Indiana Roof Cleaning Contractor

Roof Cleaning Before Selling

2010-01-05T14:36:00.000-08:00

Today it seems as though many more homeowners are realizing the advantage of cleaning up their home a little before putting it on the market. In the past many sellers were almost stubborn and did not want to sink money into a home they were getting ready to move out of. But in today's housing market people are realizing that cleaning up the exterior of their home is a great investment even when selling. The investment that is put into the home can bring them a better return.

This concept is especially true with roof cleaning. An unsightly black streaked roof can certainly bring you less in the market. This is because most people do not know what black streaks are and that they can be cleaned. They just assume the roof needs replaced and that can cause them to make a lesser offer or to walk away from the home all together.

Having your roof cleaned can add value to your home and help it to stand apart from all the other homes for sale in the area. This could mean your home sells before another home which can obviously be a good thing. Black roof algae can be a deal breaker and will be the cause of you getting less out of your home. So it is well worth the investment to have a roof cleaning done especially before the picture is taken that will go in the homes for sale book.

For a few hundred dollars, roof cleaning is the best bang for your buck when it comes time to spruce up a home that you are selling. It should go right along with the carpet cleaning and fresh paint and will actually be a better investment because it effects your curb appeal so much more.

If They Would Have Only Known About Roof Cleaning

2009-08-12T17:03:00.000-07:00

A homeowner in the area was having some trouble with his roof. It had developed black streaks on the north facing side which happen to be the side facing the road. These unsightly black streaks lessened the appeal of the home and brought down the value. He had to look at the roof every time he pulled in the driveway and it disgusted him.

He finally called the contractor that had built his home and asked him about it. They both came to the conclusion that the shingles were bad so how even though the roof was only 8 years old. The contractor first tried to get the lumberyard where he had bought the shingles from to accept the problem as their fault, that did not get him anywhere for long.

He and the homeowner both contacted the shingle manufacturer whom asked them to send in a sample piece of a shingle that contained some of the black streaking. So the contractor took off a couple of shingles and replaced them with new ones. They then broke off a couple of small pieces and sent them off to be analyzed.

From the time the black streaks had first been noticed by the homeowner and the time that he got the test results back an entire year had passed. The results said the black streaks was roof algae and that they were not responsible for that. So the homeowner found a roof cleaning company and had them come out. Even with before and after pictures of roof jobs, testimonials, and a guarantee the homeowner was still skeptical as was the contractor. But once the roof was cleaned the results were instant and the both the homeowner and contractor were floored, the roof's appearance was completely restored.

The Truth About Cleaning Roof Algae (Black Streaks)

2009-07-24T11:37:00.000-07:00

Informational roof cleaning video for contractors and homeowners alike.

Roof Cleaning Kosciusko County Can Save You Money

2009-03-24T06:52:00.000-07:00

An increasing problem that is highly misunderstood is black roof algae. In Kosciusko Co that are many asphalt shingle roofs that are suffering from roof algae. This roof algae will appear as black streaks or black roof stains. This roof algae can diminish a Kosciusko County home's curb appeal and can cost the homeowner thousand of dollars.

Roof algae will normally first start to appear on the north facing roof slopes. This is where the most moisture and shade are present and where the roof algae will thrive. Once on your Kosciusko County roof, the roof algae will never go away or get better on its own or without roof cleaning services. It will go from unsightly black streaks and will spread across the entire roof. Roof algae or roof moss will increase your home heating and cooling costs and will diminish the longevity of the shingles. Black algae does not allow the shingle to reflect heat like they need to thus causing the shingles to fail prematurely.

Roof cleaning Kosciusko County services can help homeowners save literal thousands of dollars. The truth is that half of the roofs that are replaced in the Midwest are done so because of the appearance of the shingles, not because of the functionality of the roof. This means the sadly, homeowners are replacing shingles that may have only needed cleaned. This stems from a lack of education about roof algae.

There are safe and effective roof cleaning methods that are actually recommended by the major shingle manufacturers. They know that roof algae is an ongoing problem so they have suggested methods and cleaners for roof cleaning contractors to safely kill and remove roof algae to restore the roof's appearance. Roof cleaning can cost a tenth of the cost of a complete roof replacement and will ensure you get the full life out of your roof. A roof cleaning Kosciusko County company can give you a free evaluation and let you know if cleaning services will help save you money.

