Removing Algae Stains From Roof Shingles

[InnocentyInsane]

and why are you scrubing the roof? Do you want to knock off the granuals and replace the roof sooner?

[AsktheBuilder]

@InnocentyInsane That brush doesn't remove granules. You need to try it yourself. You'll be shocked how well the granules are embedded in the liquid asphalt.

[InnocentyInsane]

@AsktheBuilder What kind of brush is it? and isnt it easier to use a good chemical and low pressure rinse instead

[AsktheBuilder]

@InnocentyInsane It's a regular scrub brush. Heavy Sigh!! I must have done a horrible job in this video. Didn't you see me use the *special good* chemical? See that stuff I'm spraying on the algae? See it foam up? That's the BEST oxygen bleach in the USA. Stain Solver. Just go to the StainSolver website - the dot com one - and see how amazing it is. It cleans anything water washable.

[TheDaldi8800]

in germany we working not with shingles, this is not good quality !

we work with tile and natural slates, this consists 30 - 100 years !

but it is artlessly dearer ..... but mutch few repair !

[hitachi088]

@TheDaldi8800 but you better have a good constructed house, clay title weight alot!

[myfordranger]

i use a roof ladder if i can or rent a cherry picker or some kind of a lift. some roofs have steep pitches and can not stand on them without support. alway think safety when on a roof. i use roofing brackets for extra safety..

[morellahcaracas]

lovely video, very useful, thank you.

[Boodieman72]

Add a Zinc strip at the top of the roof, every time it rains some gets released and will prevent the algae from coming back.

[AsktheBuilder]

Thanks for the comment. I've discovered over the years that copper is far more effective than zinc.

[miltech29]

awesome clear and very good explain video thanks for sharing!

[AsktheBuilder]

Thanks. Best part is the solution really works. This was no smoke and mirrors. Go to the StainSolver web site.

[sbpstudios]

What water/oxy solution mixture should be used? 2/1 4/1? Thanks

[AsktheBuilder]

It depends upon how powerful the product is. The one I used in the video, Stain Solver, is the most powerful made in the USA. You add 3/4 cup to one gallon of warm water.

[baseballgrader]

2 or 3 coats wow that is way to long to be up there. . Not for the home owner if you ask me. Death from falling is real. call an expert. Be very careful when trying this.

A water hose might not give enough pressure to get the stains off

[AsktheBuilder]

If you hire a pro, INSIST that they give you copies of all their current insurance certificates. Make sure they are absolutely covered by Workman's Comp insurance and General Liability. If the workmen fall, you don't want them suing you. It's best to have them sign a statement stating they PROMISE not to sue in case they fall. Be sure no subs are on the job that are uninsured.

[GreenManalichi]

I saw a vid showing a guy putting a long thin strip of copper sheet up under the very top row of shingles. This piece of copper was exposed about an inch past the end of the shingles. He said the minerals from the copper would keep the algae and mold off of the roof. The minerals would wash down, covering the entire roof, everytime it rained.

[AsktheBuilder]

I have a similar video. Search for it.

[AsktheBuilder]

oxalic acid

[4chrissy]

Wow. Thank you for posting this. I have a pine tree,a huge one at that,in my front yard,with branches that hang well over the front roof. I've always noticed an area that has green on the shingles and always wondered how to get that green off,without tearin up or wearing off the shingles coating. Now I know! I know what I'm doin' this weekend!!!

:>)

[Mandalorx10]

JESUS! the sound you made in the start of the video scared the "insert word" out of me! :O

[PressureWashPro]

I have to agree with many of the comments I've read. Roof cleaning is a job that's best left to professionals with experience and the proper equipment. "Oxyclean" is not a great mildew killer in this application. Sodium Hypochlorite, combined with a surfactant is much more effective.

Harness systems should always be used on a mold covered roof, they are extremly slippery! Using a brush to agitate the roof will remove granuals from the roofing which will shorten it's lifespan.

[AsktheBuilder]

I agree with your comment about Oxyclean. I believe it has 60% or more filler per bottle and the active ingredient is made offshore. There are very powerful USA oxygen bleaches. The roof that was featured in that segment is still clean after 8 years. I disagree with your statement about brushes and granules. I have done this many times with no damage.

