Roof Cleaner

At one time or another, many Americans across the U.S. will experience mold, roof moss, mildew, and algae build-up on the roof of their homes. While the above mentioned problems do not damage roofing materials, the build-up can trap water in roofing materials, thereby accelerating the process of wear and tear. The good news is that it is fairly easy to clean a roof, and even easier to prevent mold, mildew, moss and algae from reoccurring.

Types of Roof Cleaners

Where moss is concerned, a standard bristle scrub brush should do the trick. Use a bristle brush on a pole to tear the moss from the shingles. This can be done by pushing the brush down the roof. To lessen the risk of breaking the bond between shingle layers, do not brush up. To remove algae, non-toxic oxygen bleach may be used. Coat the surface of the roof and let it sit for around 20 minutes. If you scrub lightly, algae on the roof surface should come off fairly easy. Oxygen bleach may also help to loosen moss roots. It is best not to use chlorine bleach on asphalt roofs as the high sodium content causes an electrochemical reaction that reduces the elasticity of the asphalt; this may cause the shingles to become brittle and stiff, or even to curl.

There are many products on the market to help remove mold, mildew, and fungus. Some are as simple to use as spraying and walking away, while others are formulated with zinc to not only clean mold, mildew, and fungus, but to also help inhibit re-growth.

Prevention

To prevent moss, mold, algae, and mildew infestation, copper strips may be added to the roof. When it rains, copper molecules wash onto the roof to create a poisoned environment; moss and algae cannot thrive in this poisonous environment. Zinc is also effective, though copper works better and yields longer-lasting effects. Another way to prevent build-up is by installing fungus resistant shingles. These types of shingles include copper granules that offer long-term fungus protection for the entire roof area.

Copper strips may be purchased from a roofing supply store that sells galvanized metal products to roofers. To locate a manufacturer of fungus-resistant shingles and roof cleaning products, the best place to start your search is online.