Roof cleaning

The roof cleaning of fiberglass shingles
Streaking on a roof.
Roof cleaning being performed using a soft-wash system

Roof cleaning is the process to remove algae[1] mold, mildew, lichen and moss from roofs.[2]Roof cleaning can extend the duration of a roof's ability to function.[2] Algae and other types of build-up often form on the north and west parts of roofs that are shaded or receive less sun, and can reduce a roof's life expectancy.[2] The presence of soot, dirt, or biomass can affect how much sunlight is absorbed by a roof and thus the amount of heat a building absorbs.[3] Cleaning may be accomplished with a bleach or vinegar solution, various cleaning products or commercial cleaning services. The addition of zinc strips near the roof's peak may reduce the regrowth of algae and moss. However, do not mix bleach and vinegar.

Cleaning apparatus

Roof cleaning devices may use high-pressure water spray and revolving brushes, and some may have extensions to enable their use from the ground.[4] Because of the high-pressure, damage may occur. Soft-washing is most preferred by the roofing manufactures because it is applied at a very low pressure allowing approved soaps and solvents to mitigate the bacteria. Roof cleaning devices exist that may minimize the spread of airborne radioactive materials (in contaminated areas) and other harmful materials, such as asbestos.[4] Specialized robots have been designed to facilitate cleaning roofs.[5]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Brook, Alan J. (1968). "The Discoloration of Roofs in the United States and Canada by Algae". Journal of Phycology. 4 (3): 250. doi:10.1111/j.1529-8817.1968.tb04722.x.
  2. 1 2 3 Fox59 4:34 p.m. EDT, August 28, 2012 (2012-08-28). "Stretching Your Dollar: Cleaning your roof for a good price". fox59.com. Retrieved 2012-09-20.
  3. ↑ Levinson, Ronnen; Paul Berdahla; Asmeret Asefaw Berheb; Hashem Akbaria (December 2005). "Effects of soiling and cleaning on the reflectance and solar heat gain of a light-colored roofing membrane". Atmospheric Environment. 39 (40): 7807–7824. doi:10.1016/j.atmosenv.2005.08.037. Retrieved 18 April 2013.
  4. 1 2 Airborne Radioactive Contamination in Inhabited Areas - Kasper G. Andersson - Google Books, pp 223 - 229.
  5. ↑ Elkmann, N; Felsch, T.; Sack, M.; Saenz, J.; Hortig, J. (2002). "Innovative service robot systems for facade cleaning of difficult-to-access areas". Intelligent Robots and Systems, 2002. IEEE/RSJ International Conference on. 1: 756–762. doi:10.1109/IRDS.2002.1041481. Retrieved 18 April 2013.
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