The growth of fungus takes on an appearance that is often misjudged as some other type of biological occurrence. Algae grows on roof tops and can attach itself to various types of surfaces such as asphalt shingles, roof tiles made of clay, and even concrete slab shingles. Slate is also know for it’s fungal growth.

Green algae is commonly seen as black and appears as a streaked shadow on roofs. Algae is so common that it is called names that are both slang and sometimes scientifically wrong, even though most people making the reference know they are making a wide generalization.

The word, fungus, has come to mean – any number of bio- growths that attach to tree trunks, home siding, boats, concrete, and roofs. Shady areas are likely more affected by these growths as the conditions are more fertile for the fungus. The one named gloeocapsa magma is a black algae that is often misnamed as mildew or fungus.

There are hundreds of thousands of algae types and they all grow under similar conditions affecting roofs and other structure’s appearance. The organisms are naturally a part of the atmosphere and, as airborne substances, literally land on surfaces and thrive under certain humid and seasonal conditions.

It is thought that an increase in these growths is due to the use of limestone as an ingredient in shingles. Stains of outdoor structures can be removed through various methods the best of which is a process called soft washing. High pressure has typically been used to blow off these algae but damage can easily occur. Soft washing uses a process of chemical reaction, safe and effective.

Some shingles come with a warranty against algae growth in that the manufacturer will agree to pay the price of having the shingles cleaned, not replaced. This warranty is put in place because the makers are aware of the vast amount of algae growth that occurs and the cosmetic difference that comes about due to the collection of such growth. The homeowner knows that maintenance is a part of ownership.

Soft washing is a superior method of keeping the siding and roofs looking like new. Take a tip Charlotte- High pressure washing was a viable means of cleaning dirt and simple growths from structures, including concrete, for decades. Now, soft wash , has become more prevalent as it uses more sophisticated methods of cleaning with less hazards to the materials. The services offering soft wash will often come and do a free estimate so the homeowner can get good information.

Posted on September 11, 2012 by Allison posted in
Cleaning Chemicals, Featured, Roof Cleaning
(Pages 28-29 of the May 2012 eClean Magazine)

It’s time to blast some common roof cleaning myths out of the water once and for all. Here are the top ten myths about roof stain removal.

Myth 1. Black roof stains are caused by tar, acid, dirt, or jet fuel.

Most people are shocked when they see how much better their home looks after a roof cleaning. I think this is because most homeowners have gotten so used to seeing the stains on their roof that they’ve completely forgotten how good it once looked.

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve cleaned the roof of a house that had been on the market for months with virtually no activity. Within days of the cleaning, it finally started getting serious offers.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again that no matter how beautiful your landscaping, no matter how clean your windows, no matter how precise the painted trim, if your roof is covered in filthy algae stains, it will still ruin your curb appeal, if not in your eyes then in the eyes of your family, friends, neighbors, and potential buyers.

Roof stains are caused by a hardy type of blue-green algae called Gloeocapsa Magma. All it takes is for one algae spore to land on your shingles, take hold and then it’s off to the races. The algae will continue to multiply and spread, its growth fed by the limestone filler in the shingles and moisture.

Myth 2. Algae on roof shingles signals that it’s time for a new roof.

Simply the presence of algae stains does not necessarily equate with needing a new roof. In many cases, all a roof needs is a good, professional cleaning to restore its original look and health.

You might notice that roofers don’t like roof cleaners very much, and this is because we keep them honest. If a roofer tells you that you need a whole new roof just because of some algae staining, tell him to take a walk and look up your local non-pressure roof cleaning company instead. You’ll save a huge amount of money.

Myth 3. Roof algae removal will have no real impact on a home’s curb appeal.

Most people are shocked when they see how much better their home looks after a roof cleaning. I think this is because most homeowners have gotten so used to seeing the stains on their roof that they’ve completely forgotten how good it once looked.

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve cleaned the roof of a house that had been on the market for months with virtually no activity. Within days of the cleaning, it finally started getting serious offers.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again that no matter how beautiful your landscaping, no matter how clean your windows, no matter how precise the painted trim, if your roof is covered in filthy algae stains, it will still ruin your curb appeal, if not in your eyes then in the eyes of your family, friends, neighbors, and potential buyers.

Myth 4. Roof algae is only a cosmetic issue so it can be ignored for now.