[PressureWashPro]

I have to respectively disagree. Any type of agitation to a roof can remove granules. Just because you haven't noticed it on the few roofs that you've cleaned does not mean that it's not happening.

My company and other contractors commenting on this thread have cleaned thousands of roofs over the years and I'm sure that we can all agree, some jobs should be left to the experts.

Roof cleaning and many other types of pressure washing should be done by a pro.

[AsktheBuilder]

You underestimate the abilities of many homeowners. I can also tell you that you can clean an asphalt-shingle roof with a pressure washer and not cause damage. I have done it.....

[PressureWashPro]

I'm sure there are home owners out there that can clean their own roofs.

The problem is when a home owner finds out that they aren't one of them when they damage the roof or cause a leak!

I teach the Alliance Trade Education services roof cleaning course that covers roof inspections and the exact process for cleaning roofs.

Your video lacks details and information that can end up causing damages or serious injuries.

Is it worth someone's life to clean their own roof???

[AsktheBuilder]

Henry,

Maybe you should tape the video and show us how it should be done, since you feel mine is inferior. You know the old saying: Actions speak louder than words.

[PressureWashPro]

I merely said your video lacked some important details. I've helped write manuals, made videos and activly teach contractors how to properly clean roofs already. I just don't believe roof cleaning is something a home owner should attempt. So do many other contractors that have posted on here.

The problem is that everyone thinks pressure washing is a simple task that's just not true. Pressure washing is a trade, it requires skill, the right equipment, training and the right cleaners.

[mleighthomas]

sodium hypochlorite? isn't that just chlorine bleach? I thought a person should not use that because it would kill plants and such. So bleach combined with a surfactant?? what is that exactly if oxyclean shouldn't be used?

[AsktheBuilder]

Correct. Go to wikipedia to discover surfactants. Chlorine bleach is toxic to plants and vegetation. Oxygen bleach is NOT toxic. It's that simple. Get oxygen bleach.

[baseballgrader]

sodium hypochlorite is the recomended thing to use. rinsing and washing plants is a must

[AsktheBuilder]

I disagree. The chlorine ion in the chemical is highly aggressive. Rinsing it off the plant does nothing as the chlorine then gets into the soil and is absorbed by the roots poisoning the plants systemically. Do NOT use chlorine bleach - the common name for sodium hypochlorite.

[TheRoofCleaner]

I have been cleaning roofs for a long time, if you follow this video you will not only damage your shingles you will most likely fall on your butt. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY Tim posted this video! Roof cleaning should be left to the professional. Some jobs are better left to someone else. THIS IS ONE OF THOSE. Good luck and make sure your medical insurance is up to date. YOU WILL NEED IT.

[AsktheBuilder]

Thanks for your comment. You need to realize that some people just want to do it, and/or they can't afford a pro. Is it dangerous? You bet it is......... Did I tell people in the video to be careful? Multiple times......

[TheRoofCleaner]

I understand that some people may not be able to afford a pro, but what is their life and limbs worth? For an average size home the cost should be no more than $400.00 I have seen the results of someone who should have not been on the roof. He spent about 1 year out of work recuperating.

[shwantz2]

Tim rocks.

[murdochchad1976]

this is an excelent idea, we see alot of this in parts of eastern ontario... i have used all types of brushes, you would have to be very gentle... those granuals really do come off easy... oh, one major point... law says you should be harnessed properly on that roof

[brokenarrow2222]

Most manufacture do not recommend brushing the shingles because you will disturb the granules. No granules no roof.

[AsktheBuilder]

I don't doubt that as they are afraid people will use the wrong brushes and/or scrub too hard. If you are fearful of ruining your shingles, go get a new shingle or two from a roofer. Scrub those on your driveway. Get back to me with a full report.

[brokenarrow2222]

When brushing the shingle, the granuled will come loose and wash away. Thus, affecting the life of the shingle.

[AsktheBuilder]

I agree if you use a steel brush. Have you actually tried to scrub an asphalt shingle with a nylon brush? Do it and tell me what happens.