ROOF WASHING
Why Should I Clean My Asphalt Roof?
If you have an asphalt shingle roof, you have undoubtedly noticed black streaks developing over time. These black streaks are caused by algae called Gloeocapsa Magma.
Under Microscope
On Roof
This algae thrives in humidity and hot temperatures and then spreads, having a destructive effect on your roof. It feeds off of the moisture and minerals (especially Lime) of which your shingles are constructed. Left untreated, the shingles begin to lose their ability to reflect UV rays, and prematurely rot and break apart. This will leave your roof severely damaged and can take up to 10 years off its normal lifespan. Soft Washing is the only way to effectively remove this algae without damaging the shingles and voiding your warranty.
Protecting Your Roof's Warranty
Pressure washing a roof, even at low pressure, can and will cause granular loss and void your warranty. This means that the integrity of the roof files will be compromised due to damage from the intense pressure of the water. This type of damage can lead to leaks in the interior of your home or business. In addition, power washing only scrubs the surface of the roof and does not treat the algae embedded in the composite of the shingle. Proper results can only be achieved using an approved Soft Wash method.
ARMA Approved Method
The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association recommends low-pressure bleach or detergent-assisted washing (i.e. Soft Washing) as the preferred method for cleaning asphalt roofs in order to prevent damage to the shingles. This may sound simple; however, one must be a certified applicator and use the appropriate mixtures of Sodium Hypochlorite and Cleaning Surfactant to achieve the proper results.
As a Certified Applicator, Titan Total Wash’s soft wash technique eliminates all plant, fungal, and bacterial life, along with any dirt and grime. This returns your roof to its original color with no risk of damage to the roofing materials. In most cases, the roof can be washed by a technician from ground level.
