Black Streaks on Roof

Algae’ growing on roofs is a country wide issue. In case you didn’t notice, algae growth on roofs was not an issue 30 years ago. At a certain point along the road the shingle manufacturers decided that adding Limestone as a filler in their shingles was the best choice. What they did not foresee however was that there is a type of algae that loves to eat the stuff! Not only that, but once coupled with warm weather and a little humidity it is off to the races.  Michigan is a great place for the algae to flourish.

Now that the roofing companies have witnessed the error of their ways, they have taken action.  Most quality shingles that are being produced these days are algae resistant (AR). The key word you need to take notice of here is “resistant”. They are not algae proof and they may never be. The common length of algae resistance is said (by the manufacturer) to be 10 years although the shingle that they are selling is supposed to be a 30 year shingle. The math is easy to do, and the customer is the one that is left with at least 20 years of algae issues.

Mother Nature is putting up quite the fight, and there is only one thing that you can do about it. That one thing is to either clean your own roof or hire a roof cleaning professional. Roof cleaning is very important and if it is not done and done right, you will literally shave years off your roof’s life span.

Roof Algae and the roof cleaning it necessitates’ is going to be existent for a long time to come. As long as it is, we will be here to provide you with the most up-to-date methods and techniques for battling algae.

Once the black streaks (algae) appear on your roof, they will just keep spreading out along the whole roof and if nothing is done about it, your shingles will fail long before they should have. With the help of Roof Cleaner  you can get those black streaks off your roof and thereby extending the life of your shingles.

NEVER allow a pressure washer to be used on your roof, nor should you allow a roof scrubber to clean the shingles. Both of these processes can cause damage to the shingles.

Commercial roof washing

We make it our job to add life to homes simply and affordably. Cleaning a house’s exterior is a dirty job, and it takes more than just a garden hose to wash away the grime that can accumulate on roofs and siding. We provide a deep, thorough cleaning that makes a visible difference and will add years to the life of your exterior surfaces. So let our professional staff bring your home’s luster back while saving you money in the process.
616-240-3465

Roof Washing Michigan

A couple of different methods used for cleaning roof’s here in West Michigan.

You decide which is best for your shingles.

1.     This method involves the use of an aluminum "rinsing disc" also know as a "surface cleaner", designed to be used on hard surfaces. This device is connected to a pressure washing unit which engages up to twelve rotating high pressure water jets. Not only can this method void your shingle warranty, but it can also permanently damage the shingles by washing away the granules.

This method will temporarily remove many types of growth, but it will not completely eradicate it. Most generally, the bacteria will begin to recolonize within six to eight months.

2.     This method involves the use of a "water broom" also know as a "pitch witch". This device is connected to a pressure washing unit which engages up to eight high pressure jets that are aimed directly at the roofs surface. Not only can this method void your shingle warranty, but it can also permanently damage the shingles by washing away the granules.

This method will temporarily remove many types of growth, but it will not completely eradicate it. Most generally, the bacteria will begin to recolonize within six to eight months.

 

       3.  This method involves the use of a pressure washer and a wand.
              This method is by far the worst way to clean a roof. The pressure that comes            
               out the end of the wand can do significant damage to shingles.

4.     Our process involves the use of a Certified "Soft-Wash" System that is recommended by all roofing material manufacturers, including the (Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association).

Our system is designed to deeply penetrate each shingle; completely eradicating all bacteria on contact. This method does not utilize high-pressure or scrubbing of any kind. We guarantee our system will not damage your roof or anything on your property.

Area's Serviced

Below is just a sample of our coverage area, if you dont see your zip code listed, please give us a call.
We serve all of Western Michigan with our certified soft washing.

