GFWC Indiana - Cleaning & Home Improvement

Homeowners in the St. Louis area are always challenged to find good companies to perform services on their homes. Many homeowners always call several contractors just to get only a few to call them back, and maybe just a couple to show up for an estimate.

Finding a roof cleaning St. Louis Company is no different. Many homes in St. Louis are beginning to develop algae on their shingles. This alga is usually predominately on the north side of the home. Many times, this takes away from the curb appeal of the home. Homeowners often wonder if their roof needs to be replaced because of those stains. Unfortunately, there are several roofing companies that tell the homeowner yes, and take thousands of dollars out of the pockets of homeowners when for a fraction of the cost, the roof could have been cleaned to get rid of those roof stains.

Roof cleaning is a low pressure cleaning process that safely and gently removes roof stains and take care of the eyesore roof algae creates. A professional roof cleaning St. Louis Company will first treat your roof with a roof cleaning detergent using low pressure, usually about the pressure of a garden hose. Once the roof is treated, the detergent needs about ten to fifteen minutes to kill the algae. A good sign is color. If you notice, the stains on your roof right now are black. Once the algae are killed, it will turn to a brown color.

Once the treatment process is done, a good rinsing is needed to flush the dead algae off of the roof, and make your roof look new again.

Never use a pressure washer on your roof. Pressure washers will damage the granules on your shingles, knocking them off. Then you will need a costly roof replacement. Pressure washers cause too much damage because many think it’s the pressure that cleans. This is not true in roof cleaning. It’s the detergents that clean and do the work to restore your roof to looking like new.

Also, never try roof cleaning yourself. Professional roof cleaning companies have the tools, the ladders, and the proper equipment to safely and effectively clean your roof. Many people get hurt every year trying to clean roofs without the knowledge. For example, with cleaning there are hoses on your roof. One misstep and you could step on a hose, and the hose will roll out from underneath you, causing you to fall.

The black roof stains on asphalt roofs across the Midwest are caused by an airborne algae known as roof algae. This algae is becoming increasingly problematic in this region of the country and has been for several years now. Shingle manufacturers are trying to eradicate the problem by producing algae resistant shingles. There is still a lot of testing to get the results that they are looking for.

We have seen many cases of algae resistant shingles suffering from black roof algae so certainly there is still some work to be done by the shingle manufacturers. Another helpful suggestion of  the shingle manufacturers to help combat the roof algae problem is to recommend roof cleaners and roof cleaning methods. These guidelines are effective for restoring a roof’s appearance without harming the shingles. When done correctly, these roof cleaning techniques can be extremely effective and can keep algae away for years at a time.

The method that is recommended by the shingle makers is a low pressure chemical application followed by a low pressure rinse and spot treatments if necessary. Caution should be taken to protect plants and landscaping. What is not suggested and is even warned against is the use of a pressure washer for cleaning roof algae off of asphalt shingles. High water pressure will blow away the shingle granules which are there to protect the shingles. This will definitely lessen the longevity of any asphalt shingle roof.

Neglecting the black roof algae will also result in premature failure of asphalt shingles. The roof algae will only get worse if it is not taken care of and will raise home heating and cooling costs. Roof cleaning should be considered before a premature roof replacement as it can save you money. Roof cleaning usually costs about a tenth of the price of a total roof replacement and can completely restore your roof’s appearance when it is done correctly by a reputable roof cleaning company.

A lot of people do not know what the black streaks on asphalt shingle roofs are. Well, they are a hardy type of airborne algae that has landed on the roof for particular reason and have begun to feed on the shingles. This algae will find nutrients in the limestone that is used in roofing shingles. Once it lands on your roof it will only get worse. It will never get better or go away unless treated.

The roof algae will lessen the longevity of your shingles because it will not allow the shingles to reflect heat like they need to. It can also raise your home heating and cooling costs. The algae will usually first be noticeable on the north facing side of the roof. This is the side with the prevailing amount of shade and moisture. It is the same reason moss will grow on the north side of a tree.

The good news is this roof algae can be killed, cleaned, and removed from your roof. Roof cleaning is a service that is available in most areas. The key to successful roof cleaning is to use what the major shingle manufacturers suggest using, which is a mix of bleach and trisodium phosphate (TSP). They recommend it be applied using low pressure so no harm is done to the shingle room.

They warn against the use of a pressure washer. Never allow anyone to pressure wash your roof using excessive pressure. This will wash away the shingle granules which are there to protect the shingles. Low pressure and the right chemicals is the key. Like any surface that is exposed to the elements, roofs need cleaned and maintained occasionally so they last as expected. Shingle companies will not warranty shingles that are suffering from roof algae. They will tell you to have them cleaned using low pressure. Find a reputable roof cleaning company in your area.