Roof Cleaning Services for Warsaw, IN Homeowners

2009-03-14T23:02:00.000-07:00

An increasing problem throughout Indiana in cities like Warsaw, Granger, Elkhart, Goshen, Mishawaka, South Bend, and Plymouth is black streaks roofs. Black streaks or stains on asphalt shingle roofs is caused by a hardy type of airborne algae simply known as roof algae.

Cleaning this algae is possible but not recommended to attempt on your own. The entire roof needs to be coated with a special roof cleaner in order to kill the roof algae properly so it does not grow back. You might consider hiring a roof cleaning Warsaw, IN company to help you with the project. Professional roof cleaning is a very new niche in the industry of pressure washing. Though a pressure washer is never actually used on the shingle, most of the application methods and cleaners are similar to services like deck cleaning and house washing.

By using low pressure, a roof cleaning Warsaw, IN contractor will kill and remove the roof algae without harming the shingles. Pressure washing the roof is not recommended as it will loosen and blow off the shingle granules which are there for protection. Large amounts of roof cleaner are normally needed even for an average sized roof. Walking a roof coated with roof cleaner and algae can become very treacherous and is not recommended. Find a professional roof cleaning Warsaw, IN contractor that has the right equipment and methods to do the job efficiently and safely.

Find a Roof Cleaning Valparaiso Company

2009-02-25T16:42:00.000-08:00

A lot of people are uneducated or misinformed about black streaks on their asphalt shingle roofs. Half of the roofs replaced in Valparaiso and other Indiana cities are replaced because of the way they look not because of their functionality. This means many Valparaiso roofs are being replaced prematurely and costing homeowners thousands of dollars.

Do a google search for roof cleaning Valparaiso or the surrounding areas and find a professional roof cleaning company to come out and assess your shingle roof for you. Do not be fooled into replacing a roof that only needs cleaned. Some roofing contractors do not know what roof algae is or that a shingle roof can be cleaned without harming it. There are low pressure methods that are actually recommended by the major shingle manufacturers themselves.

Shingle manufacturers know that roof algae is an ongoing problem. They have suggested methods and cleaners that are safe to use on the shingles. The roof algae is killed and removed from Valparaiso roof's so it does not return anytime soon. This great roof cleaning Valparaiso service can save homeowners thousands of dollars over a total unnecessary roof replacement.

Roof Cleaning Company and Pressure Washing Roofs

2009-02-16T05:40:00.000-08:00

Image is everything these days and nothing reflects your image like the curb appeal of your home. How your home and yards looks says a lot about what type of person you are. Unsightly black streaks on asphalt shingle roofs can rob your home of curb appeal and value.

Black roof streaks do not necessarily mean your roof needs replaced. Black stains on asphalt shingles is a hardy type of airborne algae. It lands on roofs and will feed on the shingles. This black roof algae can be cleaned off to restore your roof's appearance. A roof cleaning company can kill and remove this algae without causing harm to the roof.

As long as low pressure chemical application methods are used, like suggested by the shingle manufacturers, no damage will be done to the shingles. Never use or allow a roof cleaning company to use a pressure washer on your roof. Pressure washing roofs is not recommended, the excessive pressure will blow away the shingle granules which are there to protect the shingle. Removing the granules will lessen the longevity of the roof.

A professional roof cleaning company will know that pressure washing roofs is not an option. They will use the low pressure methods recommended by the makers of the shingles. Roof cleaning can save homeowners thousands of dollars over a premature complete roof replacement. Don't replace a roof that only needs cleaned.

Pressure Washer Information | Roof Cleaning

2008-12-22T19:23:00.000-08:00

There is a lot of misconceptions and confusion out there when it comes to low pressure asphalt shingle roof cleaning. Many people have heard that you cannot have your shingles cleaned without causing damage to them.

Half of the roofs in the Midwest that suffer from roof algae are replaced because of their unsightliness not because of their functionality. What does this mean exactly? It means that when a roof develops black algae streaks, half of the time the homeowner calls a roofing company and is unnecessarily sold on a total roof replacement.

Unfortunately for the homeowner, a roofing contractor will not talk himself out of a sale by informing the homeowner that the roof only needs cleaned. Some roofing companies are not even aware themselves of what roof algae is or may be misinformed about roof cleaning methods.