If not cleaned and kept at bay, roof algae has the ability to shave years off the life of your shingles. It’s important to remember that roof algae is a living organism that needs food to continue to grow. Guess what the favorite food of roof algae is? That’s right – your shingles!

Shingle makers now use limestone filler in the manufacturing process, which the algae just loves to chew on. This will result in premature loss of shingle granules and general deterioration.

Shingle granules are vital to the health of your roof and home because they work to deflect UV rays and heat away from your roof’s surface. If they are gone or covered with algae, then you will have a hotter attic and higher AC bills. You’ll also have to replace the roof a lot sooner. With the average new roof topping $10,000, it’s a no-brainer to keep your shingles clean and functional for a fraction of the cost.

Myth 5. The best way to go about removing roof algae is with high pressure.

Next to positioning your home in the path of a tornado, power washing your roof is the worst thing you could possibly do to it. Just because your concrete, deck, and brick siding were pressure cleaned to remove algae stains doesn’t mean you should do it to your shingles.

Don’t you have any idea how flimsy and fragile your shingles are? Don’t you realize how many thousands or tens of thousands of shingle granules will pop right off with the use of a power washing wand? It blows my mind that people think this is a good idea.

Yes, blasting your roof with 2000 psi will remove some of the stains, but if it removes some of your actual roof in the process then what’s the point? If you bought a roof algae remover and somewhere in the instructions it says that you should walk up on your roof with a power washing wand in hand and unleash hell on your shingles, then it’s safe to say that you purchased the wrong product.

Myth 6. Chemical roof cleaning will damage shingles, gutters, and landscaping.

If you’re using the right chemicals with the proper procedures and rinsing techniques then you have nothing to fear. I’ve cleaned hundreds of roofs with non-pressure chemical methods and have never caused damage to someone’s home. I also only clean roofs with a helper present whose sole responsibility is to rinse the heck out of the grass, bushes, and perimeter landscaping so that there’s absolutely no chance of plant damage. We usually do such a good job of rinsing that homeowners notice that their landscaping actually looks especially healthy and vibrant in the days following the cleaning.

ARMA (the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association) and GAF (North America’s largest shingle maker) both recommend that shingles be cleaned with non-pressure, chemical methods, and any home inspector worth his salt would also concur.

Myth 7. It’s only necessary to clean the sections of the roof that have visible stains.

Just because you can’t see algae stains on certain parts of the roof doesn’t mean that it’s not already there and beginning to develop. Keep in mind that in its early stages roof algae is completely invisible to the naked eye. It’s not until the more advanced stages that it actually turns black and becomes visible. So if you can see algae on even one section of your roof that means that it’s probably already taking hold on your entire roof.

I always try to explain this to my customers but occasionally I still get people who don’t believe it and demand that I only do a spot-clean to remove visible stains. I reluctantly oblige their demands but am never surprised when I drive by a year later to see the untreated areas now completely covered in black algae! Then they usually call me back with the standard, “You were right. Can you please come back and clean the whole roof as you originally recommended?”

Myth 8. Ambient temperature has no effect on the effectiveness of a roof.

If you’re using the correct chemical mixture, then it will be most effective when the temperature is above 50 degrees. Below 50, the power of the solution drops off rapidly. If you absolutely must have the roof cleaned on a day when it’s right around 50 or a little bit lower, just keep in mind that the chemicals will need to sit for a little bit longer on the roof to be effective. So instead of giving it five minutes to kill the algae give it 15. Then reapply if necessary. On the flip side, if it’s an extremely hot day you may find that your chemical is evaporating before it even has a chance to kill the algae. In this situation you can simply soak the roof with water to cool it down before applying the chemicals.

Myth 9. Roof cleaning is an easy DIY project that any homeowner can do in an afternoon.

There’s nothing easy or quick about roof cleaning. In fact, if you approach it with a cavalier attitude, you run a good chance of injuring yourself. If you want to have any chance of cleaning your roof safely and effectively then you need to set out a clear plan of attack, have safety procedures in place, and, above all, take your time. Rushing through a roof cleaning only leads to trouble.

Unless you’re one of these guys that absolutely has to do every home improvement job on your own, I would highly recommend that you just find a qualified, non-pressure roof cleaning company in your area. Either you can hire somebody who has the equipment and experience to clean your roof in a few hours or you can spend an entire weekend doing it yourself and risking your life. Your choice.

Myth 10. Roof cleaning companies tend to overprice their work and take advantage of consumers.

