STOP Cleaning Roofs Everyone !

it ook me awhile to figure out what HTF meant.....good point, confusion cured....being new and learning from you guys has been an experience. So many different opinions out there that i narrowed it down to just a few and when i saw Russ (who i respect greatly) say "thanks for chimming in and showing the other side"....it put some doubt into the apple sauce for me, but you have restored my faith with HTF....
 
Apple Roof Cleaning said:
Apple Sauce is safe, as long as it is watered off the plants as SOON as it contacts them.
You can also cover the plants.
Remember, that IS a Plant on the roof.
If it can't kill plants, HTF can it kill the plant on the roof ?
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Great point Chris! Those are some pretty pathetic lies on that site. I'd kill their link in your original post so they don't benefit from it, just a thought.

Gotta love the Love!
 
It's not a plant. It's an algae. And there is a difference.

FYI - Farmers use algaecides, fungicides, and pesticides everyday to kill living organisms without killing the crops.

Somtimes it's better to hunt with a rifle rather than a shotgun.
 
I like the sause. But what I dont understand about the other stuff is how you can tell a home owner they have to wait a couple weeks or months to get results. What else do you pay for today then wait that long to see if the money you spent was worth it. How do you sell based on that and how do you get there neighbor to bite when the roof still looks the same.
 
Kory, YOU got a dammmm good point! I have been looking into this myself. Someone chime in, I know this a big debate around this BBS.
 
Kory said:
I like the sause. But what I dont understand about the other stuff is how you can tell a home owner they have to wait a couple weeks or months to get results. What else do you pay for today then wait that long to see if the money you spent was worth it. How do you sell based on that and how do you get there neighbor to bite when the roof still looks the same.
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Kory:

I might be a little confused, but it you're thinking that Roof-A-Cide asks people to wait a couple of weeks or months - you are wrong.

While we do have customers that prefer a gradual process rather risking potential damage, or maybe they want to avoid the cost of cleaning and prevention, that is not the only way we work.

I own a Roof Cleaning Company, as do all of the partners in Roof-A-Cide. We can clean a roof just as quickly as anyone else on these boards - it takes my guys about 15 minutes to do a 20 square roof. And we can do it w/o bleach.

We got five calls today from South Florida neighbors that are surprised by the fact that our customer's roofs are still clean - even though they got their roofs cleaned at the same time a year ago.

I don't want to start a fight and I am not getting into a battle over the use of bleach. Use it if it works for you. I really don't care.

But the professionals on this board should recognize that there is more than one way to clean a roof. It doesn't always boil down to the cheapest or fastest method - but the idea of prevention will always be safer, faster, and less expensive
 
John Im not just talking about your product but others as well. I am not singling anyone out.

While we do have customers that prefer a gradual process rather risking potential damage, or maybe they want to avoid the cost of cleaning and prevention, that is not the only way we work.

Can you clarify? What damage to the roof or Potentialy damage to the roof? The rinse? Having to pressure wash?

Am I correct in my assumption that your product does not show instant results?
 
Yep,.. that was a real good reply. sorry, not trying to create a problem just trying to learn all I can. Thanks to everyone who has been talking about this
 
Kory said:
John Im not just talking about your product but others as well. I am not singling anyone out.

Can you clarify? What damage to the roof or Potentialy damage to the roof? The rinse? Having to pressure wash?

Am I correct in my assumption that your product does not show instant results?
Click to expand...

Kory:

You are wrong. If a customer would like to have their roof cleaned, we can do it just as quickly as anyone. Here is a video that shows our roof restore product:
http://www.roof-a-cide.com/images/Roof Restore by Roof-A-Cide.wmv


As far as potential damage, without trying to bash anyone else's methods, it is a fact that most roof cleaning being done here in Florida is done using bleach or pressure cleaning.

Bleach is highly corrosive and when it comes in contact with the metal flashings and roof underlayment - the damage is almost immediate and it's irreversable.

Pressure cleaning is obviously not a good idea for asphalt shingles. But when it is used on concrete or clay tiles, it is typically done with a surface cleaner. With this method, it is very common to see tile damage from the bar hitting the edges of the tile when the surface cleaner is not held 100% even.

