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Do It Yourself Internet Roof Cleaning Chemicals ?

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 02:26:04 +0100

Roof Before Do It Yourself Roof Cleaning Chemical

Do It Yourself Internet Roof Cleaning Chemicals ?

Our company cleaned the roof of a Home in Kemah, Texas.
It came out beautifully, and so we stopped at to this home right around the corner to leave our card.

We were informed they had friends who planned to do it for them.
As usual, we cautioned them against the use of pressure cleaning, and warned them of improper do it yourself roof cleaning chemicals.

We told them the truth, that the shingle warranty on their roof can be compromised, as well as the life of the roof, if improper do it yourself roof cleaning chemicals were used.

We were told they had it "all taken care of".
They planned to purchase a do it yourself roof cleaning chemical off of the Internet.
They said they had "no need" for a roof cleaning company, as all they had to do is merely spray this Do It Yourself Roof Cleaning Solution purchased from the Internet on, and wait for the rain to "rinse it off"
They were told that the do it yourself roof cleaning chemical they planned to buy would kill the plant growing on their roof, and the rains would SOON "wash it away"
We TRIED to warn them, but they had it all "figured out".

This "do it yourself roof cleaning chemical" was applied almost 2 years ago.
Look at the picture ?
It looks WORSE then when it was solid Black.
The roof is STILL discolored, even after two years of rainfall and the Do It Yourself Roof Cleaning Chemical!

No way any Houston Homeowners Association is going to allow a roof to be cleaned this way.
We are called out quite often to remove this Do It Yourself Roof Cleaning stuff purchased off the Internet from still dirty roofs.

Many homeowners are actually embarrassed to tell us they TRIED to save a buck or two, and clean their shingle or tile roof themselves.

Our advice ?
Save yourself a LOT of money, time, and disappointment.
IF it were this easy, think about it ?
Ribbit Roof Clening and other professional roof cleaning company's would be right out of business.

Don't be fooled by the "guarantees" and "testimonials" from some of these Internet sellers of do it yourself roof cleaning chemicals.
Just TRY sending it back, then listen to the excuses about how you improperly applied it, etc, etc, etc.

Call a professional roof cleaning company in your area, or if in Houston, call us at 832-769-1295
Why waste your money on Do It Yourself Roof Cleaning ?

Cleaning Gloeocapsa Magma off Houston Metro Roofs

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 04:01:51 +0100

Gloeocapsa magma is a species of cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria are an ancient line of photosynthesizing bacteria, which photolyze water generating oxygen gass. Ancient cyanobacteria were ancestral to the chloroplasts of all plants on earth. Gloeocapsa magma has gained notoriety in the Southeastern U.S. which is quickly spreading throughout the Midwest. This particular type of cyanobacteria is responsible for creating the unattractive black roof stains and/or streaks commonly noticed by many. The bacteria accumulate over time; this accumulation begins to show the problematic black stains as the cyanobacteria develop their dark and hard UV-protective outer coating.
The main reasons for the rapid spread and noticeability of these cyanobacteria are thought to be:
1. Rising humidity and temperatures combined with more and more bacteria spores promotes their spread with these favorable conditions.
2. Fiberglass shingles (the most commonly seen amongst today’s residential homes) have been being made with limestone as a filler (in the asphalt). These shingles hold moisture and organic “bacteria food” material longer (especially on the North-side in the Midwest) than the paper/asphalt/ceramic shingles of 20+ 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. There is debate over the actual harmfulness of this particular bacteria to roofs, as there is little supportive scientific research. However, 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
Gloeocapsa Magma is an airborne algae so it can land on any Houston Texas area roof with no rhyme or reason, though it does seem to be more prominent in areas of Houston, Texas holding a lot of trees. Once the roof algae Gloeocapsa Magma lands on the roof, it will have to be killed and removed properly or it will continue to spread.
The Gloeocapsa Magma will never get better or just go away on its own. The Gloeocapsa Magma algae begins feeding on the nutrients in the shingles.
As it rains the Gloeocapsa Magma spreads down the roof causing black streaks. If not taken care of Gloeocapsa Magma will take over the entire roof in a few short years turning the whole roof black. Besides looking very unsightly and diminishing any home’s curb appeal and value, what other damage can Gloeocapsa Magma roof algae do? When roof algae are not taken care of they stop the shingles from reflecting heat from the sun’s UV rays. When this happens it can affect your Tampa home’s heating and cooling costs without you even realizing it. Also because the shingles cannot reflect heat they start to diminish prematurely. Signs of wear are curled corners, wavy or humped shingles, broke or loose shingles, and an excess of shingle granules appearing in your gutters just to name a few.
Most Houston Texas homeowners associations become concerned when the first unsightly black streaks of Gloeocapsa Magma

Now what do you do?

