FAQ
Read our FAQs
We’ve compiled some a list of the most frequently asked questions. Find the answers here!
If you still have questions that were not addressed, please feel free to contact us.
What are those black stains on my roof?
Those “stains” are actually a type of cyanobacteria called Gloeocapsa magma.
This cyanobacteria thrives on shingle roof’s, damp areas.
It travels from house to house by spores carried by the wind.
Once the bacteria have become noticeable, the stains will continue to worsen year after year.
As the bacterial colony grows, gravity pulls it downward, resulting in the smear-like stain down on roofs.
Most experts conclude this bacteria to be harmful, if left untreated.
As this bacteria growth holds moisture within the shingles causing premature aging, rotting, and/or granule loss.
Do I need to clean my roof?
Here are some excerpts from Wikipedia: “This cyanobacteria causes major damage to roofs causing shingle decay and loss of reflective power”.
“Over time, Gloeocapsa magma breaks down the shingles by feeding off of the limestone granules embedded in the shingles”.
This decreases a roof’s ability to reflect ultra-violet rays of light and shortens the life of the roof.
The buildup of Gloeocaspa magma on residential properties has led to:
- Earlier roof replacements,
- Lowered property resale values
- Insurance companies canceling policies and
- Increased utility costs as the black stained roofing draws in more heat.
How often should I get my roof cleaned?
Once it has been properly cleaned and treated by a trained professional, the roof should be good for the next 3-5 years.
However this time cycle also depends on the particular environmental conditions of each area.
For instance on climate areas with higher humidity and tree density and vegetation, the bacteria will come back sooner than in places that are dryer and with lest vegetation.
Will low-pressure washing or soft washing harm my lawn or plants?
Not at all, if done properly.
The products we use contain sanitation agents that are derived from simple sodium to safely and effectively free your home from bacterial and fungal infections.
Our technicians will rinse your plants and spray our protective Plant guard solution over any plants or bushes near the cleaning areas.
Why not power/pressure washing?
Because power washing only blasts away the surface bacteria, algae, fungus and mold but it does not actually kill the roots.
In fact, on most powered washed surfaces, the bacteria, algae, mold return much faster than on surfaces that had been soft washed with low-pressure.
Low-pressure washing or softwashing kills the bacteria and fungus and it treats them more like a pest than a stain.
The softwashing cleaning lasts 4 to 6 times longer than power washing.
Pressure washers should not be used on roofs (because the water at high pressure blasts away the valuable granules that are embeded in the shingles)
It can also damage the siding. We only use pressure washers in specific instances where we know it will not cause damage to the surface.
How does Softwashing work?
First a trained technician identifies the type of stain and how seasoned it is.
Then based on the type of stain he/she chooses the cleaners needed and their level of concentration.
Then according to the situation the Technician and his/her assistant prep the area if there are delicate plants near the area being treated.
They water the plants and if needed spray a protective plant formula too.
After the area is prepped, the technician adjusts the settings on the valves to the softwashing system on the truck.
Once the softwashing system is set then the technician turns on the pump to start spraying the formula on the affected areas.
Our specially formulated “wash” kills all the bacteria and algae present all the way down to their roots.
How soon will a difference be noted?
In most cases the difference will happen within one hour- especially if you have black algae stains on your roof.
If you have moss or lichens, it is a growing organism that will be killed but should not be forced off your roof.
Because its roots are strongly attached into the shingles and forcing them off would cause damage.
However the dead moss or lichens will eventually fall off after a few strong rains.
Do you offer a warranty?
We offer a 2-year limited warranty on an entire roof or stone cleaning job.
This means if any bacteria stains returns on your roof or stone, within a 2-year period, we will return and spot clean the affected areas at no charge.
Are you insured?
Yes, we carry liability insurance and our employees are vetted and background-checked.