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Our Services
Roof Cleaning
What are the black streaks on your roof? The scientific term is Gloeocapsa magma. Essentially, it's a type of algae. This occurs because the algae feeds off of the limestone used in the shingles.
What is the problem with this?
To many, the black streaks might seem like just a cosmetic issue, but there's more to consider. The growth of algae can lead to higher energy bills, as it causes the roof to absorb more heat. Additionally, it can result in the premature aging of your roof. Other complications include the potential for moss and lichen to form on your shingles. Lichen, in particular, can be damaging; its roots can penetrate the shingles and cause significant destruction.
How to get rid of the algae!
Some homeowners mistakenly believe they can simply power wash the algae off their roof. However, this method can lead to more problems than the algae itself. Power washing can remove the protective granules from the shingles, which may ultimately cost homeowners tens of thousands of dollars in repairs. In the Knoxville, TN area, the average roof replacement costs between $10,000 - $14,000.
A better alternative for roof cleaning is to hire a professional to perform a soft wash. This method uses a biocide, attractant, and water to effectively kill and remove the organisms without damaging the roof. For our house wash services, we utilize a 12-volt pump rated at 60 psi, ensuring that your roof remains safe throughout the cleaning process, much like our thorough concrete cleaning approach.
House or Building Wash
Aside from the common dirt and cobwebs that accumulate on a house or building, what are the green and black streaks on the siding? These streaks are typically caused by algae, mold, and fungus.
So, what is the solution for this issue?
For vinyl siding, we can employ a cleaning technique known as downstreaming. This cleaning process involves using a pressure washer combined with a biocide mixture, similar to what we use for roof cleaning, though the mixture is not as strong. The chemical solution is applied from the gutters down, allowing it to dwell for 5 to 10 minutes before being rinsed off. This dwelling time is crucial as it ensures that the bacteria are effectively eliminated. For the typical house wash, you can expect the area to stay clean for a couple of years, although this isn't guaranteed due to various external factors.
When it comes to stucco and brick homes, the same green and black streaks will appear as on vinyl surfaces. For these materials, we utilize our 12-volt pump to apply a stronger mixture than that used for the vinyl siding. After letting it dwell, we will thoroughly rinse the surface, ensuring a comprehensive concrete cleaning.
concrete cleaning
Are the black and green spots on concrete signs of organic growth?
Just like the growths you may see on your roof and siding, these organic formations can also affect your concrete surfaces. Beyond being an eyesore, they can create hazardous situations. The concrete can become quite slippery, increasing the risk of falls for you or your loved ones.
Solution
Simply using high pressure for concrete cleaning will not effectively address this issue. To adequately clean the concrete, I apply a pretreatment that aids in the removal of these organic growths. If moss is present on the concrete, it will turn white, indicating that the organism is dead. Similarly, the black and green marks will turn brown, showing they are also dead. Following this, I utilize a surface cleaner, which ensures a more efficient cleaning of the concrete. In some instances, a post treatment may be necessary to eliminate any stubborn organic growth effectively. This thorough approach can also complement house wash and roof cleaning practices, leading to a cleaner, safer environment.
Gutter clean out
Aside from the typical issue of gutters overflowing due to them being full of leaves and debris, neglecting maintenance can lead to bigger problems. When gutters aren't cleaned annually, insects, birds, and other species can turn them into their home. Clogged gutters can also result in water seeping through cracks, potentially causing materials in your home to rot. To maintain your property, we offer services such as gutter clean outs, roof cleaning, and even concrete cleaning to ensure everything stays in top condition. Additionally, a thorough house wash can prevent these issues from escalating.