Asphalt Shingle and Metal Roof Cleaning Guidelines

A Clean Streak follows Asphalt Roofing Manufacture Association (ARMA) guidelines for cleaning roofs.  Their process states to apply a diluted bleach solution to the roof to treat the moss and algae.  We apply the solution using an electric pump and use the most up-to-date processes and state-of-the-art equipment that properly mixes the correct amount of solution every time.  Before we can treat the roof we need to remove the large clumps of moss & debris and clean the gutters. To protect your roof, our general rule of thumb is “if you can kick the moss off with your foot then brush or blow it away”.  The smaller pieces of moss left behind are rooted, too much brushing can remove excess granules from your shingles. After the small pieces are treated they turn yellow or white and their roots recede from the shingles and they naturally weather away in 3-6 months.  This is the most gentle and safest method for effectively cleaning composition roofs.

Preventing oxidation on a metal roof involves a combination of choosing the right materials for our climate, applying protective coatings and performing regular maintenance. Inspect the roof seasonally for signs of damage, keep the roof clean from debris, like leaves and dirt, that can retain moisture, and repair any issues promptly.

Yes, we do lots of metal roof cleaning! The metal roof cleaning process is slightly different than asphalt shingle roof cleaning and is more labor intensive. Cleaning metal roofs requires special roof anchors that attach to the seams and special padded shoes to prevent slipping and falling off.  Metal roofs also require some brushing with a soft wash brush and soap followed by a thorough rinse of every square inch. They are tough work and tricky, so leave it to us!

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