Mon, 30 May 2011 01:48:03 +0100

So Your Roof is turning Black from Something growing up there! Now what do you do?

You begin to notice some faint black streaks appearing on your roof top. At first it doesn't really look too bad, so you put it out of your mind. Foolish decision! Several months later you realize that whatever that stuff is, it is spreading like wildfire covering most if not all of the shingles. It now looks terrible and has lowered the value of your home by several thousand dollars, if not more. Now you have to make a decision on what to do to remedy this situation.

If you are the handy man type, you will probably want to tackle this job yourself even though you don't really know what is involved. You begin with a search on the internet for products and techniques for removing this unwanted visitor from your homes roof. Great, you find several products that claim to work and are reasonably priced. Researching these products you learn that you may have to climb up on and walk around on the roof. Sorta scary, so you keep researching. You find a product that you can spray on the roof from the ground using your garden hose. Sounds safer. Then you read that this product may take up to 6 months to work fully. What!! 6 months to work! You got to be kidding me. Some other products need to be mixed in a pump up sprayer and applied. You start to imagine how many trips that is going to take up and down the ladder to cover the whole roof. Lots of opportunities to fall or damage the shingles by walking on them. Holy Crap! Maybe this doing it myself isn't such a good idea. You then start looking for companies that do roof cleaning.

Searching the net you find numerous companies offering roof cleaning using many different techniques. Which one is the best and how do I know my roof won't be damaged? You find the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association's website and it tells you never use any type of pressure washing equipment, even low or reduced pressure, on a asphalt shingle roof. The recommended way to clean asphalt shingles is to apply a non-pressure solution consisting of chlorine bleach and water. Ok, that decreases the number of companies to chose from to clean your roof since most were going to use a pressure washer with a big round surface cleaner attached, or some other kind of exotic solution that nobody knows what it consists of. In your search you find a professional roof cleaning forum, RCIA, and another imposter organization. You read some of the info available and become curious about the "Certified" roof cleaning professionals that are posting info on these sites. After clicking on some of the site links posted there, and looking at the "before and after" pictures you decide that this is the proper way to have your roof cleaned by certified professionals.

After calling several companies, you learn that all "Certified Professional Roof Cleaners" carry insurance, provide guaranteed services and offer warranties and annual maintence programs so this dreaded growth will never again return to your home. You have made a very good decision and you are thrilled with the completed job because your roof looks like new and the property value has returned.

This type of action is occurring everyday throughout the U.S. and many foreign countries. Hopefully many people will take the time to do some research such as above, and realize that the ONLY safe and through way to obtain a clean healthy roof is to have it cleaned by a Certified Roof Cleaning Professional Company such as Ribbit Roof Cleaning of Houston Texas

So you think you want to clean your roof yourself?

Mon, 30 May 2011 01:46:24 +0100

So you think you want to clean your roof yourself?

If you've got the idea in your head that you going to engage in some diy roof cleaning then first you should get your head checked. No, I'm not joking. There are so many things that could go wrong while cleaning a roof if you don't know what you're doing, not the least of which is the possibility of paralysis or death. That said, if you really don't want to hire a roof cleaning specialist and are determined to go for it despite the risks then allow me to recommend a short list of necessary roof cleaning equipment.

1. Let's start with the safety equipment since that is the most important aspect. If possible use a non-conducting ladder just in case it touches a power line. Use a ladder stand-off to provide stabilization. If at all possible use a safety harness system to eliminate the chance of a fatal fall. Wear gloves, a mask, long pants, and goggles to protect your skin, eyes, and lungs from the roof cleaning chemicals. Also make sure to have a buddy helping you out just in case you need help or have a nasty fall. Finally, invest in some cougar paws for better traction on the roof surface. Chemical-covered or water-soaked shingles are EXTREMELY SLIPPERY, so you better be prepared for that if you don't want to seriously injure yourself.