Damage is only done to the roof when the cleaning is not done properly using the low pressure chemical application methods. Never allow a roof cleaning contractor to use a pressure washer on your asphalt shingle roof. The major shingle manufacturers recommend only using the low pressure method to clean shingles suffering from roof algae. Proper roof cleaning can save the homeowner thousands of dollars by not replacing a roof prematurely that only needed cleaned.

Selling Roof Cleaning

2008-12-04T08:04:00.000-08:00

As a roof cleaning company, your long term goal should be to build up a loyal customer base; doing this will allow you to decrease your advertising costs by not chasing new customers. It can also boost your profit margins by performing lots of repeat and referral work.

It has been proven that a customer will spend more money with you the second and third time around. Moreover, your closing rate on referral customers is by and large pretty high if you do good quality work.

The way roof cleaners can create this loyalty is simple. Do not sell on price but rather sell the benefits of having your roof cleaned, sell value, offer a high quality roof cleaning service, and always go above and beyond the call of duty for each job.

By committing to this principle, you will be allowed to charge more for a quality service and as a roof cleaner you will build a loyal customer base that you can depend on for years to come.

Shingle Cleaning and Roof Algae

2008-12-03T16:18:00.000-08:00

It is a mission of mine to educate home owners across the country about roof algae and how it affects their home's value. I want home owners to be armed with the proper information when researching roof algae and when seeking a roof cleaning professional. Roof algae can lessen the longevity of your home's roof thus costing you money.

Roof algae is actually pretty common but most are uneducated about what it is. Roof algae is an airborne algae that can land on asphalt shingles. Once it attaches to the shingles it will feed on the crushed limestone that is used in shingle manufacturing. Each time it rains the algae is spread down the roof creating ugly black streaks and stains.

This phenomenon first usually appears on the north facing slopes of the roof. This is the side with the prevailing amount of shade and moisture. Roof algae can be cleaned using a low pressure chemical application which is actually recommended by the major shingle manufacturers.

Using these recommended low pressure cleaning methods will ensure the roof shingles are not damage like they would if a high pressure washer was used. They also warn against using a pressure washer to clean shingles. The high pressure removes the shingle granules which are there to protect the shingle. Shingles suffering from roof algae usually do not need replaced but only cleaned. Roof cleaning can restore your roof's appearance and normally costs a tenth or less of what a total roof replacement would cost.

Roof Cleaning Truth

2008-01-14T20:55:00.000-08:00

There is a key misunderstanding when it comes to asphalt shingle roof cleaning. Most people assume that you cannot have your shingles cleaned without causing harm to them. Over 50% of roofs replaced in the Midwest are replaced because of the way they appear, not because of their functionality. What does this mean? It means that when roof algae gathers on a roof and causes black streaks, half of the time the homeowner will call a roofing contractor, and without much contemplation, will have the roof replaced. You can also be certain that a roofing contractor isn’t going to talk themselves out of a sale by telling the homeowner the roof only needs cleaned. Moreover, some roofing contractors perhaps don’t apprehend that roofs can be cleaned without causing harm.

Damage is done to the roof only when too much pressure is applied to the shingles to attempt to blast the algae off the roof. On no account should you use, or allow a contractor to use, a pressure washer to clean your roof. Doing so will diminish the longevity of the shingles by blowing the shingle granules off which are there to shield the shingle. The chief shingle manufacturers have guidelines and suggestions for cleaning roof algae off of asphalt shingles. This technique includes the proper cleaners applied with low pressure followed by a light rinsing. No more than garden hose pressure is ever put on to the roof. This is an effective way to destroy roof algae and restore your roofs appearance without causing harm to the shingles. Correct roof cleaning can save you thousands of dollars by not having to replace shingles that only need cleaned.

Finding an Honest Power Washing Company

2007-12-06T11:33:00.000-08:00

Power washing hasn’t always been perceived by the public as a serious profession. Blemished by fly-by-night companies due to undersized start up costs, the trade has constantly fought a mounting battle to be a professional service industry that can stand sturdy on its own. Being a contractor I have heard shocking stories of people being taken advantage of or having their property wrecked by discreditable contractors that thought they knew what they were doing.

