Roof cleaning

The roof cleaning of fiberglass shingles
Streaking on a roof
Roof cleaning being performed using a soft-wash system

Roof cleaning is the process of removing algae,[1] mold, mildew, lichen and moss from roofs.[2] Also cleaning oxidation on metal roofs. Cleaning can extend the duration of a roof's ability to function.[2] Algae and other types of build-up often form on the north and west parts of roofs that are shaded or receive less sun, and can reduce a roof's life expectancy.[2] The presence of soot, dirt, or biomass can affect how much sunlight is absorbed by a roof and thus the amount of heat a building absorbs.[3]

Cleaning may be accomplished with a bleach or sodium percarbonate solution,[4] various cleaning products or commercial cleaning services. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) recommends using a 50/50 solution of household strength sodium hypochlorite (pool chlorine) and water to remove moss and algae.[5] The addition of zinc strips near the roof's peak may reduce the regrowth of algae and moss. Zinc sulfate can also be applied on an annual basis.

  1. ^ Brook, Alan J. (1968). "The Discoloration of Roofs in the United States and Canada by Algae". Journal of Phycology. 4 (3): 250. doi:10.1111/j.1529-8817.1968.tb04722.x. PMID 27068083. S2CID 205695632.
  2. ^ a b c Fox59 4:34 p.m. EDT, August 28, 2012 (2012-08-28). "Stretching Your Dollar: Cleaning your roof for a good price". fox59.com. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved 2018-06-08.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  3. ^ Levinson, Ronnen; Paul Berdahla; Asmeret Asefaw Berheb; Hashem Akbaria (December 2005). "Effects of soiling and cleaning on the reflectance and solar heat gain of a light-colored roofing membrane". Atmospheric Environment. 39 (40): 7807–7824. Bibcode:2005AtmEn..39.7807L. doi:10.1016/j.atmosenv.2005.08.037.
  4. ^ "Sodium Hypochlorite, Sodium Percarbonate or Sodium Hydroxide for Roof Cleaning?". eClean Magazine. Retrieved 2017-06-29.
  5. ^ "ARMA - Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association | Algae & Moss Prevention and Cleaning for Asphalt Roofing Systems". www.asphaltroofing.org. 2016-09-23. Retrieved 2017-06-29.