2. As for the chemical delivery system you'll need a large poly tank, 200 feet of poly hose, a hose reel, a battery powered and chemical resistant pump, and a chemical resistant trigger gun and set of spray tips. Plumb the tank with the hose, connect the hose to the pump, attach the gun to the far end of the hose, and you're ready to rock. No pressure washer required!

3. Rinsing equipment is pretty simple: you'll just need a few garden hoses and reels. I prefer 100' non-kink hoses but go with whatever makes you comfortable. Or you may want to let "Mother Nature" do it for you. She does a better job anyhow.

4. Other miscellaneous items that would be good to have include a long-bed pickup truck or trailer, a ladder rack, a cooler full of icey water, sunblock, a first aid kit, and an extra set of shirts and shoes.

5. You are gonna need one of your buddies to help you, by keeping all the plants and landscaping wet should any of the chemical get on them. He will probably work cheap. A steak dinner and a couple of beers. No problem.

So there you have it, fellow roof-hopping weekend warriors. It is dangerous and difficult work so please have a plan and be careful if you'll be doing some roof cleaning this weekend.

If you're thinking that all this stuff sounds very expensive and hard to find, well, you're absolutely right. It will take you awhile to pull all this gear together and the final price tag will probably make you want to cry, especially when you consider that it's for a one-and-done home improvement project. Do yourself a huge favor by scrapping your DIY plans, hiring a professional non-pressure cleaning service, and leaving the roof cleaning equipment purchases to somebody else

Safely Remove Algae Stains From Your Roof

Mon, 30 May 2011 01:38:49 +0100

AFTER

BEFORE!!!!

Ugly roof stains are caused by a particularly resistant type of algae called glaecopsa magma. This organism cannot be killed by a pressure washer alone. And pressure washing your roof voids the warranty on your tiles or shingles. NO ROOF should ever be pressure washed, according to manufacturer specifications. If anyone takes a pressure washer to your roof, you risk not only this voiding of your warranty, but leaks and tile breakages abound when a pressure washer is brought into this mix. And if you have shingles, the pressure from this will blow away your asphalt and you may have to replace your roof, which is much more expensive than our process. We use a blend of algicides, surfectants and biostats to not only remove the ugly stains, but kill the organisms causing them, thereby eradicating the problem. We guarantee this for two years, or we will come back at no charge. Think twice about hiring anyone who will pressure wash your roof. If you don't choose us, please, for your own sake, make sure you hire someone who uses safe non pressure washing and don't make the mistake of looking for the cheapest bidder. As with all things in life, you get what you pay for.

LICENSED AND INSURED

Do you have black streaks?

Mon, 30 May 2011 01:33:19 +0100

Do you have black streaks on your roof caused by mold?

Do you have black streaks on your roof?

50% of roofs are replaced due to their unsightly appearance. Replacing is not your only option. It can cost thousands of dollars to replace a roof, our Non Pressure Roof Cleaning offers a solution to clean your roof rather than replace it, at a fraction of the cost of replacement.

What causes the black streaks and stains?

Black stains and streaks on asphalt shingles are caused by algae growth. The algae feed on the limestone that is used as filler in asphalt shingles. When it rains, the algae is spread, causing black streaks and stains.

Our non pressure cleaning techniques are very effective for cleaning roofs and can be done without causing damage to shingles. In addition, this is the only recommended way to clean asphalt shingles according to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association.

All About Roof Cleaning

Sun, 29 May 2011 22:06:43 +0100

ALL ABOUT ROOF CLEANING

by Dr. Victor H. Morgenroth

Dr. Morgenroth is a Keys Gate resident who is a semi-retired, adjunct professor of neurology at UM. He was a principal administrator in the Environment Health and Safety Division of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) for 20 years; prior to that I was a Group Leader in the Toxicology Division at the Center for Food Safety and Nutrition in the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Previously, he was on the faculty of several medical schools in neurology, pharmacology and psychiatry.

