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(Q1) How should my tile roof be cleaned?
(Q2) Can you apply a sealer that will keep the fungus from returning?
(Q3) Do you offer GREEN Products that are non-toxic and EPA approved?
(Q4) Do my plants need to be covered?
(Q5) Can a shingle roof be cleaned without damaging it?
(Q6) Do you have to walk on my tile roof to clean it?
(Q7) How often do I need to pressure clean?
( Q8) Are you licensed, bonded and insured?
(Q9) When is the best time of the year to pressure clean?
(Q10) Will pressure cleaning my house damage the paint?
(Q11) Will pressure cleaning damage my pool screens?
(Q12) Can you get the oil stains on my soffit/fascia & gutters off? How about my driveway?
(Q13) Can you get out Rust Stains?
(Q14) Do you clean windows or leave streaks?
(Q15) Can you remove mud dobbers (wasp) nests & spider egg sacks?
(Q16) How do I prepare for a Cleaning?
(Q17) What is algae/fungus?

How should my tile roof be cleaned?
(A1) Although there are different manufacturers of roof tiles, we know of only one approved procedure, pressure washing, not (heavy) chemical cleaning. Monier/Lifetile www.mo n ierlifetile.com is by far the largest manufacturer of roof tiles in the State of Florida . They recommend a 10% solution moderately applied to the surface. Then a thorough pressure cleaning not to exceed 1200 P.S.I to remove the dirt, fungus and all chemical residue. This procedure extends the life of the glazing on the tile and prevents serious damage to your metal trim, valley flashing and vents that are critical to the life of your roof system. Many companies say they pressure clean when in fact they are heavy chemical applicators. We suggest when getting quotes for pressure cleaning you should ask two questions. #1 What is the % of chlorine applied? #2 Is it necessary to cover plants? (See FAQ #4) The way they respond to these questions will tell you whether they are pressure cleaners or chemical cleaners. If they use over 10% chemical or they cover your plants or have someone watering your plants while another applies chemical, they are chemical cleaners. We highly recommend you wait no longer than 3 years for cleaning. In addition, we offer the Roof-A-Cide product that can be applied after cleaning. www.roof-a-cide.com

Can you apply a sealer that will keep the fungus from returning?
(A2) We are pleased to say both the tile & shingle manufacturers have approved a product called Roof-A-Cide that will not void your warranty with proper application (we are an authorized applicator of Roof-A-Cide ) and is Guaranteed not only by us, but also by the Roof-A-Cide company for a minimum of 2 years. Roof-a-Cide is a Green Product that is EPA approved, non-toxic to landscaping or the environment. Should you decide to utilize Roof-A-Cide we offer a discount on your final roof cleaning. If your roof is new (tile or shingle) or we determine it does not need a cleaning we can apply immediately and therefore preventing the need of cleaning. The advantage of this product will help eliminate wear & tear and repeated full cleanings of your roof. For more information about Roof-A-Cide CLICK HERE . In addition, at this time, (according to the manufacturer www.monierlifetile.com ), to their knowledge, there is currently no known life time products on the market that keep fungus from returning.

Shingle roofs may have copper oxide in the granules that effectively discourage fungus for approximately 5-7 years. (See FAQ #5 Can a shingle roof be cleaned without damaging it?) We can also apply the Roof-A-Cide product to guarantee fungus will not return. The advantage of doing so will extend the life of your shingle roof.

Some pressure cleaners put pool algaecides or additional chlorine (potentially damaging) on after cleaning the surface. We find minimal if no success in most circumstances with these procedures.

Exteriors can have a special algaecide added in the paint that probably will help.

Do you offer GREEN Products that are non-toxic and EPA approved?
(A3) YES, as a company that believes in “Plant Friendly” we are always on the look out for the best products. Our Roof Restore for shingle roof cleaning and Roof-A-Cide prevention are both EPA approved , non-toxic and safe for the environment, children & pets. For more information www.roof-a-cide.com

Do my plants need to be covered?
(A4) If you are getting a pressure clean, only a light solution (10%) is applied. This procedure is not threatening to most plants. In contrast, chemical cleans use 60% - 100% chlorine solution causing a high risk of damage to plants. We also offer a non-toxic, EPA approved product, please see the Roof-A-Cide link for more info. However, if you have hired a pressure cleaner or do require a pressure cleaning and are still concerned about your plants, here are some suggestions to follow:

• Watering around annuals and sensitive flowering plants before pressure washing is started
  (evening before or early morning of scheduled pressure cleaning)
  is by far the best deterrent for plant damage.
• Move sensitive plants in small pots whenever possible.