The excellent news is there are professional power washing companies out there that do have awareness of equipment, cleaners, methods, business and customer satisfaction. While searching for a trustworthy contractor in your area keep these things in mind; always ask the contractor questions to check their knowledge, ask how long they’ve been in business, make sure they power wash full time, and that their focus is in power washing only.

Avoid contractors or handymen that offer every service under the sun like hauling trash, mowing, painting, power washing and so on. Find a contractor that makes his livelihood servicing others, not someone that just does it on the weekends for some extra beer money. Don’t give into an incredibly low price, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is, remember you get what you pay for. Lastly, you should always demand the contractor for a written guarantee, references and testimonials. If they cannot stand behind their work or their customers aren’t saying first class things about them then you can’t expect them to give you professional results.

Power Washing Tips

2007-11-26T13:34:00.000-08:00

Many home owners around the country prefer to take on their own exterior cleaning projects. Some may have had a bad experience with an unethical contractor in the past or they may just enjoy the satisfaction of being a do-it-yourselfer. Whatever the case; attempting a project like cleaning your homes exterior can be a frightening task. Most accidents resulting in personal injury or property damage are caused from a lack of knowledge. You can help this situation by doing your homework and researching cleaning methods and techniques. For instance, the Vinyl Siding Institute has guidelines and suggestions for cleaning siding as do most of the major shingle manufacturers for cleaning shingle roofs. Knowing these guidelines and other power washing tips can make your exterior cleaning task a little easier and safer. It can also help to reduce the risk of damaging your siding, roof, deck, or other surfaces around your property.

Your Home and Power Washing

2007-11-25T05:15:00.000-08:00

Your home is probably your largest investment and you know it is well worth the time and effort to take care of it. Power washing can increase your homes curb appeal which reflects on your image. Cleaning the exterior of your home and property can also increase its value, but it can be a daunting task. Finding a professional contractor that offers power washing services can be well worth the effort and cost. A reputable contractor will have the proper knowledge, equipment, and cleaners necessary to do the job properly and in a timely fashion. The end result for you is a well maintained home, free of dirt, mold, and mildew which will cause rot and decay. Having these services done eliminates the risk of future repairs, renovations, and replacements of the building materials that make up your home. Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or looking to hire a contractor, taking care of your homes exterior helps to protect your largest investment.

Roof Algae Audit

2007-11-02T15:34:00.000-07:00

Can you really clean a shingle roof? The major shingle manufacturers say the answer is yes. Asphalt shingles suffering from a type of airborne algae called Gloeocapsa Magma can be cleaned to restore the roof’s appearance. This alga appears as black stains or streaks on your roof. Roof algae normally first appears on the north facing slopes of the roof where the prevailing amount of shade and moisture are present. The algae lands on the roof and feeds on nutrients in the shingles, as it rains the algae is spread down the roof causing the black streaks.
This condition will deteriorate the roof prematurely by not letting the shingles reflect heat like they need to.

The good news is this alga can be killed and removed by using methods recommended by the shingle manufacturers without causing damage to the shingles. Having your algae covered roof cleaned, while the shingles are still in good shape, is a great way to save yourself the cost of a total roof replacement and insure you'll get the full life out of your roof.

Low Pressure Approach

2007-10-31T14:10:00.000-07:00

What does it mean when a contractor says he uses low pressure washing methods? Low pressure washing is using very low pounds per square inch (psi) of water pressure to clean with. Contractors using low pressure rely on their cleaners to do the work and the gallons per minute (gpm) to do the washing and rinsing. This method of low pressure, quality cleaners, and high gallons per minute is very effective in cleaning most anything on your property. This method also eliminates risk of damaging your property like forcing water behind your home’s siding or shredding the wood fibers on your deck.

Contractors not using the low pressure method will be using high water pressure to blast the surface clean instead of depending on quality cleaners to do the work. High pressure can no doubt damage vinyl siding, decks, roofs, and even certain types of cement and brick. Make sure you, or the contractor you hire, use the low pressure washing method.

Roof Cleaning Contractor

2007-10-26T12:50:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the roof cleaning blog of Midwest Pro Wash. We are a roof cleaning contractor in Indiana providing low pressure roof cleaning services. We do something that is unique to the industry, we provide free information about roof cleaning to help educate home owners so they can make a more informed and intelligent decision when looking for roof cleaning services. Stay tuned and check in often for roof cleaning tips, information, and advise. Thanks again for visiting our roof cleaning blog.