I guess I’m always a little disappointed when I tell someone that it will cost $300-$500 to clean their roof and they give me attitude and insinuate that I’m somehow ripping them off. I think people hear that word “cleaning” and they think it should be cheap like carpet cleaning or house cleaning.

Think about it. Does a carpet cleaner spend three hours at your house sweating and getting sunburned? No. Does a carpet cleaner run the possibility of paralysis or death by simply doing his job? No. Does a carpet cleaner spend $100 on chemicals for every single job? No. Can a carpet cleaner offer you a guarantee that the treated surface will stay clean for years to come? No.

There’s so much more that goes into a professional roof cleaning than for any other kind of residential cleaning service that it’s really not even fair to lump them into the same category. As a matter of fact, I actually think that most roof cleaning companies come in too low with their prices when you consider all the variables involved.

I also challenge you to name one other home improvement service that can instantly transform a home’s curb appeal in a single afternoon for under $500. Can’t be done. When you consider that it not only makes your home more beautiful but also extends the life of your expensive roof by a matter of years, I think that having a roof cleaned is one of the smartest and most cost-effective things that a homeowner could possibly do to protect their biggest investment.

So now that I’ve educated you about the myths that surround the roof cleaning industry, I hope you’ll take these words of advice to heart because they represent the straightest talk about this topic that you’re going to find. I’m not here trying to sell a product. I’m telling you like it is because there are too many lies flying around. Either you can buy into one of the myths and be disappointed with the results or you can clean your shingles the right way and be satisfied with your new-looking, beautiful home that is free of roof algae.

__________________

Editors note- So, if you still think pressure washing is the way to go –  Charlotte – keep reading this site.

The removal of grime, algae, moss, mold, and mildew from home roofs is a process that is usually simply called roof cleaning. Most local areas have professional services that come to your home to provide such a service. Some of these professionals also specialize in other home type work so they may be familiar with various handyman jobs that need to be done on your siding, bricks, concrete, outbuildings, and even boats.

You will find various listings in local directories for roof cleaners under categories such as house washing, home siding, exterior building cleaners, roof repair, and other names that pertain to a similar function. It is important to talk with these service providers to be sure you are dealing with licensed, insured professionals who will look after your needs both during and after the job.

Let’s look at some of the issues that can plague homeowners, then we will look at the solutions. A roof’s lasting value can be greatly reduced by various forms of bio-growths that form, especially in moisture prone areas, on shingles and other roof coverings. Proper cleaning will remove the damaging substances and keep the potential harm at a minimum. Specialized chemicals / detergents are used to treat the overgrowth.

High pressure spray has been used in the past. These methods usually simply force the bio-growth away from the surface transplanting it nearby, (and watering it for further growth). High pressure spray is like a hand held tornado and can not only spread the fungus but can actually damage siding and other vulnerable materials.

Unless proper chemicals are used in the process, the job will not be complete. Water does not treat the algae, and other living organisms that attach to structures.

Large roofs such as sports domes can cost in the hundreds of thousands of dollars to clean and the job might take months to complete. Homes and other buildings such as club and pool houses, lakeside restaurants, barns, concrete, bricks, and even monuments, can be cleaned by a professional crew in a few hours, more depending on the job.

Price consideration includes how long the cleaning will last before it needs to be done again. Some homeowners purchase their own equipment to do this kind of work and find that the expertise, chemicals / detergents, manpower, and regular upkeep are more that they bargained for. Best to get the professionals to drop by for an estimate, then schedule a time for cleaning.

Pressure Washing in Charlotte is NOT the best solution for algae, mold and mildew on outdoor structures. Sidewalks to siding, asphalt shingles to bricks and concrete, we take the pressure out of washing in Charlotte and Harrisburg, NC.

At Soft Wash Wizard,  we want you to make an informed decision- Charlotte- about cleaning your roof, siding, and other structures.

The following is an explanation of what actually happens to some shingles, and siding.  As you will see, the atmosphere in the area where you live plays an important role in the formation of damaging mold, mildew, and fungus – Charlotte, and the surrounding area including Harrisburg, is vulnerable to this bio- growth.

Contact us for an in depth discussion of this topic or just turn our professionals loose and we will take care of the job.

