Roof Cleaning Process

Our Roof Cleaning Process

Our trained technicians take special care in our roof cleaning process to ensure that every feature of your home, as well as each of our team members, is taken care of and never in jeopardy of being harmed or damaged during the cleaning process.

 

Preparation

  1. Blow the entire roofing system of debris (leaves, pine needles, tree limbs, etc.)

  2. Clean gutter and downspout system

  3. Removing any outdoor furniture that could be in the way of overspray or runoff

  4. Protect plants and shrubs with plastic sheeting or tarping surrounding the cleaning area

  5. Securing heavy-duty contractor bags on all downspouts to capture the majority of cleaning solutions

  6. Insert PH Soil Level Meters in areas without gutters/ higher risk areas

  7. Saturate, the landscape area directly affected by water. Pre-saturation and covering, aids in the circumstance overspray manages to land on the landscape.

Application of Detergents

  1. Calculate the precise measurement of chemical solution, surfactant, and water ratio required

  2. Apply the cleaning agents from the bottom to the top of the roof in a uniform fashion.

  3. Our other technician armed with a water rinsing system on the ground will continuously water all of the covered plants, investigate the PH meters, and tend to downspout recapturing. (This two-man team allows us to keep thorough communication and be in two places at once, preserving both your roof overhead and your landscaping below)

Dwell Time

  1. Once the complete roof has been applied with the cleaning agents, we then allow a dwell time between 20-30 minutes

  2. Spot treating problem areas are regularly performed throughout dwell time as well

Rinsing Process

  1. Use of high-volume rinsing systems from top to bottom of the entire roof to remove any cleaning agents and debris

  2. Using the rinsing systems we apply a neutralizing agent to all landscaping surrounding the cleaning area to aid in counterbalancing the cleaning agents.

  3. Removal of all plant covering, downspout reclaim bags, and PH meters

  4. Replace any belonging of the homeowners that were removed prior to cleaning

Roof Cleaning and Maintenance

Maintaining a Clean Roof

Your roof is one of the most significant features of your home or commercial building. Routine professional roof cleaning is a significant role in maintaining the safety and health of your home or commercial property. Our roof cleaning services not only eliminate unsightly stains and debris from your roof’s exterior, but our professional cleaning service removes built-up organic material that can generate rot, damage, and even roof failure. Roof replacement can be an expensive and untimely endeavor, but with our roof cleaning services, you can potentially prolong the longevity of your roof and help advance its aesthetic appeal.

What is Roof Cleaning?

Roof cleaning - is the cleaning method of removing algae, mold, mildew, lichen, and moss from any roofing system. Cleaning can lengthen the continuation of a roof's capability to function. Algae and different varieties of build-up regularly develop on the shaded areas of roofs receiving more insufficient sun and can diminish a roof's life expectancy. The presence of debris, dirt, or biomass can influence how much sunlight is absorbed by a roof and therefore the volume of heat a house absorbs. Roof cleaning is achieved with a bleach or sodium percarbonate solution, our Lowcountry SofWash Systems, surfactants, and many precautionary for the surrounding landscape.


No-Pressure Roof Cleaning

No-pressure cleaning process on a Terra-cotta roof

No-pressure cleaning process on a Terra-cotta roof

Clean Coastal Living’s team of professional technicians specialize in no-pressure roof cleaning, commonly identified as soft washing?

Understanding Soft Washing

Soft Washing is a low-pressure cleaning method regularly utilized to safely treat and eliminate organic matter: mildew, bacteria, algae, fungus, moss, lichens in addition to dirt, grime, and spiderwebs.

Our day-to-day process is accomplished from our very own Lowcountry Softwash Systems, a low-pressure pump that is capable of applying accurate measurements of cleaning solutions, like sodium hypochlorite (bleach) and surfactants through its system at adaptable pressure ranges (typically 80psi - 120psi). This system is capable of switching between applying solution and rinsing. Neutralizing agents to assist in diminishing damages that can be caused by chemicals.

Our professional roof cleaning services allow us to achieve exceptional results while preserving your delicate roofing materials from water damage. Our team will eliminate dirt, debris, stains, and organic material from the surface of your roof, restoring your roof to its original color and condition. Our roof cleaning specialists are able to thoroughly washed and sanitize the surface of your roof and notify you of any minor repairs you may need to make before they get more dangerous.

Our Roof Cleaning Process

How We Protect Plants and Shrubs During Exterior Cleaning


Gloeocapsa Magma cleaning on a Asphalt Roof

Gloeocapsa Magma cleaning on a Asphalt Roof

What Causes Those Black Streaks?

The black or brown discoloration seen on a lot of roofs that are frequently mistaken for dirt or residue is, in fact, a type of algae called Gloeocapsa Magma. This kind of algae is transferred through the air and tends to land, gather and grow on roofs. Besides generating unpleasant black streaks, these algae also feed on the limestone filler in your shingles, generating deterioration to your roof. Commonly found in climates with warm, humid summers, it does no damage to the roofing, but it certainly does looks bad.

When left untreated, this algae can multiply quickly, feeding on your roofing shingles and tiles. This can lead to costly repairs and even devastating whole roof failure. Mold, mildew, and algae growth on your roof can also generate inadequate interior air quality and avoidable health concerns for you and your family.