There is a lot of misconception when it comes to unsightly black streaks on asphalt shingles. Perhaps you have seen such black streaks on roofs, they normally first start to appear on the north facing slopes of the roof. The north side is the side with the prevailing amount of shade and moisture. Once the algae lands on the roof it does not go away or ever get any better. It will begin to feed on the shingles and will spread over time eventually taking over the entire roof. Roof cleaning is a great service to help with this problem of roof algae. When done right, roof cleaning will restore the roof’s appearance, increase curb appeal and value, and will stop the damaging effects of the roof algae. The proper method is a low pressure chemical application which is recommended by the major shingle manufacturers. A pressure washer should not be used because the excessive pressure will damage the shingles. They also recommend a bleach based cleaner, it is safe to use on the shingles and it will kill and remove the algae properly. No other chemical should be used, only bleach according to the shingle manufacturers such as Owens Corning.

Not taking care of roof algae can lead to increased home and cooling costs and will deteriorate the shingles. Roof algae will definitely lessen the longevity of your shingles because it does not allow the shingles to reflect heat like they need to. Years of life can be shaved off the roof when roof algae is left untreated. It is like anything else that is exposed to the elements. For example, if vinyl siding is neglected it can also accumulate mold, mildew, and algae and if left untreated it will lessen the longevity of the siding. Roof’s are the same and when they get dirty or get infected by roof algae, they just need cleaned. It is not rocket science but I am amazed at the amount of homeowners and even roofing contractors that are not aware of what roof algae appearing as black streak are.

I have heard all kinds of explanations of what these unsightly black streaks are. I’ve heard it said they are water marks, nail rust, the tar paper showing through, and even tree sap. None of these are true, it is an airborne algae technically called Gloeocapsa Magma. It gets on the roof, survives by feeding on nutrients in the shingles, and is spread down the roof by rain creating the black streaks. It is no different than mold on vinyl siding, or mildew on a wooden deck it can be cleaned like anything else. And like noted, the proper roof cleaners and cleaning methods are recommended by the major shingle manufacturers whom recognize roof algae as an ongoing problem. Educate your family, friends, and neighbors as to what this airborne algae is because it can jump from roof to roof. This is why you’ll see many roof’s affected in an area and none affected in other areas. In the south your the climate is more prone to grow algae and mold, roof’s are cleaned almost yearly. In the more northern states the algae is a problem but once a roof is cleaned properly it will stay clean for a minimum of several years. But because roof cleaning is not as popular in the northern states it seems that not many people know that it even exists nor what those black streaks on roofs are. Help spread the truth about black roof algae streaks and roof cleaning.

Many homeowners in Indiana are all too familiar with black roof streaks. These unsightly black streaks diminish the asphalt shingles, raise your home heating and cooling costs, and can lower the value of your home.

These black roof stains are caused by an airborne algae. These algae land on the shingles and begin to feed on them. They normally first start appearing on the north facing slopes of the roof where shade and moisture are most common. With nutrients and moisture the algae are able to survive. Each time it rains the algae is pulled down the roof creating unsightly black streaks.

If not taken care of the black algae streaks will eventually turn the entire roof black and will lessen the longevity of the shingles costing the homeowner money. Half of the roof’s replaced in Indiana are replaced due to the roof’s appearance not because of it’s functionality.

This means homeowners are not aware what these black streaks are and that there is a solution. Unfortunately, most roofing contractors are also not aware of roof algae therefore insisting that roofs need to be replaced. Don’t be fooled into replacing a roof that can be cleaned for a tenth of the cost. There is no reason a thirty or forty year shingle should be replaced any sooner. Call a roof cleaning company and get a free evaluation before you decide to have the roof replaced.

Today there are a wide range of pressure wash services available to homeowners. One of these services is offered by professional house cleaning companies; whole exterior house cleaning. Whether your house is vinyl siding, wood, aluminum, stucco, brick, or other surface it can be cleaned to either maintain its beauty or to restore its beauty if it’s been neglected.

Another great service being offered to the public is low pressure roof cleaning. The purpose and necessity of this service is to remove the unsightly black streaks or stains from different types of roofs. The two most common types are asphalt shingle roofs and barrel tile roofs. Both of these roofs can benefit greatly from roof cleaning services.

Yet another service that is a very skilled service is deck cleaning. Deck cleaning in Indiana, or anywhere in the country, can bring unbelievable results to old neglected wood. It can also be performed to seal and protect newer wood so it continues to look new. All of these services and more are available around most parts of the country.

Black streaks or stains on asphalt shingle roofs is becoming an increasing problem all around the country. Many home owners are not aware of what these unsightly black roof streaks are.

Roof streaks normally first start appearing on the north facing slopes of a roof where shade and moisture are most prevalent. This occurrence is caused by an airborne algae known as gloeocapsa magma or simply known as roof algae.

This roof algae can be cleaned off the roof safely without causing harm to the shingles. Roof cleaning can restore a roof’s appearance thus increasing the home’s value by boosting it’s curb appeal. If not taken care of, roof algae will eventually take over the entire roof, will raise the home’s heating and cooling costs, and will lessen the longevity of the shingles.

The major shingle manufacturers have cleaning recommendations for asphalt shingles suffering from roof algae. They also warn against the use of excessive water pressure from a pressure washing unit. The roof cleaners should be applied using a low pressure chemical application.