Residential Cleanliness Starts at the Top
Sep 01, 2021
Homeowners know that property maintenance is an important aspect of protecting their investment. An often-overlooked element of that protection is the roof, which is the first line of defense against water and weather damage. Keeping organic growth at bay helps to preserve the integrity of whatever material the roof is made of: shingle, slate, metal, or clay. Any roof can be damaged by the presence of algae and lichens, which can break down the material’s surface or invade seams, allowing for water and insects to enter. Once the integrity of the roof is compromised, its lifespan drops dramatically.
“You don’t want to pay for a 20-year roof and have to replace it in 12,” says Envirowash Sales Manager Curtis Galbraith. Dark streaks on a roof indicate algae, which is caused by airborne spores that land on a surface and find a comfortable environment, usually a shady spot. Commonly used asphalt composite shingles include crushed limestone, which is a food source for algae, leading to more rapid
growth than homeowners might expect. By the time the tell-tale black streaks are noticeable from the ground, the algae have been growing for three to four months.
Green stains indicate lichen, which thrives in sun. Lichens appear crusty and will branch out along the surface, eventually turning into moss. Moss retains water, preventing the roof from drying thoroughly after rain or snow. Constant moisture makes the roof heavier, which can lead to structural damage. In winter, moss can freeze and thaw repeatedly, encouraging cracking as the roof expands and contracts.
“The best way to protect your roof is just a little maintenance cleaning along the way,” Galbraith says. “We can remove these harmful growths without causing any other damage.” Galbraith says the process begins with a proprietary cleaning solution that softens the organic material that needs to be removed. After the stains and matter are loosened via a soft wash of heated water, technicians will follow with the rinse. “Our technicians literally cover every area and walk down the roof, injecting our cleaning solution and then again with our heated water application,” Galbraith says. Galbraith says it’s typical for Envirowash to hear from other homeowners after a neighbor has his roof washed.
“It’s about ‘keeping up with the Joneses,’ ” he laughs. “Most people will think about how it looks – they want the appearance to be fresher. They’re not even thinking about how that appearance can lead to problems down the road. “We can remove harmful growths without causing any other damage and help your roof look beautiful at the same time.”