And you are right in that rinsing @ 10.5 gpm will cause granule loss. Rinsing at 60 psi will too. That is why preventing the stains before you have to clean the roof is the better approach.
 
Thanks Dave.

That is actually an old video taken about 4 years ago and the chemicals and process have improved since then.

But we'll be doing new videos in the next two months.

We are working with a Roofing Company in central Florida that wants to run TV commercials, so we're bringing in a professional video crew to film and edit the whole Roof Cleaning and RAC process.

These should be up on our site sometime in May. I will send you a link.

John
 
Kory said:
John thats the vid I seen and am asking about. The first clip showing the guy rinseing that looks like to much pressure to me. I would think that would cause granual loss
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Kory:

It's not a pressure washer. Most companies associated with us don't even own pressure washers.

The pump being used in that video is an Udor Zeta 40 - which maxes out at 300 psi:
http://www.udorusa.com/pages2000/newudor.html#Anchor-NEW-54219

And once again, ANY type of rinsing will cause some granule loss. If you look in the gutter of a 6-7 year old roof, you will see about 1/2" of granules that have been shed simply from the wind, rain, and natural erosion. And since every responsible roof cleaning company will rinse the roof before leaving the property - granule loss is inevitable if you're going to clean the roof.

That is primarily why we focus on prevention. We eliminate the need for cleaning and rinsing. Roof-A-Cide is simply sprayed on using 60-80 psi. We can leave the property knowing the roof will stay clean, we don't have to worry about the landscaping, and we haven't caused any additional or unnecessary granule loss.
 
I just read all of the comments here. I am far from infallible, so please supply proof from the roofing manufacturers if I am wrong.

Anyone can "SAY" their products are safer, or approved by manufacturers, but not prove it. On the other hand, the manufacturers do say specifically what chemicals to use and how to apply them. I won't just talk, I will let you see for yourself. After you read what the manufacturers say and the Asphalt Roofing manufacturers say-yes, they have not changed their opinion in all these years. I believe their bulletin was last updated in 2007, still suggesting nothing but Chlorine and TSP. By all means, do more research yourself online, or maybe John from Roof-A-Cide can show us a link to a manufacturer that recommends the use of his product? Or tell us how his franchise guys clean the roofs before spraying on his product?

I'm quite sure Hoover Pressure Cleaning, a roof-a-cide franchise guy here locally, just does pressure washing, so that must be how he cleans a roof before spraying Roof-A-Cide on? Correct me if I am wrong though! { Side note: I started Hoover Pressure Cleaning in business maybe [not sure] 17 years ago? It now has new owners though. I started John Hoover going, sold him 2 used pressure washers and gave him a $3000.00 roof to clean at the Veranda Inn in Englewood,Fl }
I am open to correction-but not just with talk, with manufacturer statements we can all go to online. But talk is cheap and not proof.
Or, as to the methods of roof cleaning used, prior to applying Roof-A-Cide? I notice that John with Roof-A-Cide has not quite hit on that point? Also, my roofs remain clean aprox 4-5 years, using only roofing manufacturer [ provable ] chemicals. Roof-A-Cide only offers a 2 year warranty. What is the benefit of having workers on your roof 2 times - first to clean { With an unspecified by Roof-A-Cide method?? } and then again to spray the roof-a-cide on the roofing, only to have to have them back up there every 2 years?
If you look into it, you will see the reason all the new "Go Green" "Eco-Friendly" Roof-A-Cide folks have disagreements with those of us who only clean with Chlorine and TSP, is because their advertising is centered on putting down our manufacturer approved cleaning, as the only way they can promote their sales. Read all the ads by these people and you will see all the scare tactics and insults about using chlorine. Even lies, saying we spray 80-100% chlorine! has any idiot ever done that? No doubt, but it is grossly misrepresenting and misleading to consumers to suggest that. Could a Roof-A-Cide guy spray double coats etc of Roof-A-Cide? Or add chemicals to his mix that he thinks would enhance it? Of course, but he would not then be properly representing the company method. Same with some dummy spraying 80-100% chlorine. I have been cleaning roofs with chlorine since 1991 and never actually heard of anyone doing that, except I "HEARD" that some of Mallard's guys did it years ago and killed a bunch of plants. But, that's just the one time I have "heard" of it and can not say it is a fact. That kind of advertising starts wars, like the one going on right now between all the upstart "go green" Pray and Forget etc chemicals that take 3 months to a year to clean a roof [in my test of spray and forget, it never did clean a portion of my back roof. I would love to find a product, that was truly green and that you could find as suggested, along with chlorine, on the manufacturers websites! But they are not there.
----------------------------------
From GAF Roofing Manufacturers about black algae removal:

