designed to blast dirt away from concrete using high pressure and should never be used for roof cleaning. Ever.

These companies rely on fear mongering and promises of “green” cleaning processes. They will tell clients that companies employing zero pressure methods will destroy their landscaping and other scary stuff to make a sale. The truth is, anything that will properly kill the algae that is destroying your roof, can be dangerous in the wrong hands.  This is why you should only hire professional, well trained, highly knowledgeable certified Jacksonville roof cleaning services. If these “roof shampoo” products won’t harm your plants, they won’t do anything to the algae that is infesting your roof, lowering your property value, and decimating your curb appeal.

The only right way to clean a roof is not to “shampoo” and “pressure wash”. Leave the shampoo to cleaning hair! Imagine if you shampooed your hair, then had to use a fire hose to actually get it clean. What is the point of the shampoo? The right method is to apply the right cleaners to kill and release the algae safely from your roof. At the Roof Cleaning Institute of America, there are contractors with 100’s of years of combined roof cleaning experience who all follow manufacturer recommended processes in one place. Guess what they all say? NEVER use pressure of ANY KIND on any roof system!

If you’d like to learn more about safely cleaning your roof, from one of Jacksonville’s only certified roof cleaning companies, then give Ultrasoft Pressure Washing a call today. We’ll explain exactly what is recommended, what isn’t and more. We’ll tell you which chemicals are the WRONG thing to use, and we will show you what safe, effective roof cleaning is all about. Despite all of the fear mongering, our processes are as “green” and “eco friendly” as you can get. Want to know more? All you have to do is pick up the phone and call 904-304-0810.

You can also feel free to visit our Roof Cleaning Jacksonville Florida blog and don’t forget to check us out on Facebook and Google + as well.

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