At Hoover Pressure Cleaning we do a lot of client education when it comes to professional cleaning materials vs. generic or store bought chemicals. Of course, there are a lot of Do-it-yourself solutions on the internet that show you how to save money and avoid hiring professionals for seemingly “little” projects. However, many internet D.I.Y. gurus don’t give the full run down on the downside of using generic solutions vs. the full benefits that come with professional service and materials.
This blog intends to give you the full and honest run down of your exterior cleaning options and why it is worth it for you to talk to a trusted professional.
Generic Chemicals
Chlorine Bleach (“Soft” Washing): While relatively quick and inexpensive, Chlorine Bleach is Corrosive to your roof fixtures (the boots, valleys, flashings, and underlayments which are the parts of your roof that are most susceptible to leaks) and is Toxic to the environment – Especially when used in the high-strength concentrations and not rinsed, which is very common with most inexperienced Roof Cleaning contractors.
Cleaning and ongoing prevention with Chlorine Bleach typically requires repeating the process, or applying a diluted cleaning mixture, every 6-12 months depending on which area of the country you live in.
This is NOT a cost-effective, long-term solution.
Note: Chlorine Bleach should always be rinsed to avoid irreparable damage to the roof.
Oxygenated Bleach: Safer for your roof fixtures and more environmentally friendly than Chlorine Bleach, but it is more labor-intense and requires rinsing for immediate results. These products can be used without rinsing, but require 3-6 months and adequate rainfall to see results.
Cleaning and ongoing prevention with Oxygenated Bleach typically requires repeating the process, or applying a diluted cleaning mixture, every 6-12 months depending on which area of the country you live in.
This is NOT a cost-effective, long-term solution.
Proprietary Products
M-1 Roof & Deck Cleaner, New Again Roof Deck Cleaner (Sodium and Potassium Hydroxides) Caustic chemicals (degreasers) that are dangerous to handle, not environmentally safe, require rinsing pressures that are too high for shingle roofs, and react with the petroleum base of roof shingles to dry them out leading to a loss of granules and premature aging of the roof.
Cleaning with Sodium or Potassium Hydroxides typically requires repeating the process every 12-24 months depending on which area of the country you live in.
This is NOT a cost-effective, long-term solution.
Clean Up Group Biocide, Spray and Forget, Wet & Forget(Quaternary Ammonium Compounds): Safer for your roof fixtures and more environmentally friendly than Chlorine Bleach, but not EPA Approved. This method is more labor-intense and requires rinsing for immediate results. These products can be used without rinsing, but require 3-6 months and adequate rainfall to see results.
Cleaning and ongoing prevention with Chlorine Bleach typically requires repeating the process, or applying a diluted cleaning mixture, every 6-12 months depending on which area of the country you live in. This is NOT a cost-effective, long-term solution.
Note: Chlorine Bleach should always be rinsed to avoid irreparable damage to the roof.
Oxygenated Bleach: Safer for your roof fixtures and more environmentally friendly than Chlorine Bleach, but it is more labor-intense and requires rinsing for immediate results. These products can be used without rinsing, but require 3-6 months and adequate rainfall to see results.
Cleaning and ongoing prevention with Oxygenated Bleach typically requires repeating the process, or applying a diluted cleaning mixture, every 6-12 months depending on which area of the country you live in. This is NOT a cost-effective, long-term solution.
Proprietary Products
Roof Restore (Proprietary Soap): Safer for your roof fixtures and more environmentally friendly than Chlorine Bleach, but it is more labor-intense and requires rinsing for immediate results.
Cleaning with Roof Restore typically requires repeating the process 18-24 months depending on which area of the country you live in. This is NOT a cost-effective, long-term solution.
Roof-A-Cide (EPA Approved Proprietary Copper Algaecide):Safest for the roof and the environment – and most cost-effective long-term solution. Roof-A-Cide has also been tested and approved the the largest roof materials manufacturers of Shingle, Concrete, Clay, Stone-Coated Metal, and Slate roofs.
Roof-A-Cide can be used to clean without rinsing, but requires 3-6 months and adequate rainfall to see results. With each application, Roof-A-Cide is GUARANTEED for AT LEAST 2 Full Years and only requires reapplication every 2-3 years to keep the roof clean and avoid the need for future cleaning. This IS the ONLY cost-effective, long-term solution.