http://www.gaf.com/Documents/Algae_...of_Surfaces_-_Steep_Slope_Techn-43-808-v3.pdf

Below is a partial "cut and paste" excerpt from GAF on how to clean a roof:


"If a new roof is not an option, GAF recommends cleaning the roof with a special mixture. That mixture is:
4 gallons of water, 1 gallon of bleach and 1 cup of TSP"


"What NOT To Do! Do not power wash the shingles to clean the shingles. Some roof cleaning companies offer this service.
However, it is not recommended."


From ARMA roofing manufacturers Association-how to clean roofing.

http://www.asphaltroofing.org/pdf/tb_217.pdf

Below is a partial excerpt cut and pasted below from ARMA:

Algae discolorations to remove from roofing surfaces, applying a solution of
chlorine bleach, trisodium phosphate, and water. Solutions for these ingredients depend on the amount of discoloration. Solutions range to one cup TSP and 2.5 gallons each of bleach and water. { Note that they are suggesting up to 50% chlorine!}
First, gently disperse this solution on the roofing surface. Avoid scrubbing the surface, as this friction may loosen and remove granules.
Caution!
High pressure washing systems for algae removal should not be used.

Owens Corning Roofing manufacturers says the same thing:

"USE CHLORINE and TSP" "DO NOT USE A PRESSURE WASHER"

Corning info in link below.
Click Link, Go to "Do I need a New Roof" Then to "Algae growth" and read what the manufacturer says.

http://webapps.easy2.com/cm2/flash/generic_index.asp?page_id=36077811
 
RAC said:
At the risk of pissing everyone off, I am going to try to clear up a couple of misconceptions so that new people – or those that want to learn what choices they have, aren’t misled by the comments of the 8 people that post virtually everything written on this BBS about Roof Cleaning.

Here are some facts that are constantly ignored:
  • ARMA does not manufacture Roofing Products. And the tech bulletin everyone refers to is only for asphalt shingles. It’s the same one they put out in 1980, with the exception of the added reference to algae resistant shingles.
  • There are several roof materials manufacturers that have approved cleaning methods other than drenching a roof with chlorine. American Roof Brite, Roof Reviver, and Roof-A-Cide all have products that have been tested and approved by actual manufacturers of roof materials – but you won’t hear about these if you just contact ARMA, read their bulletin, or rely on BBS sites like this for all of your info & education.
  • Everyone that has access to the Internet knows you can get a roof clean with $20.00 worth of pool bleach, but you would be hard pressed to find a Professional Roofer using it. Why? Because they know what it will do to the roof fixtures & underlayment – even though the salt content left behind on an asphalt shingle roof (that has been properly rinsed) is not going to do any damage to the shingles themselves.
  • Some insurance companies do require homeowners to get their roofs cleaned. Matt Hixon of Hixon Roof Renew in Little Rock, AR just did one last week. The insurance company was not going to renew the policy unless the Homeowner either had it cleaned or replaced. Give him a call & ask him.
  • While some companies do use scare tactics (and you’ll see A LOT of scare tactics if you look at the websites of the Contractors that post here), it is a fact that contractors throughout the country are looking for safer and more efficient ways to get a roof clean or keep it clean. They all know you can use bleach. They all know it’s cheap, effective, and relatively easy – but the other issues like employee safety, landscaping, property damage, and equipment damage are obviously more important to them.
  • Roof-A-Cide is approved by GAF Materials and Monier LifeTile – two of the largest roof materials manufacturers in the US. Our products don’t contain any bleaches or sodium hydroxide and they have been used on over 100,000 roofs in 13 states over the last 10 years.
Click to expand...

Thats good Info John, How have you been?
 