No matter how you say it, it’s spelled- Gloeocapsa Magma

Gloeocapsa Magma is a species of cyanobacteria.  Cyanobacteria are an ancient line of photosynthesizing bacteria, which photolysis water generating oxygen gas.  Ancient cyanobacteria were ancestral to the chloroplasts of all plants on earth.  Gloeocapsa Magma has gained notoriety in the Southeastern United States which is spreading throughout the country.

This particular type of cyanobacteria is responsible for creating black stains and streaks on roofs.  (1) The bacteria accumulates over time as it feeds on moisture and calcium carbonate.  (2) This accumulation begins to show black stains as the cyabobacteria develop their dark and hard UV-protective outer coating.

The main reasons for the rapid spread and noticeably if these cyanobacteria are thought to be:

• 1.Raising humidity and temperatures combined with more and more bacteria spores promotes their spread with these favorable conditions.
• 2.Fiberglass shingles (the most commonly seen among today’s residential homes) are made with limestone as a filler (in the asphalt).

These shingles hold moisture and organic “bacteria food” material longer (especially on the North and West side) than the paper/asphalt/ceramic shingles of 20 or more years ago.  Additionally, these particular algae enjoy the limestone as a food source.   Once the bacteria have become noticeable, the stains will continue to worsen year to year.

Most experts within the subject area conclude the bacteria to be harmful, if left untreated, as the growth holds moisture within shingles causing premature aging, rotting and/or granule loss.

Note: Gloeocapsa Magma may resemble “algae” in that they are green, but in fact cyanobacteria are bacteria, whereas algae are single-celled eukaryotes (cells with nuclei) that are closely related to plants.   For additional information on Gloeocapsa Magma, please visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gloeocapsa_Magma

Call us 704-791-8315 for more information on the damaging effects of pressure washing in Charlotte Click.

Soft Washing companies apply chemicals to the exterior of your home that do almost all of the work of cleaning, leaving only the residue to be washed away with low pressure.  Soft Wash Wizard uses a specially mixed Wizard Potion to treat and clean exterior surface stains.  This process not only cleans the exterior surfaces better,  it also protects against damage due to high pressure spray, leaving your home or business property not only clean, but safe from the damage caused by high pressure washing.

Soft Wash Wizard uses this Soft Wash process while cleaning the exterior elements of your home and/or business.  Let Soft Wash Wizard safely and effectively clean the exteriors of your home and/or business today.  Give us a call at (704) 791-8315 for a no obligation quote on the exterior maintenance of your home and/or business property.

The Problem:   In the southeastern part of the United State, where we reside , we all know just how hot and humid a climate it is.  These are the ideal conditions for rapid accumulation of organisms like algae, mildew and mold to take root on just about every surface on the exterior of your home and/or business.  If it is outdoors, living spores are covering them as you read this!   Dirt, grime and mildew can collect on your home and if not cleaned in a timely fashion,  it can cause costly repairs.   These contaminates are removable without using excessive  pressure which can also cause damage to the siding, roof, concrete and other areas of your home or business.

The Solution:   Our company, Soft Wash Wizard, uses the most modern equipment to allow our professional service providers to achieve unbelievable results with our safe, low pressure cleaning solutions leaving your  exterior looking better than you thought possible.  Our cutting edge cleaning process along with our specially mixed Wizard Potion allows us to clean just about any surface on the outside of your home or business with our safe, low pressure cleaning technique.

The best solution to the problem is a strong offense.  Make soft washing part of your routine maintenance plan for all of your residential and commercial structures.   Warning: Hiring the neighborhood lawn boy or the local handyman who does not specialize in the proper Soft Wash procedures and who does not use the appropriate equipment, can and most likely will cause  damage to your property.

Soft Wash Wizard is licensed, insured and has the knowledge, the experience and the proper equipment to safely take care of your home and/or business.  And as one further step of protection for you, Soft Wash Wizard offers an industry leading warranty that guarantees our work and your satisfaction.   Instead of high pressure washing in the Charlotte NC area, call Soft Wash Wizard at (704) 791-8315 for a no obligation to purchase quote on the exterior maintenance of your home and/or business property.

  “WE ARE TAKING THE PRESSURE OUT OF WASHING.”

The Charlotte Carolina area is notorious for humid weather conditions and the bio growths like mildew that come with extra atmospheric moisture.

Cleaning outdoor structures becomes a choice that needs some educated input.

Watch this quick video to get a good overview of what to do.

