Roof Cleaning By Hand, Hand Brush And Palmalove With Bleach Options

[PRIMIER]

Hey Folks ! PRIMIER / Terry here , 34 , from Western Mass. , Hamden County. And Not To get Off on a Bad Note , But i just read in a post , " I'm not one of those guys with a pickup truck , and a store bought unit with million dollar dreams ." AND THAT OFFENDS ME , CUZ I AM ONE OF THOSE GUYS TRYING TO GET INTO THE BUSINESS AND LEARN !!! Isn't that how some of us got started of in the beginning ? Gotta start at the bottom and work your way up , right ? ESPECIALLY IF YOUR BUDGET IS VERY LIMITED !!
Now back to the reason for post. I just recently did " my 1st roof job " for moss/mold /mildew on my mom's roof . I was going to use the washer , but she was adament about me not , and not using any straight bleach . So I got up there with the scrubbing hand brush , bucket of water with Palmalove With Bleach , screwdiver , and the hose. I worked my way from the top down in vertical squared sections in the triangular shaped shaded affected area , delicately scraping away the moss/mold /mildew , making sure not to ruin the shingles . From there I scrubbed in sections as to not let the mix sit on the shingles too long , rinsing as I finished scrubbing a section . When finished , I went up top and rinsed the sections thouroughly , then just let let hose sit , draining downwards to assure a full clense. It seemed to do a good job , but I also read in a post that the chems. are what lift the spores . So I will get up there and check again soon to see if it came right back , or got discolored. I had nothing to do so I took my time , but i think it came out pretty good . I guess what I am asking is , will this simple way , keep the mold away ? Terry

[dpaull]

That sounds like a pretty long, drawn-out way of doing it. You want to get a tank and a pump and just hose your chemicals on, let them sit, then hose them off.

You have to ask yourself this...are you a laborer or a professional? Laborers let customers tell them how to do things...professionals do things their way because their methods are proven to work effectively, safely, and time-efficiently. Do some research, maybe get on board with a local roof-washing company, and go from there.

Hey Folks ! PRIMIER / Terry here , 34 ,  from Western Mass. , Hamden County. And Not To get Off on a Bad Note  , But i just read in a post , " I'm not one of those guys with  a pickup truck , and a store bought unit with million dollar dreams ." AND THAT OFFENDS ME , CUZ I AM ONE OF THOSE GUYS TRYING TO GET INTO THE BUSINESS AND LEARN !!! Isn't that how some of us got started of in the beginning ? Gotta start at the bottom and work  your  way up , right ? ESPECIALLY IF YOUR BUDGET IS VERY LIMITED !!
Now back to the reason for  post. I just recently did  " my 1st roof job " for moss/mold /mildew on my  mom's roof . I was going to use the washer , but she was adament about me not ,  and not using any straight bleach . So I got up there with the scrubbing hand brush , bucket of water with Palmalove With Bleach , screwdiver , and the hose. I worked my way from the top down in vertical squared sections in the triangular shaped shaded affected area , delicately scraping away the moss/mold /mildew , making sure not to ruin the shingles . From there I scrubbed in  sections as to not let the mix sit on the shingles too long , rinsing as I finished scrubbing a section . When finished , I went up top and rinsed the sections thouroughly , then just let let hose sit , draining downwards to assure a full clense.  It seemed to do a good job , but I also read in a post that the chems. are what lift the spores . So I will get up there and check again soon to see if it came right back , or got discolored. I had nothing to do so I took my time , but i think it came out pretty good .  I guess what I am asking is , will this simple way , keep the mold away ?  Terry

[jajohnso]

Hey Guy

Go to PT state web page and READ.
There are some good people there and a number bad seeds
Good luck

[PRIMIER]

I hear ya guys , but like i said mom didnt want ANY bleach up there at alll ! It did take some time , but I think it came out well . I'm no professional yet , but thank you for the advice ! I am planning on joining one of the larger companys here in Western Mass. for "on the job training" ! I have a basic knowledge of the biz , but want more ! Thanks for the responses , because I'll probably have more questions/storys !!

Hey Guy

Go to PT state web page and READ.
There are some good people there and a number bad seeds
Good luck

[Gutter Clean ...]

most people us a bleach of some kind, however I am not to fond of using bleaches on anything, including roofs. It dries out the shingles, and with several cleanings can cause damage not only to the shingles but also to the surrounding surfaces. I like a product called Zap Away, its a high alkaline, and personally i found that it works better, faster, and cheaper than bleach once you get the hang of it. its chlorine free, and low pressure rinse, I've cleaned roofs with a garden hose from an A frame ladder before. you can X-Jet it on at anywhere from 5-1 to 10-1, depending on the stains. You don't even have to get on the roof, typically you can get it all from an A frame ladder. Spray and Forget works great as a follow up cleaner after about a year or two, before the stains come back. Simply to keep it gone (guarenteed to keep it gone for 2-3 years) just spray it on 10-1 and walk away. Britenol HD and Saferestore from EaCo Chem also work well for some things that your alkalines wont. they also will keep the stains gone for 3-5 years.

Gutter Clean & Power Wash
Hickory NC

[FCPWLLC]

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

[Barry M]

PRIMIER-you did just as much damage to the shingles by scrubbing and brushing them as you would of pressure washing them. Both methods result in shingle granule loss thus lessening the longevity of you mom's roof. Hope she doesn't read this post. Why she or so many others are so against bleach stems from a lack of information. It should be your job to educate her and any future customers. I guarantee you didn't kill an inch of the moss/algae on her roof you just scrubbed some of it away. Without the proper chemicals it will return in a short time.

