Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Roof Cleaning in Oregon

The approved cleaner for roofs is a variation of pool grade chlorine that is mixed with surfactants to allow dwell time on steep surfaces. There are downsides to using this mixture when it is first mixed and hot. Some of the downsides are it can kill plants along with the moss and mold so you have to be more careful in prep work so that you do not kill plant life. Also, when it is hot or freshly mixed on hot days it has an off gassing of chlorine gas which is also harmful and can even be fatal if PPE is not used. Even with all these scary things, chlorine is used in drinking water and cleaning without to much issue if used appropriately.. It also degrades rather fast and become inert quickly with UV exposure.

Another option is available but a bit more costly and friendly to use...

"Sodium percarbonate mixed with titanium dioxide"
*SIMEX*
" breaks down volatile organic compounds into harmless, inert materials and carbon dioxide. It is safe for plants. It contains inert materials disappear into the soil. Bleach is chlorine — a toxic substance that can kill plants and animals and can be very harmful to your lungs. Prolonged use of bleach will damage paint, destroy roofing underlayment and asphalt shingles."

https://www.simixusa.com


Having used both types of cleaners and weighing the benefits of both, I have found that the Percarbonate type cleaners work but not as quickly as the Chlorine mixes. Both will work but one requires more work and cost overall, and you you still have to take the same amount of caution to not overspray or get into the waterways. both products go inert, but may still need capture depending on the areas being cleaned.