Case 2
- Introduction
- Causes of Defects
- Good Practices
- Standards
- Maintenance and Diagnostics
- Remedial
- Similar Cases
- References
Remedial
Over time, the biological growths on your roof can actually shorten the life of the building. As your roof darkens with algae growth, more heat is absorbed from the sun, making your roof less effective in reflecting the UV rays. Anti-Microbial Surface Protection seals the surface of your roof against fungus, algae, mold and mildew regrowth and dramatically increases the reflectivity of your roof regardless of the type of material or color.
Chlorine bleach kills and the force of a scrub brush or a strong spray will remove the soil and stop the growth at least for a while. Using a brush can remove the fine granules that reflect the sun and protect the roofing surface. Very high pressure sprays can do the same thing. Additionally, chlorine bleach can damage plantings, vinyl windows and other construction materials if used in a solution too strong.
The force of a spray from a hose may not be strong enough to remove an accumulation of dirt on a roof. A good repair procedure would be to wet down the roof and plantings with plain water before using a cleaning solution. Next use a cleaning solution with a safe concentration of chlorine and moderate pressure. (One part chlorine to 10 parts water. Spray pressure as high as 1,000 psi may be too strong.) Finally, rinse the roof, plantings with clear water.
For cleaning small area that you can easily reach here are some suggestions:
- Rinse roof and plantings with clear water before and after using a cleaning solution.
- Use a mild chlorine solution (1 part chlorine to 10 parts water). Remember that chlorine is caustic. Protect yourself when using chlorine by wearing rubber gloves and avoiding spatters.
- Heavy accumulation of dirt and algae may require scrubbing with a brush but this may damage roofing.
Unfortunately, whenever the conditions are right (minerals and organic material for algae, moisture, warmth, and a little light), algae type growth will return and treatment must be repeated. Yearly treatment may suffice in most areas. New roofing materials resistant to algae growth are now available. They will retard algae discoloration for longer periods of time.