FAQ

Q & A About Roof Cleaning in the Wareham, Mass 02571 area

This page is dedicated to answering some questions that I frequently receive from customers and people that are interested in our roof cleaning and washing services.

 
1. I thought the dark streaks were caused by improper ventilation, or even acid rain?
 

The dark streaks on your roof are Algae. While the correct ventilation is extremely important for your roof.... it is an entirely different conversation, one that I could go on for days about. The algae first starts by a spore landing on your roof, then it takes hold of your shingles and its roots grow. During this time it is eating the Limestone filler in your shingles and spreading rapidly.

 
2. What could happen if I leave the roof with this algae?
 
Many things could and are happening. The first to come to mind is the fact that it is literally eating your shingles. If left untreated this alone will take years of life away from your roof.
The next is the way it looks. I have talked to people who called me because their neighbors were complaining. Some Home Owner Association even require a periodic cleaning of the roof due to how it negatively impacts the look of the community.
If you are planning on selling your home then a roof cleaning is a must! It will cause a dramatic affect on the look of your home or business. Truly a night and day difference.
 
3. Is there anything else that could happen?
 
One thing I can tell you is that by cleaning your roof you will be putting money in your pocket. When a shingle roof is covered in algae it stops the shingles from doing one of the things they were meant to do. Shingles have granules that protect the asphalt from the sun. When your shingles are covered in algae two things happen. The first is that you will have granule loss due to the shingles being eaten. Without these granules the asphalt will quickly deteriorate from the UV rays beating down on it and the weather taking its toll. The second is that the granules will be covered. When they are covered they loose their reflective properties. This means that it will cost a lot more to cool your home down during the hot summer months. It also means that your attic will be hotter, which not only hurts your shingles but it puts strain on your ventilation system.
 
4. How do you actually clean the roof?
 
At A to Z Roofing we clean your roof using NO pressure. We spray on our proprietary blend consisting of ingredients that are recommended by ALL of the roofing manufacturers. Manufacturers such as Certainteed, GAF, and Tamko. These are the top 3 manufacturers in the US. Of course we have added a few other ingredients to make it work for us and YOU. We have a whole 16' trailer dedicated to cleaning roofs with zero pressure. We are the pros for any Massachusetts roof cleaning.
 
5. What exactly do you mean by No pressure?
 
I use the term No pressure for 2 reasons. The first is mainly because we don't use any pressure, the most pressure you will see us using is never more than your garden hose gives.
The 2nd reason is because a lot of misinformed contractors, homeowners and handymen heard somewhere that it is OK to use a pressure washer on your roof. When I first started out I thought the same thing. Before I was informed and taught the correct methods. Pressure washing can and will absolutely destroy your roof. It will blast the granules right off of your shingles. Guaranteed!!!!
 
 
If you are getting quotes to have your roof cleaned make sure that they specify that they are using NO pressure. Not "low pressure" or "high pressure" because they are ill informed and will ruin your roof. If they say that their method is the best, or even down talk the methods we have been discussing they are WRONG. Refer to my first post- ARMA The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association clearly states that the best way to clean your roof is the way I have been discussing. Which is using No pressure!
 
If you have any questions that aren't covered here please feel free to leave a comment or call me and I will be more than happy to answer it for you.