FAQs - Roof Cleaning
For most folks in the area, the mere mention of roof ‘cleaning' conjures up a raised brow, along with an inquisitive look. It's still largely an unknown yet needed service for many.
Our biggest challenge at American-ProTech is to inform the public that we don't have to put up with unsightly roof stains on our biggest investment, our home. We don't have to replace a roof, simply because it's discolored with streaks, lichen or moss. We don't have to learn to look past it, because it can be rectified very affordably.
The following are questions I've heard from many, many clients so that you the homeowner or commercial property owner, are better informed. We'll get a lot more detailed in a future post:
What are those stains and streaks on my roof? I'm told it comes from the trees or jet exhaust of something like that?
- Most of the time it's a strain of blue/green algae with a long scientific name of gloeocapsa magma.
Why is it on my roof, but my neighbor's roof directly across the street looks clean as a whistle?
- Often times it CAN be found on the house across the street. Chances are it's on the back of their roof.
On the front of my roof, but on the back of theirs? Why is that?
- The northern exposure of a roof is much more prone to harboring roof algae due to the limited sun exposure. The lack of UV rays, and the additional moisture retained on the shady side of the roof create an environment where algae can flourish.
I never noticed these roof stains until the last decade or two. Please explain.
- It was 20+ years ago that the shingle manufacturers started to use limestone as the filler material in asphalt shingles. In addition to shade and moisture, roof algae needs nutrients – a food source to establish itself on the shingles of a roof. Limestone is that perfect food source.
Let me get this straight – this roof algae, gloeocapsa magma – it's feeding on the filler in my shingles?
- Unfortunately, yes.
I see some other ‘things' apparently growing up there. What's the deal with that?
- Often, although not always, once algae has a strong foothold on a roof lichen will follow. And in very shady locations, even moss will grow.
My neighbor to my east just had his home re-roofed due to those stains. This roof cleaning that you mention, what can be done?
- Sadly, I have personally witnessed quite a few roofs being replaced for what appears to have been solely due to stains and streaks, and NOT due to the shingle's end of life. I've seen the same thing happen in my own subdivision. Roof algae, lichen and moss can all be safely removed. American-ProTech uses a combination of roof top science, chemistry and biology to get your roof looking great again.
OK. I'm all ears now. Please tell me more.
- American-ProTech is the only CERTIFIED roof cleaning company in Northern Virginia. We bring our own 42' hydraulic lift to each and every job. As a result of having such specialized equipment, we rarely set foot on a roof, or place a ladder against a home. This in itself gives the vast majority of our clients vast peace of mind. Our solution is in accordance with the largest roofing consortium, ARMA. (the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association) Our processes are in accordance with the strict teachings of the Roof Cleaning Institute of America.
- We offer NO PRESSURE consultations and of course free no-obligation quotes.
- NEVER allow anyone or any company to use high pressure apparatus on your shingles!
- For our residential clients – new roofs cost THOUSANDS of dollars. Our services cost only HUNDREDS of dollars. Restore your home's beauty and curb appeal with one phone call.
Call today, and be sure to ask about our UNHEARD of guarantee. You'll be glad you did. (571) 250 9650
Ted Saunders
Founder, American-ProTech
(571) 250 9650
Northern Virginia's only RCIA certified Roof Cleaning Company
Keeping Virginia beautiful one roof at a time
Call American-ProTech today 571 250 9650
