Asphalt shingle roof needs cleaning. Many have started to enter this line of business as the services are in great demand. Slowly it is finding a niche for itself in the market and many opportunities in this field are opening up.
The problem and solution is not too difficult provided one understands from the start the dynamics of shingle roofs - how they are set up, what the problems are relating to the types of stains that need attention. It is not any and everybody who can operate a pressure washing company because although the matter is simple nevertheless the fundamentals have to be grasped. The next step is experience leading to technical expertise.
If the contractor does not understand the basics of roof installation then thousands of dollars may go down the drain. The pressure applied must be minimal and low so that the shingles are not affected. Before starting the job the roof must be thoroughly inspected and checked. Most of the pressure wash machines used for cleaning the roof use 4 GPM and even go up to 10 GPM. One must know when to use what. It depends on specific conditions and the discretionary powers of the contractor.
In most cases of roof construction, a layer of felt is first laid out and on top of this other roofing materials are applied. The first shingle layer is known as the starter-course and is installed at the lowest tip of the roof in reverse position. This forms a solid base over which water can run out without sneaking and leaking into the rafters. These are laid between the shingles key ways. A second layer of shingle is installed directly on top of it and the rest of the roofing is laid in the same way going up the line of the roof. This allows the water to run from one level of shingle to another before draining into the gutter. This is the first basic step about roof installation.
Having studied the anatomy of the roof now is the time to think about the remedy - that is cleaning of the roof. The most common roof ailment of the roof is the formation of a fungus growth called Gloeocapsa Magma. It is carried by wind and air and will anchor on any type of roof. It is a silent killer and escapes the casual notice of the owner of the house until already considerable damage has been done and large chunks of the roof space have been taken over. This algae initially looks like dark brown or black marks. It multiplies in humid climate.
The method of roof cleaning is very effective in cleaning this dangerous ugly blemish. Some contractors use a mixture of TSP and bleach that instantly destroys fungus. Others recommend the use of a cleaner that has sodium hydroxide as its base. No matter what solution is used the guidelines of the manufacturer of that specific solution must be followed. Companies will guarantee their own products but not that of others. All however are in one voice and warn that high pressure should under no circumstances be used while roofs are being cleaned. Some contractors use pressure ranging up to 600 PSI. The general rule is using the least amount of pressure and the softest chemical to get the desired result.
Avoiding Roof Leaks
A stitch in time saves nine, and this principal couldn't apply more to roof repairs. When damage is noticed, repairing it right away is usually easy and inexpensive, but wait until the damage get worse, and you will be facing major repairs and expenses.
There are many components to a roofing system that can go wrong, tiles can crack, shingles can curl or be blown off, flashing can bend. All of these will lead to the same dangerous problem-roof leaks. You won't see the damage coming, usually. Water may be seeping in, but you won't see it in the house until it the water is coming into the interior of the home. At that point too much damage is already done.
The way to avoid this is to do periodic inspections of your roof. Get up there and look for damaged or missing tiles, shingles that are warped, flashing that has lifted. With adobe or rolled asphalt roofs, some of these problems won't be so visible, and you may have to pour water over the roof and look at the results.
Check any cracks with a flashlight. You should not be able to see the light from the inside of the house. Perform an interior inspection by walking around in the attic on the beams and looking for any daylight that shows through.
Check all of the beams for any signs of moisture. Finding moisture won't necessarily tell you where the problem is, however. Water may flow across the beam-follow the trail to find where it is coming from. If you find a crack or hole, drive a long nail through the roof close to the hole. Be careful of any wiring or cables. (This technique should not be employed for adobe roofs, as it will only create more damage.)
Next, squeeze toothpaste into the hole so that it goes to the outside. Toothpaste works for this purpose since it washes away easily. If it is a very small crack, you may be able to just squeeze silicone gel instead of toothpaste, and let it cure to a hardness that will prevent a leak. If you know you have a leak and the flashlight method does not work, you may be able to locate cracks by measuring the distances inside and apply them to the outside.
Once you have located a crack, you can repaper it from inside the attic, or replacing a shingle or tile on hate outside, depending on where the crack is. If you have major damage to your roof, you should have a professional tend to it. But to replace one or two tiles or shingles, it is a simple matter of removing the damaged one and replacing it. For an asphalt or wood roof, just nail in place on each corner.
Frequently asphalt can just be glued down if curling has occurred. If you have a tile roof, chip the damaged tile off and glue the same size tile down in its place. Many times, however, just replacing the shingle will not cure the problem and you have to re tar that portion of the roof or even replace the roofing felt. Only attempt this yourself if it is a small job that you can get at easily.