Remember: It is not the dirty water with 10% solution that splashes on the plants but the liquid the plant drinks that can severely damage the plant.

CAUTION: STAY AWAY FROM HEAVY CHEMICAL APPLICATIONS OVER 60% - 100%

Can a shingle roof be cleaned without damaging it?
(A5) YES. However, it should only be attempted by a qualified professional with a very low pressure, higher water volume system. (Very few companies have this special order equipment.) We utilize a product called Roof Restore that is non-toxic, EPA approved and safe for the landscaping & the environment.

Your shingle roof looks dirty for a simple reason. Fungus grows on dirt. Dirt accumulates on your shingle roof over time and then fungus grows. Most shingle roofs need to be cleaned after 6-8 years of age. If the roof is cleaned properly, it won't need to be cleaned for multiple years. (5-7 years in most cases.) However, we do offer a product called Roof-A-Cide that can prevent the return of fungus and extend the life of your shingle roof. www.roof-a-cide.com click link for more information

If the roof system has damaged woodwork beneath it or the seal tab system is dysfunctional, we recommend roof replacement. Normally, roofs in excess of fourteen years old are not recommended for cleaning. (Our personnel are qualified to detect most problems such as overly deteriorated roof conditions and would notify you accordingly.)

Do you have to walk on my tile roof to clean it?
(A6) YES, and in most cases, however we do so as the tile manufacturers recommend. Tile roofs today are much stronger than the old style of concrete tiles. Manufacturers recommend a thorough cleaning of the entire surface at a 1200 P.S.I. rate normally requiring cleaning at a rate of 4”-6” from the surface at the appropriate angle. Most responsible pressure cleaning technicians repair cracked or chipped tiles with roof tile adhesive at no additional cost to you. (In most cases, cracking and chipping are not caused by qualified technicians.) Professionals wear special shoes (water sport) which minimize the possibility of cracking and breaking of tiles. Another option to lesson walking and deep cleaning is to choose our Roof-A-Cide application. After a final cleaning your future application time is approximately 30 minutes and the product is guaranteed for a minimum of two years, therefore reducing wear & tear of your roof. You are not required to utilize Roof-A-Cide and we will continue to take great care of your roof & landscaping with our tile manufacturer recommended type of cleaning in all future service.

How often do I need to pressure clean?
(A7) Tile roofs normally are cleaned every other year if white, every third year if colored (unless using our Forever Clean/ Roof-A-Cide program). Shingle roofs are cleaned every 5 – 7 years in most cases. Just remember Fungus/Algae grows on dirt, therefore, as dirt accumulates on your roof, cages, decks, etc over time then the fungus will grow. As an option, we offer the Roof-A-Cide product to help prevent fungus growth. This can allow you to avoid future cleanings and wear & tear and is backed by a guarantee. www.roof-a-cide.com for more information. Exteriors, pool cages & decks are usually cleaned yearly. Driveway cleans may vary. Clean them when they look dirty. A vehicle stain should be cleaned immediately.

Are you licensed, bonded and insured?
(A8) An occupational license is all that is required in the counties we currently operate in. Some cities do require additional licensing. Bonded is a term rarely applying to small businesses and therefore is not required or needed in residential/light commercial business dealings.

Insurance required is liability, vehicle and workman's compensation. Unfortunately, our experience has been that most local government agencies are not checking for liability or workman's comp at this time, with the exception of City of North Port. This not only leaves you potentially liable, but also encourages scam artists to operate in the area who prey upon the vulnerable. Hopefully this will change soon. For your area, call your local licensing department and ask them personally what enforcement procedure they use?

When is the best time of the year to pressure clean?
(A9) If it is a roof only, shingle or tile, prices are best in summer. If you start a summer schedule, whether 5-7 years with shingle or 2-3 years with tile roofs, stick with a summer schedule accordingly. Exteriors and pool cages and decks are normally cleaned yearly. If you are a seasonal resident, we recommend coordinating for your arrival time as your cleaning time. If possible, call approximately 3 weeks in advance. If not seasonal, after the rainy season (August), will give you the longest results for your money.

Will pressure cleaning my house damage the paint?
(A10) In most cases, NO, provided the technician has the proper equipment. We have the right equipment to use a very minimal amount of pressure with a light chemical solution applied first. If the paint is flaking or extremely chalky, we recommend a paint prep if your circumstances allow you to repaint. Otherwise, we will perform a professional light clean.

