Algae Removal

WilliamH

Can anyone suggest a product for algae removal from shingles? There are lots of products out there. Of course, I want something that works. I have 0 experience cleaning roofs. I would rather install a new roof, but as times are tough for prospective clients, I'd like the relative inexpensive option of cleaning their current roof to offer. Thanks in advance for any comments/suggestions.

P.S. I know the range can vary drastically from region to region or contrator to contrator for that matter, but how much do you charge per square to clean a roof. I have not yet started to figure how much I want to charge, but I would assume steep charges, etc. would be appropriate.

Just a Roofer

i'm curious if anything does work at all myself & the method. I would imagine the age of the roof comes into play & myself would not want to be involved in this as the h/o can say you caused a future leak or an existing he didn't mention. Suggest to him to have you install zinc strips or copper near the ridge to prevent this in the future.

WilliamH

I'm not too concerned about damaging the roof as long as there's no high pressure involved. I would be concerned about granular loss with a high pressure procedure. I have read material about a few products that claim spray on and rinse off (no high pressure). It sounds too easy. If it is that easy, it would be some easy money. But, you know how advertising for products sometimes stretches the truth.

fez-head

We use a 12.5 solution of pool chlorine. Let it dwell and then rinse well.

Aframe

Just a Roofer, and/or anybody else

I've got a roof on a current project that has heavy moss/algae growth (large willow tree over north side). Have you had success with the copper/zinc strips?

The plan is to do the roof "in the near future". I've heard of using zinc strips (but never used them) and have pointed out to HO the lack algae below the copper chimney flashing so I know it works.

Just wanted to see what the opinion of them is here.

Thanks
Andrew





I searched for zinc strips and came up with this, what do you think??

Dear Tim,
Instead of putting copper or zinc strips on a roof to inhibit moss growth, wouldn't it be cheaper to use pennies? Use two or three per linear foot, slipped under the edge of shingles near the top or the roof, or stuck in place with a dab of silicone caulk. It's more time consuming, but easier for someone who doesn't have the cutting or bending tools. Lee R., Portland, OR

http://www.askthebuilder.com/539-Rem...om-Roofs.shtml

Just a Roofer

You don't really need tools except a hammer & nails to install. The zinc strips i have bought come 50 ft per roll.

I do like the idea of the pennies & think that this could really work. I googled to make sure what pennies are made from which are 99.8. % zinc & the outer is .02% copper. Why save pennies in a jar or whip them on the street when they can help out the roof. I learn something new everyday & love it.

shanekw1

I have heard a few people say to use pennies.

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Aframe

Thanks,

Just so you know. I was not planning ongluing pennies to someones roof.

I will install the strips when it comes time. Just waiting for the decision on the next phase, Roof/siding? Kitchen/mudroom? or termite repairs my favorite.

Andrew

dougger222

I had a home owner a couple years ago tell me that he hired a company to clean his roof and the algea staining came back that same year. They used the two parts chemical and one part water. Zinc strips were then added and the algea went away for good. When we put new shingles on his a roof we re-used the zinc strips.

I used to use the zinc strips in the 50ft rolls but can't find them anymore. Use the strips that come in either 3 or 4ft sections (can't recall) and they work a lot better than the rolled zinc. My take a tad longer to put down but they sections are a lot stronger than the rolls.

I've put zinc strips on several new roofs even ones with copper in the shingles. Seen pictures of a roof hit by lightening and the lightening strike ran along the zinc stips and popped all the ridge off.

Scott D.

Morning fellas!

I thought I'd chime in here on roof cleaning. There is a safe way to clean a roofs, without using high pressure. I own Confident roof cleaning and this is what we do everyday!

There are no roof cleaning products that a company sells that you can spray on and rinse off. There are some that you spray on and "only" have to use 300-500 psi, which can do irreversable damage even with a low pressure.

The only safe way to clean a roof is like someone mentioned below, which is with a chlorine, soap and water mixture. The problem with that mixture alone is that it does come back quickly (within a year). We ad add a proprietary detergent in our mix which adds anywhere from 1 to 5 years onto how long the roof will stay clean. Of course the length of time it stays clean depends on a couple of variables:

1. How steep is the roof?
2. Is the roof covered by trees?
3. Amount of moisture in the air.
4. How old is the roof?

We do not even own a pressure washer, so rest assured that NO damage, has ever been done to a roof by us. We offer a 2 year warranty and a complete money back gaurantee.

If anyone has any specific questions about roof cleaning, please let me know.

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WilliamH

Thanks for the response, Scott. It's good to hear from someone that all they do is clean roofs. What ratio of chlorine to water do you use? You don't have to tell me what you charge, but would you tell me if you think this is a fair amout? I'm targeting a neighborhood with 25-30 square roofs. Most are walkable and 1-story. I sent a mailer out stating the average roof cost is about $225.00. I'm assuming I can knock a roof out in less than a day with minimal material costs. It's not a lot of money, but if I can get 1-2 a day when nothing else (currently) is going on, it's not bad.

Thank you

Scott D.

That is a bit low. And a 25 square roof you can knock out in about 2-3 hours max on a windy day. Im not big on the "price low to get the phone ringing and then upsell", but you can save yourself by doing that if your phone starts ringing. That $225 can be for upto 15 squares or something. Then charge a certain amount per square over that. Prices range from $15 to $35 per square depending on your market. If you price too low to begin with your market will come to expect it. Especially if you're one of the first roof cleaners, and your new competition copies your prices or undercuts you. Ive seen people clean roofs for as low as $5 per square.

If you are using a dedicated pump you can use anywhere from 30Sh/70 water to 50/50 depending on the serverity of the staining.

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EPPSLLC

Hey guys I don't know how i missed this thread!!!

I too do SAFE LOW PRESSURE roof cleaning. I own a pressure washer but most of the time it never even goes to the job site unless we are doing a house wash as well. I am with scott on that being a little low.

This will help you -

Don't concentrate on how much it cost you or how much time it takes you when you are worrying bout selling the service. Look at it from the home owners eyes! You are letting them opt out of replacing a perfectly good roof 4 - 8 years or more early in return for making it look new for a fraction of the cost. This year we are not touching a roof for less than $427. We are not selling roof cleaning we are selling the value of not having to replace your roof.

Hope this helps guys



PS here are some B & A

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DJ Carroll ~ EasyProProperty Services
Power Washing ~ Landscaping ~ Roof Cleaning ~ Lawn Care
Louisville, Kentucky
The BEST property service company in the tristate area

Scott D.

Good Post DJ

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fez-head

What was your dwell time on that one DJ? I have always had trouble with tree fungas versus regular mold.