Having your roof cleaned actually makes sense. I know most of us were slightly put out by receiving a roof cleaning notice from the Keys Gate Management Association. Although it read a little like an ultimatum and you probably wondered who the inspector of your roof was and what their qualifications were, it turns out that roof cleaning is not a bad idea at all.

It isn’t just aesthetics. While people like to say that dirty roofs lower a property’s value and may make it hard to sell, the “dirt” on a roof actually shortens its life span and can even present a health hazard. Furthermore, the “dark stains” on a roof act as a sponge to absorb the sun's heat, which causes a rise in the temperature inside a home or building, creating higher air conditioning bills.

The dirt isn’t just dust – It’s alive. Some of the black or very dark roof stains are caused by a resilient type of algae, Gloeocapsa magma (a type of blue-green algae commonly found in climates with warm, humid summers). The algae grow in standing water, as well as in our lakes and ponds. The algal spores are carried to our roofs from the water sources by the wind and birds, and then from roof to roof where it grows and feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles and the real dirt on tile roofs maybe in some cases the tiles themselves. Worse still, as the algae grow, they retain water and foster the growth of other roof inhabitants.

The black stains are also very likely to harbor a number of molds or fungi. Unlike algae the fungi on our roofs lacks chlorophyll. They are unable to manufacture food from raw materials. So, it must get nutrition from some form of organic matter. To thrive, these heterotrophs, who used to be called saprophytes, also require a warm, humid environment.

Fungi normally begin their life cycle as an airborne spore that settles on roofs, especially the asphalt-shingle ones. The spores on the northern exposure of the roof stand a better chance of survival because that portion of the roof is the last part to dry after a rain or morning dew. This raises the humidity on the surface of the shingle, thus creating a perfect feeding and breeding ground.

The tar used in roofing is fossilized, dead organic matter -- and an important food source for fungi. Asphalt, at the granule base, is normally consumed first. Once these granules dislodge, accelerated deterioration will occur. Ceramic granules represent the outer hard shell that protects against hail and other falling debris. Ceramic granules protect against damaging UV radiation and insulate the roof against extreme heat. So you can understand that their dislodgement by the growing fungal colonies can be detrimental to our roofs’ longevity. Surprisingly, the blue-green algae are also food for the fungi.

While not all mold (fungi) and algae pose a health danger, some are harmful, especially for us older folks, younger children and people who suffer from asthma and respiratory problems. Their spores, which are on your roof, can get inside your home because they end up on the driveway and walkways from rain, and are easily tracked inside. They can even be drawn into our air conditioning systems and eventually populate our ducts.

Different mold species can have varying health effects, but it is important to remember that any excessive mold growth needs to be taken care of, regardless of the species. Any excessive mold growth can lead to increased allergies, toxicity, and house/building structural problems.

For those interested, this box describes some of the most common fungi likely to be found on our roofs and their possible health effects. While “sick building syndrome” has been talked about frequently in the media, it isn’t always reported that this syndrome is often caused by faulty or leaking roof assemblies that result in fungal infestations. It isn’t, as reported, always due to chemicals in carpeting.

Don’t Panic!

Most of us have immune systems that are fully capable of resisting the effects of fungi described below. As a result it would be highly unlikely for any of us to suffer any of the ill effects described. But if fungal colonies are allowed to persist and multiply then the high concentrations of the molds and their volatile organic chemical metabolites might be sufficient to increase the risks from our exposure to them.

Stachybotrys chartarum (atra) molds can thrive on water damaged, cellulose-rich material in buildings such as sheet rock, paper, ceiling tiles, insulation backing, wallpaper, etc. In the majority of cases where Stachybotrys is found indoors, water damage has gone unnoticed or ignored since it requires extended periods of time with increased levels of moisture for growth to occur. Stachybotrys is usually black and slimy in appearance. Events of water intrusion that are not addressed quickly tends to support the growth of more xerophilic fungi such as Pencillium and Aspergillus.

Stachybotrys is another fungi that has the ability to produce mycotoxins, ones that are toxic and can be immunosuppressive. Exposure to these mycotoxins can result through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal exposure. Symptoms of exposure include dermatitis, cough, rhinitis, nose bleeds, cold and flu-like symptoms, headache, general malaise, and fever.

