Roof and gutter cleaning refers to the methods and techniques applied to remove moss, dirt, and algae from the roofing material as well as the roof itself. Basically, roof and gutter cleaning is done to extend the lifespan of the roof as well a
s alleviate the health problems that may be associated with a dirty roof.
Generally, there are three main causes of roof stains. Algae are living organisms that prosper on pollen, organic material, and dust that may have accrued on the roof or gutter. Their growth is triggered by dampness. They not only reduce the lifespan of the roof, they are also unsightly as well as heat absorbers hence leading to higher house cooling costs. Moss, on the other hand, promotes wood rot by keeping the roof damp most of the times. Lichen form symbiotic relationships with algae creating dark spots on the roof.
There are numerous roof cleaning products in the market that one may use to overcome the above problems. First, one may opt to employ natural roof cleaning products. Basically, these products pose no harm to the environment as they contain no harmful chemicals and are usually made from plant-based components. They can come in the form of shampoo that is added to water and used to clean the roof or used directly on the affected parts. An eco-friendly roof cleaning shampoo is not only safe to use, it also prevents the growth of mold on the roof.
Consequently, the health problems associated with a mold-infested home are removed. Another category of roof cleaning products offered are bleaches. These are usually chemical in nature and are basically sodium hypochlorite. Even so, in as much as they might work in cleaning your roof, there are certain troubles associated with their use. Sodium Hypochlorite is basically used in line with another chemical, Trisodium Phosphate, to specifically clean Asphalt roofs.
For an effective and thorough cleaning, higher concentrations of both chemicals are used. It’s risky to use such chemicals specially in watershed locations. On top of that, their associated gases and fumes are hazardous to one’s health. Similarly, the bleach has a landscaping effect.
Other roof cleaning products are applied on the roof to prevent the re-growth of the organisms inflicting the roof stains. They are basically referred to as ‘roof armor’. They do not entirely prevent their re-growth, but slows it down or when they do grow, the stains associated with them aren’t visible as roof stains. Such products require to be applied once every 12 months.
Most of these roof cleaning products are readily available in the market in various brand names. It is, therefore, upon the home owner to choose which item category works best for him or her. On the other hand, numerous techniques can be used to clean gutters.
Many home owners use ladders to reach the gutter from where they can sweep off any accrued litter or debris from the gutter. This can be done with the use of simple hand-held tools. In order to clean the far ends of the gutter, the scoop collecting the debris as well as the sweeping equipment may possess a long pole. Similarly, one can use powered machines to clean narrow alleyways or parts with health and safety issues. Many of the powered machinery are capable of dealing with solid and liquid debris and can be electric or diesel powered. In addition, there are gutter cleaning fluids, which can be oil-based or cream-based and used to clean blocked gutters. One can also opt to trim any close by trees or hedges that are shedding their leaves on his or her gutter.
Before you go risking injury with getting on your roof, call up a professional at the Even Flow Services, Bear, DE 302-451-9533. They can often do things efficiently and at a low cost to you.
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