Will pressure cleaning damage my pool screens?
(A11) Professionals have special low pressure equipment and rarely damage even old screens. Special machines are required for this service, however, most companies use 3500 PSI – 4000 PSI machines that can and probably will damage your screens. Screens normally last 7 – 11 years of age, then should be replaced. To inspect, push lightly along splines. If screens are ripped, replace, if you scratch with your fingernails and the screens show signs of deterioration, they are due for replacement. Milky white/gray weathering is another sign of aged screens.

Can you get the oil stains on my soffit/fascia & gutters off? How about my driveway?
(A12) It is doubtful as pressure cleaners we will be able to totally remove oil stains & cannot provide a guarantee. Our solution is only effective on dirt & fungus/algae and we would not want to put additional pressure and remove paint when pressure cleaning will not be effective. However, our clients have found personal success with products you can purchase at your local hardware store. As to your driveway, it very much depends on how long has set in and what type of driveway. Concrete/Pavers are porous in nature, therefore, the stains set in easily. The likelihood we can totally remove is minimal, however, we can generally lighten it. Therefore, we cannot guarantee. A useful tip is too apply a dish detergent with a degreasing agent and let set it. This can help break it down.

Can you get out Rust Stains?
(A13) Each situation varies with rust, however we do apply a product called Rust-Aid (available at your local hardware store) to assist in the removal. Please mention you have rust stains when calling to make an appointment. The maximum amount we use without additional charge is 1(one) gallon. Since each situation is different we cannot guarantee all rust stains will be gone but generally they will be much lighter or less noticeable.

Do you clean windows or leave streaks?
(A14) We do not clean windows, however with our light solution & proper rinsing, this should eliminate most streaking and will be similar to rain or your hose spraying the windows. Generally, our clients who would like their windows cleaned will schedule a window cleaner the next day.

Can you remove mud dobbers (wasp) nests & spider egg sacks?
(A15) Yes, we can remove them. However, please note the mud dobbers should be removed as quickly as possible whereas they will stain your paint quickly and only repainting will cover the stain.

How do I prepare for a Cleaning?
(A16)

• Watering around annuals and sensitive flowering plants before pressure washing is started
  (evening before or early morning of scheduled pressure cleaning)
  is by far the best deterrent for plant damage.
• Move sensitive plants in small pots whenever possible. Please water them before our arrival.
• For a Roof Cleaning - Remove/Clear personal items & furniture from decking areas and pull under lanai if possible. This will help avoid any roof run-off on these items. However, we do debris rinse all areas/items after we clean.
• For a Deck/Lanai Cleaning - if possible, Remove/Clear personal items & furniture from decking & lanai areas.
• For an Exterior Cleaning – remove any items hanging on exterior walls that could fall off and other decorative items that could tip over if possible.
• Make sure all windows & doors are closed. If you are aware of any areas that may possibly leak, please let us know when making appointment & also notify the technician on day of service.
• Move all vehicles out of the way from overspray. We do our best to rinse everything off but it is better to have out of the way. In addition, you are welcome to come & go just be aware of the spray & also that our hoses CANNOT be run over without damaging.

Remember: It is not the dirty water with 10% solution that splashes on the plants but the liquid the plant drinks that can severely damage the plant.

What is algae/fungus?
(A17) Roof algae, commonly known as Gloeocapsa Magma, is a type of algae that thrives in humid and warm climates and usually appears first on the North slope of the roof where shade is prevalent and moisture tends to accumulate.  The result is usually a black streaked roof. 

Why are algae black? The organism Gloeocapsa produces a dark-pigmented sheath to protect itself from ultra-violet rays. By the time the black streaks are noticeable, the algae usually have been growing for months or years - the result of generations of dead algae cells built up over time.

Roof algae, once attached to a shingle roof, feeds on the dead organic matter used in the manufacturing process of the shingle.  As the fungus breaks down the asphalt shingle, the ceramic granules protecting the surface of the shingle are loosened and begin to fall off.  This causes the roof to deteriorate prematurely and diminishes the roof's abilities to reflect heat rays.  If not treated, the roof algae will reduce the life of your roof, diminish your home's curb appeal and increase your home cooling expenses.

Download a printable brochure on Roof-A-Cide click here

Some pressure cleaners put pool algaecides or additional chlorine (potentially damaging) on after cleaning the surface. We find minimal if no success in most circumstances with these procedures.