When it comes to roof cleaning, many homeowners fall into the trap of believing that using chlorine bleach is a surefire way to achieve a spotless roof. However, this practice can be fraught with risks and misconceptions. In this third installment of our series, we’ll explore the dangers of using chlorine bleach on your roof and why following manufacturer guidelines is crucial for maintaining your roof’s health and longevity.
Is it Safe to Use Chlorine to Clean Your Roof?
1. Misconception: Stronger Chlorine Bleach Means Better Cleaning
Manufacturers often suggest using chlorine bleach as a mild solution for roof cleaning. This has led to the common misconception that if a little chlorine bleach is safe, then a stronger mixture will work even better. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Using high concentrations of chlorine bleach can cause significant damage to your roof’s materials, undermining its structural integrity and lifespan.
2. The Reality of High-Strength Pool Chlorine
One of the most common sales pitches from roof cleaning companies is that using high-strength pool chlorine, often marketed as “Softwash,” “Softwashing,” “ARMA Approved,” or “Manufacturer Recommended,” is the only effective method for roof cleaning. This claim is simply not true. Even more concerning, these contractors typically use chlorine bleach in concentrations far exceeding manufacturer recommendations. In Florida, it’s common for contractors to mix 60-70 gallons of pool chlorine with 30 gallons of water and spray this potent solution on roofs, causing more harm than good.
3. The Dangers of Over-Concentration
Using chlorine bleach in high concentrations poses several risks:
- Material Degradation: High-strength chlorine bleach can degrade roofing materials, leading to premature aging and failure.
- Health Hazards: The potent fumes from high-concentration bleach solutions can be harmful to humans and pets.
- Environmental Impact: Runoff from high-strength chlorine bleach can damage surrounding vegetation and contaminate water sources.
4. Questionable Training and Certification
Many contractors using these aggressive chlorine bleach methods have received their “education,” “training,” or “certification” from dubious websites and organizations. These entities often charge a small fee for roof cleaning information and certifications, but they lack credibility and longevity. These “Here-today-gone-tomorrow” type organizations frequently pop up and shut down, leaving contractors with just enough knowledge to be dangerous but not enough to be truly skilled or informed.
5. Safe and Effective Alternatives
It’s crucial to remember that there are safer, manufacturer-approved alternatives to using high-strength chlorine bleach. Products like Roof-A-Cide® have been tested and approved by major roofing manufacturers for various materials, including asphalt, concrete tile, clay tile, stone-coated metal, and slate. These alternatives offer effective cleaning without the risks associated with high-concentration chlorine bleach.
Conclusion
Using chlorine bleach on your roof, especially in high concentrations, is a common yet dangerous mistake. Misconceptions about the effectiveness and safety of chlorine bleach can lead to significant damage to your roof, health hazards, and environmental harm. By following manufacturer guidelines and choosing reputable contractors who use approved methods, homeowners can ensure their roofs are cleaned safely and effectively. Stay tuned for the next installment in our series, where we will continue to uncover common roof cleaning mistakes and how to avoid them.
By being informed and cautious about the methods and products used on your roof, you can protect your investment and maintain a healthy, long-lasting roof.
At Hoover Pressure Cleaning, we know the most important thing for homeowners is education on the proper care for your property. We prioritize customer service and open communication so you can feel comfortable about the decisions you make for your home. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns about proper roof cleaning techniques.
Please feel free to revisit Part 1 or Part 2 of this series or explore our blog for more resources.