Soft Pressure Roof Washing
Asphalt Composite Shingles, Metal Roofing, and Tiles
Roof Discoloration Knowledge Test
1. The black streaks on my roof are mold!
FALSE. While they are often believed to be mold or mildew, more often than not, these black steaks on roofs in North America are caused by algae growth. The defense mechanism of the most common algae in our area, blue green algae, is what causes the black pigmentation on something we expect to be green in appearance.
2. Asphalt shingles are susceptible to organic growth.
TRUE. Well, sort of. The truth is most of the roofing materials commonly used in North America are susceptible to organic growth. If you are about to put on a new roof, however, you may want to look at algae-resistant shingles as an option.
3. The black streaks caused by algae are harmful for the roof.
FALSE. Contrary to popular belief, there is no scientific evidence that algae discoloration alone causes damage to roof materials. Now, moss growth is another story. Moss can cause the shingle edges to curl. If left untreated, moss buildup can even lead to water damage and leak. And, this calls for the need for roof washing apart from the obvious benefit of curb appeal enhancement.
4. Periodic pressure washing is recommended to keep the roofs clean and durable.
FALSE. As satisfying as it may sound, using high pressure to "blast off" algae and other organic growth is NOT RECOMMENDED and can result in costly damages! Soft pressure method is the only safe and efficient way to go!
Your Guide to Algae Discoloration
Algae discoloration is one of the main reasons for the unsightly black streaks on your roof. Watch this informative video published by Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) to find out more!
To learn more, check out this article below published by ARMA:
Frequently Asked Questions
Soft Pressure Roof Washing Questions
Using high pressure to wash your roof can damage the shingles and is simply not recommended by ARMA (Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association) which means it may void the warranty. It can also potentially cause water damage to your home. Soft washing is the way to go! Soft washing is also known as low pressure, high flow washing method. We use the perfect pressure, water flow, and cleaning solution to safely clean your roof. Moss and algae will be killed from their roots, not just their outer layer.
- Make sure that all windows and doors are securely closed.
- All vehicles should be inside the garage or parked on the street.
- We would be happy to move outdoor furniture away from the house, but if there is something that is unusually delicate or has sentimental value to you, we encourage you to move them yourself.
- Any children’s small toys that are outside should be put away to avoid chemical overspray.
The following information is a direct quote from Frequently Asked Questions for Professionals section by ARMA (asphaltroofing.org).
“Sooner or later, every roof needs to be replaced, usually due to the long-term effects of weathering. If a residential roof is more than 20 years old, it is a prime candidate for reroofing. To determine if you need a new roof:
- On the ground, walk around your home with binoculars and inspect your roof for cracked, curled or missing shingles, as well as any excessive loss of the protective mineral granules. DO NOT CLIMB ON THE ROOF; walking on the roof is dangerous and can damage your roof.
- In your attic, take a flashlight and look at the underside of the roof deck and rafters for any stains or wet spots indicating water leaks.
Asphalt shingles can often be applied directly over existing roofs without the necessity of tearing off the old roof. However, new shingles can not be properly applied over hard or brittle materials, uneven surfaces for nailing or roof decks with warped, rotted or unsound support that should first be replaced or repaired.”
No, we do not offer this service at this time.
General Questions
Absolutely! From day one of our business, we have always been licensed and insured. We are organized as a limited liability company (LLC) in the state of Kentucky, registered as such with Fayette County, and licensed by the city of Lexington and Fayette County Public Schools. We have a general liability policy covering up to $2 million with CCC and VPD clauses in place to protect your personal and real properties. In addition, we have a performance bond on top of our satisfaction guarantee policy!
We accept cash, check, credit card, PayPal, PayPal Credit, and Venmo.
We understand that this may seem counterintuitive as sales taxes are often applied to goods. As of 7/1/2018, KY state government subjected numerous services to the 6% sales tax. This new provision added 11 service categories (including janitorial services) to the taxable category, and the amount is to be added to the invoice amount just like when you buy tangible goods. We have confirmed with the state revenue department that this new tax law does apply to our pressure washing and window cleaning services. More information on KRS 139.200 can be found here: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=50494
When setting the service appointment time, it is always if “weather permits”, because there are a few weather conditions that may prevent us from performing the job safely.
- Below freezing temperature the night before: This will often mean that the outdoor water spigot may not function properly, preventing us from having essential water access for the job.
- Below freezing temperature during the day: We can think of a couple of reasons behind this, but one important safety factor is that water runoff from the job can freeze on the pavement, sidewalk, and walkways, creating a hazardous surface for you and your neighbors.
- Thunderstorm: While we can perform pressure washing through a light shower, lightning certainly creates a dangerous work condition and we will have to reschedule.
Due to the unpredictable nature of Kentucky weather, we often have to wait till the day before or sometimes even the morning of to make the call. If you are taking time off work to be home at the time of our appointment and prefer to reschedule earlier based on a 5- or 10-day forecast, just let us know! We would be happy to work with you. We thank you in advance for understanding and working with us, so we can complete the job safely,
Of course! We have an automated reminder text set for 24 hours before the appointment time. If your appointment was set well in advance (think 4 weeks or more), we may set the reminder to be sent 2 days prior.