How to increase the longevity of your roof

Does your roof appear to be dirty? Has it changed to a darker color than it originally was or are there black streaks or clumps of moss visible? The truth is that your roof may not be dirty at all, but rather infested with billions of micro-bacteria known as Gloeocapsa Magma (GM). This bacteria is becoming a major problem for roofs in Hawaii due to the humid environment being perfect for the explosive growth and infestation taking place.

Experts say there is a direct relation between this growth boom and the timeline in which roofing manufacturers stopped using asbestos in shingles and replaced it with limestone fillers. This limestone provides a steady source of food for this strain of bacteria, making it nearly impossible to eradicate this nuisance and adding a new sector of home maintenance to homeowners’ agendas, roof cleaning.

Why should I clean my roof? Mike Wedge of Envirowash Hawaii LLC, Hawaii’s premier roof and exterior cleaning company, lists the top reasons to have your roof cleaned:

• Aesthetics. A clean roof supports the overall beauty of the whole house.

• Value. Protect your investment. Your roof protects all other components of the home.

• Roof longevity. Get the most life out of your roof. Mold, moss and algaes can reduce your roof ‘s duration period by as much as 30 percent, and in some rare cases up to 50 percent. (More than 50 percent of homeowners replace their roofs based on appearance).

• Energy costs. A dirty, stained roof is harder to cool and raises your energy bills. (Attic temperatures can rise by as much as 60 degrees).

• Health. Algae, mold, mildew and bacteria are known to have significant effects on allergies and other ailments.

Cleaning your roof saves you more money than all these factors combined:

• Turning up the thermostat 2 degrees
• Lowering the thermostat on your hot water heater
• Shutting off lights when not in a room
•Washing clothes at night on the cold setting

Roof cleaning isn’t a homeowner’s task and according to ARMA (Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association) and GAF (North America’s largest shingle manufacturer), “A pressure washer should never be used to clean asphalt shingle roofs.”

Envirowash Hawaii LLC suggests homeowners have cleanings done by a licensed and insured Soft Wash certified cleaning company. This bacteria is a living organism and a 100 percent kill rate must be achieved in order to be effective.

ENVIROWASH HAWAII
contact // (808) 313-9000
web // www.envirowashhawaii.com