GUTTER CLEAN-where is your proof bleach dries out shingles? Like Michael said it was just probably something you read off a website selling some other inferior roof cleaning product. It amuses me how many contractors and other companies castigate the use of bleach, yet most of the major shingles manufacturers recommend using bleach/tsp mix applied low pressure to clean roof algae off of their shingles. Until the shingle manufacturers recommend using something else or say that bleach damages the shingles, it is the ONLY way to clean a roof correctly. All naysayers are just inexperienced and/or uneducated.

[Apple Roof Clean...]

Hey Folks ! PRIMIER / Terry here , 34 , from Western Mass. , Hamden County. And Not To get Off on a Bad Note , But i just read in a post , " I'm not one of those guys with a pickup truck , and a store bought unit with million dollar dreams ." AND THAT OFFENDS ME , CUZ I AM ONE OF THOSE GUYS TRYING TO GET INTO THE BUSINESS AND LEARN !!! Isn't that how some of us got started of in the beginning ? Gotta start at the bottom and work your way up , right ? ESPECIALLY IF YOUR BUDGET IS VERY LIMITED !!
Now back to the reason for post. I just recently did " my 1st roof job " for moss/mold /mildew on my mom's roof . I was going to use the washer , but she was adament about me not , and not using any straight bleach . So I got up there with the scrubbing hand brush , bucket of water with Palmalove With Bleach , screwdiver , and the hose. I worked my way from the top down in vertical squared sections in the triangular shaped shaded affected area , delicately scraping away the moss/mold /mildew , making sure not to ruin the shingles . From there I scrubbed in sections as to not let the mix sit on the shingles too long , rinsing as I finished scrubbing a section . When finished , I went up top and rinsed the sections thouroughly , then just let let hose sit , draining downwards to assure a full clense. It seemed to do a good job , but I also read in a post that the chems. are what lift the spores . So I will get up there and check again soon to see if it came right back , or got discolored. I had nothing to do so I took my time , but i think it came out pretty good . I guess what I am asking is , will this simple way , keep the mold away ? Terry

Good Lord NEVER scrub a shingle roof
IF you do not have a pump you can always ROLL the roof cleaning chemical on with the Fattest Stucco Paint roller and a long pole.
USE Googles and protective clothing ??

Carry a bucket of Apple Sauce or Apple Cider roof cleaning chemical with you.
Dip your roller in the bucket of roof cleaning chemical and roll.
Do NOT apply elbow grease to the roller.
Let the Roof Cleaning Chemicals do all the work.

This is hokey but it "works"
It is FAR better to get a 12 volt Delavan Roof Cleaning pump model 5850 and some garden hose with a cheap plastic garden hose spray nozzle to apply it with.

AND - it is FAR better and safer to HIRE A PROFESSIONAL Roof Cleaner.

[ColonialPowerWas...]

The thing to remember is that if you are a contractor you should be the professional to lead the customer in the direction you know is correct. I am starting out in the house washing and roof cleaning business also. I have done a few and by following what the pros on these boards speak on has helped me bring the roofs back to a like new appearance.

If someone suggests to do a job like this or do not use that product, just ask them why did they even call you. If they knew so much why didnt they just do it? Even if it is Mama and she has never done it she is wrong, even though you "should" be more diplomatic with mama.

[phase]

I have always explained to my customers that research has shown my methods to be not only effective in removing mold without damage, but it kills the mold spores as well, which is something that a pressure washer may not do effectively.
I also explain to them that a pressure washer may damage their shingles regardless of the care given while washing them.
If my customer is insistent that I that I do not use chemicals then I explain to them that I will not be held accountable for a roof that is not properly cleaned and must therefore respectively decline to do the job.

Then..............they usually come to the conclusion that I am the professional and that they are not.

[GuitarCrazyo]

i think in Vn tin roof is very popular....especially during rainny season....you hear these special sounds: tong tong tong.. ting.... ting tong

[NORTHSTATE POWER...]

Good Lord NEVER scrub a shingle roof
IF you do not have a pump you can always ROLL the roof cleaning chemical on with the Fattest Stucco Paint roller and a long pole.
USE Googles and protective clothing ??

Carry a bucket of Apple Sauce or Apple Cider roof cleaning chemical with you.
Dip your roller in the bucket of roof cleaning chemical and roll.
Do NOT apply elbow grease to the roller.
Let the Roof Cleaning Chemicals do all the work.

This is hokey but it "works"
It is FAR better to get a 12 volt Delavan Roof Cleaning pump model 5850 and some garden hose with a cheap plastic garden hose spray nozzle to apply it with.

AND - it is FAR better and safer to HIRE A PROFESSIONAL Roof Cleaner.

I have a question regarding the apple sauce chemicals for roof cleaning. I realize that vegetation must be thoroughly rinsed or covered to avoid damage but what about concrete and asphalt? A lot of the houses I have "cased" could use a good roof cleaning but I'm worried about the runoff on the driveways. Will rinsing protect these surfaces also.

I operate in the Washington, NC area and have been pressure washing for about three years and 95% of my business is residential. I am very interested in adding roof cleaning to my business but like I said, I'm worried about the runoff. Thanks, Will Bradbury-Northstate Powerwashing

[Carolina ProWash]

I have a question regarding the apple sauce chemicals for roof cleaning. I realize that vegetation must be thoroughly rinsed or covered to avoid damage but what about concrete and asphalt? A lot of the houses I have "cased" could use a good roof cleaning but I'm worried about the runoff on the driveways. Will rinsing protect these surfaces also.

I operate in the Washington, NC area and have been pressure washing for about three years and 95% of my business is residential. I am very interested in adding roof cleaning to my business but like I said, I'm worried about the runoff. Thanks, Will Bradbury-Northstate Powerwashing

Will,

Check out the roof cleaning section of the PWNC site......articles, pics, videos and most of us in NC will answer your phone call (except seriously, don't call us on this one - we don't do roofs if we can help it!)