Soft Wash Wizard has been cleaning North Carolina roofs, siding, barns, outbuildings, sidewalks, gutters, driveways, boats,and even bleachers. We specialize in professional service. Our workers will arrive on time, do the job, and return the area to normal leaving your structure cleaner and better looking.

Don’t be left out. Your neighborhood is watching. Get it clean with Soft Wash Wizard. Call us today

704-791-8315

Exterior House Cleaning  near Charlotte– Pressure Washing vs Soft Washing

Every home has to be cleaned from time to time, dirt and grime collect on your home’s siding, foundations, windows, gutters, even the roof, leaving a look that is unappealing  .  The question is not whether to have your home cleaned or not, but how you will have it cleaned?  For years the primary way to clean the exterior surfaces of your home was to use high pressure power washing, also known as, pressure washing.

Pressure washing, while it does clean your home’s exterior surfaces, it does it at a cost, DAMAGE…..Your homes vinyl siding can be ripped, chipped or cracked, the paint and stain can be blasted right off of the walls, windows and doors can be broken and the damage that can be done to the asphalt shingles, well, lets just say….it will be soon time to call a roofer to replace the shingles if cleaned with high pressure power washers.

In recent years, technology and cleaning chemicals have gotten better and new ways of cleaning your home’s surface have quickly become a replacement to pressure washing.  One of the new techniques is known as Soft Washing with low pressure.   Soft washing, like its predecessor, pressure washing, uses water and cleaning chemicals to clean  vinyl siding,y our homes gutters, the windows and doors, and even safely clean your homes asphalt shingles.  While pressure washing uses high pressure to blast the dirt and grime off of your homes exterior surfaces, soft washing relies on the cleaning chemicals / detergents applied in a low pressure application to do most of the work in cleaning the exterior surfaces of your home. Get in touch with us to find out how you can get the benefits of our proven, affordable process.

We explain why we don’t use high velocity spray

Homeowners in North Carolina can call on the experience and knowledge of professional soft washing company Soft Wash Wizard of Harrisburg for all of their exterior surface cleaning.

Soft Wash Wizard specializes in all of the up to date soft wash techniques and uses the very best equipment and cleaning chemicals / detergents to clean your homes wood, brick or vinyl siding, the foundation, windows and doors and of course your homes roofs (yes, even the asphalt shingles) as well as the concrete driveways, steps, walkways and sidewalks.

Soft Wash Wizard is based in Harrisburg, North Carolina and works within a 40 mile radius including Cabarrus County, Mecklenburg County, Rowan County and Iredell County in small towns and big cities such as Concord, Charlotte, Salisbury, Kannapolis, Mooresville, Huntersville, Cornelius and several others within the local area.

To learn more about the alternative to high water pressure power washing, give Soft Wash Wizard a call at 704-791-8315 or email steve@softwashwizard.com .

www.SoftWashWizard.com for more information or to schedule a no cost and no obligation estimate.

What is Soft Washing?

While it may not be a term that you are familiar with, Soft Washing is becoming known more and more each day throughout the house washing, roof cleaning, concrete cleaning as well as all other exterior cleaning industries.  Because of the damage that power washing, otherwise known as pressure washing can do to exterior surfaces, roofs and even concrete, a new process of using highly effective cleaning chemicals and a very low pressure of water to not only clean, but also to treat the exterior surface was developed.

Often times, pressure washing and power washing companies around Charlotte rely primarily on the high pressure of the water to clean the surface and while this procedure looks good in the beginning, they are not actually cleaning the exterior, but rather just washing away the top surface where the dirt and grime reside, leaving behind the algae, fungus, mold and mildew that just grows back in time making the exterior of your property dirty once again.

Soft Washing companies apply chemicals / detergents to the exterior of your home that do almost all of the work of cleaning, leaving only the residue to be washed away with a low pressure.  Soft Wash Wizard uses a specially mixed Wizard Potion to treat and clean exterior surface stains.  This process not only cleans the exterior surfaces better, but it also protects against damage due to high pressure water, leaving your home or business property not only clean, but safe from the damage caused by high pressure washing.

Soft Wash Wizard uses this Soft Wash process while cleaning the exterior elements of your home and/or business.  Let Soft Wash Wizard safely and effectively clean the exteriors of your home and/or business today.  Give us a call at (704) 791-8315 for a no obligation quote on the exterior maintenance of your home and/or business property.

Soft Wash Wizard workers are fullly licensed and insured with both workers comp and general liability.