At the risk of pissing everyone off, I am going to try to clear up a couple of misconceptions so that new people – or those that want to learn what choices they have, aren’t misled by the comments of the 8 people that post virtually everything written on this BBS about Roof Cleaning. Thanks! To further clarify, you are not a roof cleaner yourself, right? Just a guy selling Roof-A-Cide { Cheap Copper Sulfate I assume? }

Here are some facts that are constantly ignored: Facts? According to you. Post a link to a manufacturer please, to prove something beyond the fact that as a salesman, you can talk.

  • ARMA does not manufacture Roofing Products. And the tech bulletin everyone refers to is only for asphalt shingles. It’s the same one they put out in 1980, with the exception of the added reference to algae resistant shingles. They must feel pretty strongly about using chlorine huh? Haven't changed their thinking in 31 years! Thanks for the help!
  • There are several roof materials manufacturers that have approved cleaning methods other than drenching drenching is an excellent choice of salesman words! Is it better to DRENCH roofing every 2 years in roof-a-cide? :) a roof with chlorine. American Roof Brite, Roof Reviver, and Roof-A-Cide all have products that have been tested and approved by actual manufacturers of roof materials – but you won’t hear about these if you just contact ARMA, read their bulletin, or rely on BBS sites like this for all of your info & education. Understood! Will you then post the manufacturer links to prove what you say?
  • Everyone that has access to the Internet knows you can get a roof clean with $20.00 worth of pool bleach, but you would be hard pressed to find a Professional Roofer using it.Ya, there's only a couple of thousand at RCIA alone! :) How much moneys worth of roof-a-cide is required every 2 years? That's all your warranty is for, 2 years. Why? Because they know what it will do to the roof fixtures & underlayment – even though the salt content left behind on an asphalt shingle roof (that has been properly rinsed) is not going to do any damage to the shingles themselves. If the chlorine is getting under then the rain and roof-a-suiside is too right?
  • Some insurance companies do require homeowners to get their roofs cleaned. Matt Hixon of Hixon Roof Renew in Little Rock, AR just did one last week. The insurance company was not going to renew the policy unless the Homeowner either had it cleaned or replaced. Give him a call & ask him. Now there's a little known fact! :) Except everyone knows that already. Good perk for your guy though! :)
  • While some companies do use scare tactics (and you’ll see A LOT of scare tactics if you look at the websites of the Contractors that post here),The scare tactics I see are on your websites and your guys blogs-ridiculous things like us using 80-100% chlorine and most everything else your franchise has to say. it is a fact that contractors throughout the country are looking for safer and more efficient ways to get a roof clean or keep it clean. They all know you can use bleach. They all know it’s cheap, effective, and relatively easy – I agree, I am also waiting for a "GO GREEN" solution to be suggested by a manufacturer, but so far, none have been, out of the loads of new junk on the market, being sold as "Green" Eco-Friendly" etc. but the other issues like employee safety, landscaping, property damage, and equipment damage are obviously more important to them.No, but following roofing manufacturer guidelines are. You can use your customers as test projects, I won't do that! They have warranties on their roofs and a specific way to clean them, that will keep that warranty in effect-chlorine and TSP.
  • Roof-A-Cide is approved by GAF Materials and Monier LifeTile – two of the largest roof materials manufacturers in the US. Our products don’t contain any bleaches or sodium hydroxide and they have been used on over 100,000 roofs in 13 states over the last 10 years. Ten years is not long enough to prove a product safe for roofing. Talk to us again after 20 years, by then your product may be removed from the market like M-1 was? Again, you "SAY" roof-a-cide is approved. SHOW US THE LINK WE CAN USE TO READ THE PROOF YOU HAVE FOR OURSELVES!
  • You never do, because all you have is a salesman's line.
  • You know, all you guys have to do is not attack your competition, with insults that you can not prove and we will leave you alone.
  • Same goes for the "GO GREEN" guys. If you guys could just start up your relatively new businesses, as I and many others have, on your own 2 feet, instead of having your only hope reside in putting us all down, you might actually gain some respect?
 
I thought that this thread was dead, buried and forgot about.

Nobody has posted on this thread for about 3 years, why bring this up now?

Why not just start a new thread?
 
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