The Cladosporium genera of mold are pigmented dark green to black in the front, and black on the reverse with a velvety to powdery texture. One of the most commonly isolated from indoor and outdoor air, Cladosporium spp. are found on decaying plants, woody plants, food, straw, soil, paint, textiles, and the surface of fiberglass duct liner in the interior of supply ducts.

There are over 30 species in the Cladosporium genus. The most common are C. elatum, C. herbarum, C. sphaerospermum, and C. cladosporioides. These fungi are the causative agents of skin lesions, keratitis, nail fungus, sinusitis, asthma, and pulmonary infections. Acute symptoms of exposure to Cladosporium are edema and bronchiospasm, and chronic exposure may lead to pulmonary emphysema.

Aspergillus is the most common genus of fungi in our environment (it especially likes to grow on corn plants) with more than 160 different species of mold. Sixteen of these species have been documented as causing human disease. Aspergillosis is now the 2nd most common fungal infection requiring hospitalization in the United States.

Aspergillus fumigatus. The most encountered species causing infection. It is seen abundantly in decomposing organic material, such as self-heating compost piles, since it readily grows at temperatures up to 55 C. People who handle contaminated material often develop hypersensitivity to the spores of Aspergillus and may suffer severe allergic reactions upon exposure.

Aspergillus flavus. The 2nd most encountered fungi in cases of Aspergillus infection. It is also known to produce the mycotoxin aflatoxin, one of the most potent carcinogens known to man. In the 1960s, 100,000 turkey poults in Great Britain died from ingesting contaminated feed. Most countries have established levels for aflatoxin in food. However, the risks associated with airborne exposure are not adequately studied and no exposure standards exist.

Aspergillus niger. The 3rd most common Aspergillus fungi associated with disease and the most common of any Aspergillus species in nature due to its ability to grow on a wide variety of substrates. This species may cause a “fungal ball”, which is a condition where the fungus actively proliferates in the human lung, forming a ball. It does so without invading the lung tissue.

Fusarium spp.,common soil fungus and inhabitant on a wide array of plants, this fungi is often found in humidifiers and has been isolated from water-damaged carpets and a variety of other building materials. Human exposure may occur through ingestion of contaminated grains and possibly through the inhalation of spores. Fusarium spp. is frequently involved with eye, skin, and nail infections.

Several species can produce the trichothecene toxins which target the circulatory, alimentary, skin, and nervous systems. Vomitoxin is one such tricothecene mycotoxin that has been associated with outbreaks of acute gastrointestinal illness in humans. Zearalenone is another mycotoxin produced by Fusarium. It is similar in structure to the female sex hormone estrogen and targets the reproductive organs.

Penicillium fungi are commonly found in soil, food, cellulose, grains, paint, carpet, wallpaper, interior fiberglass duct insulation, and decaying vegetation. Penicillium may cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis, asthma, and allergic alveolitis in susceptible individuals.

The genus Penicillium has several species. The most common ones include Penicillium chrysogenum, Penicillium citrinum, Penicillium janthinellum, Penicillium marneffei, and Penicillium purpurogenum.

These fungi have been isolated from patients with keratitis, ear infections, pneumonia, endocarditis, peritonitis, and urinary tract infections. Penicillium infections are most commonly exhibited in immunosuppressed individuals.

In conclusion, during the digestion of substrates, fungi secrete enzymes into nutrients in order to break down complex compounds into simpler compounds that can be taken up by the fungi and used as nutrition. These digested nutrients produce secondary metabolic byproducts called mycotoxins that are released to give the fungi a competitive edge over other microorganisms and fungi. Unfortunately, mycotoxins can also be toxic to humans causing a variety of responses including cold/flu-like symptoms, sore throats, headaches, nose bleeds, fatigue, diarrhea, dermatitis, and immune suppression. Some mycotoxins may also be carcinogenic and teratogenic. Molds that have been known to potentially produce these toxins are Acremonium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Chaetomium, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Penicillium, and Stachybotrys.

Even though these molds may potentially produce mycotoxins, they will not do so unless specific environmental conditions exist. Currently, it is unknown exactly what conditions promote the growth of mycotoxin production and more scientific research needs to be conducted on this topic for it to be fully understood.