Types of Roof Fungus

Algae - This fungus is especially damaging to the roof itself if not taken care of quickly as it’s noticed. Algae will eat your shingles and is also attracted to moisture. So when the spores settle on moisture deposits on your roof, they will create a home for themselves. Spreading beyond your roof, the ideal place for algae to spawn is somewhere damp and humid.

Moss - If properly maintained, this fuzzy green fungus can be a beautiful aesthetic interest for the outside of your home. However, like most fungus, moss is also attracted to moisture, which can be harmful to your roof's health. The more the moss covers over your roof, the more bounteous it will calculate to your moisture problem on your roof. This can seep into the wood of shakes and shingles and lead to rot.

Mold - One of the most problematic fungi there is for a homeowner. Not only is it unsightly, but it is also remarkably hazardous to the health of you and your family. It’s straightforward to notice because of its unique smell and the way it looks. It can be a slimy black, brown, or even dark green color. Again, moisture deposits invite mold. The most commonplace for mold to develop is on wood and drywall, where water might leak in.

Mildew - Like mold, is very dangerous if left to fester and grow. Unlike its fungi equivalents, mildew spreads extremely quickly in warm and wet places. This includes roofs that don’t have proper drainage systems in place. You can spot this gross fungus due to its wide color range; light grey, pink or black.

Lichen: - Lichen is actually just a combination of algae and fungus.  Although lichen doesn’t trap water like moss, it is acidic and can penetrate into and degrade the roof shingles.

Benefits of Roof Cleaning

Professional roof cleaning services are a cost-effective way to enhance the curb appeal of your home, raise your property appraisal, and assist you to provide your family or employees with a clean, safe, and healthy environment. At Clean Coastal Living, we recognize that a clean roof is a longer-lasting roof. That's why we render homes and businesses in Georgia and South Carolina with extensive roof cleaning services. We comprehend how precious your time and money are, and our team of roof cleaning professionals is here to help.

  • Improve Curb Appeal

If you’re not worried about your home’s curb appeal, you should. Nothing demolishes a home’s appeal faster than a dirty, ugly roof. Furthermore, if you’re striving to sell your home, a clean, sparkling looking roof can increase your possibilities of someone purchasing.

  • Improve Energy Efficiency

Did you remember that the color of your roof can play a part in the energy efficiency of your home? Comparable to vehicles, the more iniquitous the color, the more heat it absorbs. If it’s a lighter shade, the heat bounces off. The identical concept pertains to your roof. Additionally, streaks and stains can absorb/ confine heat in your roof and minimizes your energy efficiency.

  • Prevent Gutter Debris

If your roof is dirty, dirtied with debris, or frequented by critters, this can lead to your gutters becoming obstructed. Once your gutters are clogged, you could move into concerns with roof damage, foundation problems, or landscaping ordeals due to water flooding.


Roof Cleaning Pricing Insights

Four main details that we will take into consideration before presenting an estimate.

roof-pitch.png
  • Pitch of the Roof

The pitch, or steepness, of the roof, determines how the roof can be cautiously cleaned.  The pitch is interpreted as how many inches the roof increases vertically for every 12 inches of horizontal run. The higher the pitch, the less likely it that our technician will actually place a foot on the roof.  Any pitch higher than 9/12 is recognized to be steep. Most residential homes are designed with inclinations between 4/12 and 9/12. For steep roofs, our technicians will try to restrain their interval walking on the roof. This means your roof will require either a lift or ladder setups encompassing the home to effectively be cleaned. A lift will cost upwards of $700 per day, additional ladder setups will also raise the price as it will take longer to achieve the cleaning.

  • Roof Material  

Asphalt or concrete roofs are more straight-forward to clean as the technicians can move more freely about the surface. With a tile roof, each step must be careful and measured so as to no break tiles. A cedar room will require special shoes called corkers.  Since a cedar roof is more fragile and can be easily damaged, working on the roof should be avoided to the greatest extent possible.

  • Condition of the Roof

Most professionals will want to see the roof to gauge their current condition.  Expect to pay more if it has been years since anything has been done to the roof.  If an extensive brushing needs to be done, you will be charged for this work. The more time on the roof that is needed, the greater the surcharge.

  • The overall complexity of the Job

Understand access to water (to hook up equipment), ability to reach the roof (vegetation or other obstacles), and general height, steepness, and layout of the roof. Roofs with multiple ledges or outcroppings will be more laborious to clean and thus require more time.

These four factors will measure the price that you receive.  We encourage consumers to reach out to multiple providers and “we will beat or match any written estimate”.


Your Exterior Cleaning Solution | clean Coastal Living

Your Exterior Cleaning Solution

When your roof is in need of cleaning and you want to properly maintain the longevity of your roof system give the professionals at Clean Coastal Living a call.


A U.S. Army Veteran-Owned Pressure Washing Company with locations in St. Simons Island, GA and Bluffton, SC. Clean Coastal Living’s mission is to continue delivering professional and meticulous exterior cleaning services for residential and commercial customers. We rely on our client's continuous word of mouth, to fuel this organization into every opportunity.

Serving businesses along the Coastal Empire since 2013!