49417 – Grand Haven

49426 – Hudsonville   49315 – Byron Center
49424 – Jenison  48809-Belding 48881-Saranac 49301-Ada
48815-Clarksville  48884-Sheridan 49302-Alto
48834-Fenwick  48885-Sidney 49306-Belmont
48835-Fowler  49316-Caledonia
48838-Greenville  49325-Freeport
48845-Hubbardston 49331-Lowell
48846-Ionia 49333-Middleville
48849-Lake Odessa 49341-Rockford
48851-Lyons 49348-Wayland
48860-Muir 49503-G. R
48861-Mulliken 49505-G.R
48865-Orleans 49506-G.R
48873-Pewamo 49512-G.R
48875- Portland 49525-G.R
48890-Sunfield 49546-G.R
48894-Westphalia
48897-Woodland
49422 - Holland 49423 - Holland 49424 - Holland

616-240-3465
roofcleaner@inbox.com

Exterior Washing

Keeping the exterior of your home or business clean is important not only for curb appeal and pride of ownership, but also prevents serious problems that can develop from the moss, algae and fungus stains prone to West Michigan.

Safe, Effective Soft Washing

Our soft-wash methods are similar to how we clean your roof. Our special cleaning agents remove the dirt, algae and fungus, and then a light, thorough rinse has your home or business looking like new in just a few hours.
We do not (nor do we recommend) using a pressure washer on your siding. While using pressure will eliminate the stains, it can be harsh on your home or business and might ultimately do more harm than good. If water gets behind your siding, mold will grow and wood will rot. Our soft-wash methods prevent that from happening.

Residential and Commercial Cleaning

Let us keep up the appearance and life of your home or business. We can clean homes, businesses, apartment complexes and condo associations of any size. If you have a building, we can wash it.

Common Surfaces and More

• Vinyl
• Stucco
• Dryvit®
• Metal
• Aluminum
• Concrete (sidewalks and driveways)

If you don’t see your surface listed, don’t worry. We can clean every surface on the outside of your home aside from windows. Contact us and we’ll take care of you.

Curb Appeal

One of the most noticeable and important aspects of a home’s curb appeal is the roof.

Just as a clean, healthy roof leaves an incredible first impression, nothing implies a deteriorating house like a dirty roof. When neighbors drive by your house and see black streaks and stains from algae and mold on the roof, doubts about your home take over their minds.

Let us help you give your home the enhanced curb appeal a clean roof creates. Great Lakes Roof & Exterior Cleaning uses safe, effective soft-wash methods that will have your roof looking like new in just a few hours.

There are more benefits than just the aesthetics. Left untreated, mold and algae can lead to serious problems like water damage, rotting wood and increased utility bills. When we wash a roof, we not only get rid of existing stains, but we also use cleansers that leave an invisible residue that helps prevent the return of mold and algae.

We know you want to your home looking its best, and using Great Lakes Roof & Exterior Cleaning is an easy, effective way to drastically increase curb appeal. A house with tremendous curb appeal will be the envy of the neighborhood.

To schedule a free quote and see first-hand the benefits of a thorough roof washing from Roof Cleaner, don’t hesitate to call us at 616.240-3465 or send us an email at roofcleaner@inbox.com

Great Lakes Roof & Exterior Cleaning on Roof Cleaning Versus Roof Repair

We make it our job to add life to homes simply and affordably. Cleaning a house’s exterior is a dirty job, and it takes more than just a garden hose to wash away the grime that can accumulate on roofs and siding. We provide a deep, thorough cleaning that makes a visible difference and will add years to the life of your exterior surfaces. So let our professional staff bring your home’s luster back while saving you money in the process.

Roof repair and roof cleaning are two very different services that have one same goal: make your roofing system better. So, if you are still undecided as to whether or not you really need to replace a few shingles on your roof, this article is for you. Specifically, we will talk about the different questions that you need to ask yourself that will help you decide whether you should call a specialist or not.

The simple and best answer here is that you should call the experts at Roof Cleaner right away. We won’t charge you for a visual inspection and evaluation. We can inspect your roof and tell you if you need some repairs, or if a good cleaning will extend the life of your roof a few more years.

Here is a list of questions that will help you decide:

1.      Is there moss, algae or lichen growth on the roof already? If yes, how much damage has it caused?

2.      How is the overall look of your roof? Does it look old, weathered, and ugly?

3.      Do you see any cracks or holes?

4.      Are there any missing or damaged shingles?

5.      How is your gutter system? Is it full of moss or other particles like sand, gravel, leaves, or twigs?

If you are still unsure about roof cleaning and roof repair, talk to professionals at Roof Cleaner today.

616-240-3465