Keeping your commercial roof clean will extend its lifespan, increase building value and enhance curb appeal. It will also help identify problems like rust, mold, and algae before they become more serious. Summerville Roof Cleaning is a process that uses soaps to clean the surfaces of your commercial roof. It is a safe process and is recommended by roofing manufacturers.
Commercial property owners and managers know the importance of maintaining clear parking lots, sparkling sidewalks and clean windows. It reflects the business, creates positive first impressions and aligns with company policies or local city requirements and guidelines. The same applies for the roof of your building; a dirty roof is not good for a corporate image or could be potentially dangerous for employees and visitors.
Storms and other weather events are a primary cause of debris buildup on roof surfaces. Leaves, tree branches and excess water can all wind up on the roof or gutters causing damage and blockages. This prevents rainwater from draining or flowing off the building, leading to more extensive and expensive repairs or even roof collapse in extreme cases.
Even a well-designed roof can succumb to algae, mold and mildew if the correct maintenance is not implemented. These organic materials are not only unsightly, but they also inhibit the effectiveness of the roof by preventing proper drainage and sun reflection. Cleaning the roof and the gutters removes these contaminants and inhibits their return, extending the lifespan of the roof surface.
If moisture remains on the roof it can also clog gutters, which leads to leaks and other more severe problems such as cracking, rot and unpredicted wear and tear. Regular cleaning of the commercial roof and the removal of debris helps to eliminate the buildup of moisture, extend the lifespan of the roof and enhance the curb appeal of the entire building.
When choosing a commercial roof washing service, choose one with experience in this type of work. Some companies use high-pressure washers with a low psi setting, which can be damaging to the roofing material and may void your roof warranty. Instead, a professional commercial cleaning company will use water treated with special chemicals to protect the roofing materials while thoroughly cleaning the roof.
Algae and Moss Removal
Algae growth on roof surfaces is a common problem and can quickly develop into a black streaking pattern that is often mistaken for mildew. The dark pigmented discoloration forms primarily in coastal or humid climates and is caused by the gloeocapsa magma or blue green algae. While it may be tempting to simply blast the blotches with a power washer, this is not recommended as it can damage shingles and create voids in your roofing system. Instead, consider hiring a professional commercial roof cleaning company to safely kill the moss and remove it from the surface of your roof.
In addition to addressing the blotches, they can also help remove bird guano, lichen and moss from your roof sheets and prevent further growth. Commercial roof cleaning is also useful in removing organic buildup from chimneys, soffits, and gutters which can prevent the proper functioning of your roof sheeting.
Moss growth is a more difficult problem to solve, but it can be done. There are a variety of commercial cleaners and homemade moss killer recipes available to treat the problem. Whether you choose to buy or make your own solution, you should always wear protective clothing and equipment (including rubber gloves, a respirator mask, and a face shield), and ensure that any plants or structures below the area of your work are covered in plastic to protect them from exposure to chemicals.
Using a scrub brush or long-handled soft-bristle brush, begin the removal process by gently scraping away the moss, using care to not damage the underlying shingles. If you prefer to use a chemical solution, apply it to the area with a pump garden sprayer ($37, Walmart) or a larger spray bottle, making sure to follow manufacturer instructions for application. After the moss is removed, rinse the area thoroughly with water.
Romabio Algae and Moss Cleaner is a biodegradable, non-toxic cleaner that penetrates the roots of algae, fungus, mold, and moss to kill them without the use of bleach. It can be used to clean a variety of exterior surfaces including porous masonry such as bricks, concrete and paved areas, and it does not discolor mineral or acrylic paints. It can be applied as a pre-paint treatment and also as needed to maintain the appearance of painted exterior surfaces.
Energy Savings
The roof is an essential part of any commercial building. Keeping it free of debris, dirt and moss can help prevent damage from the sun, rain and snow and reduce energy costs. Commercial roofs often have drains and center gutters that can be easily clogged with leaves, trash and other debris. Leaving these areas blocked can lead to water retention, rust and other costly issues. Cleaning your commercial roof regularly can eliminate clogged drains and gutters, prevent the buildup of dirt and grime, and keep the water flowing freely.
In addition to providing a good first impression to customers and employees, a clean commercial roof can also improve air quality within the building. Dirt, mildew and algae can be drawn into HVAC systems and circulated throughout the entire building. These toxins can affect indoor air quality and cause health concerns for building occupants.
Having your commercial roof cleaned regularly can also make it easier for facility maintenance teams to spot roofing hotspots and take care of minor repairs before they become expensive catastrophes. A professional roofing contractor can wash the roof, then look for brittle spots, puncture marks and other signs of damage. In many cases, identifying these problems early on can save you thousands of dollars in future water leaks or replacement costs.
Even durable, long-lasting commercial roofs need regular cleaning to extend their lifespan and maintain their attractive appearance. When a professional roofing company conducts a roof washing service, it can remove all the growth, dust and other debris that collects on the surface of the roof. In most cases, this can be accomplished with a low-pressure wash using special treatment chemicals that are safe for all types of roofing materials.
A properly maintained commercial roof can last longer and provide a host of benefits, including increased energy efficiency, improved safety and a more appealing appearance. Keeping up with routine cleaning is an affordable investment that can help your business avoid major roofing issues and protect your investment. If you’re looking for a reliable commercial roof cleaner, contact the experts at Excess Cleaning today. We are specialists in cleaning a wide range of surfaces including metal, cement tile and water proof membrane roofing, as well as commercial cladding and terracotta tiles. We use a low pressure, high volume cleaning method called Softwashing to safely and effectively clean all types of roofing systems without causing any damage.
Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is an important part of the visual aesthetics of your property. If you own commercial property, having a clean roof with no algae or moss can help boost your curb appeal and make a great impression on customers. It also helps to keep you compliant with any code or regulations you might have. At Shore Clean Solutions, we are well versed in the process of soft washing and can offer you a variety of services to help improve your residential or commercial property’s curb appeal. Contact us today to schedule your service. You won’t be disappointed! We are a certified soft washer.
