No. Most of our customers are not home for the cleaning. We ask that the windows be closed throughout the house and any wreathes or hanging breakable items be removed from the house.

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Unfortunately, most contractors use Sodium Hypochlorite (chlorine-bleach) which is mixed in a high concentrate with other chemicals such as Trisodium Phosphate, also known as TSP.  

y, most contractors use use Sodium Hypochlorite (chlorine-bleach) which is mixed in a high concentrate with other chemicals such as Trisodium Phosphate, also known as TSP.  

Most won’t advertise or tell you that they use blench.  In fact, they’ll proudly tell you that they use a no pressure or use a certified soft wash or that they follow the manufacturer’s recommendations in 2007 ARMA bulletin – which is bleach! 

Some roof cleaning contractors when asked if they use bleach, will dodge the question by responding that they are using sodium hypochlorite – you should know that is the chemical name for bleach.  Or, some may be even more vague and say they use SH – in other words, the initials for sodium hypochlorite.  And, beware, some are more unscrupulous and mix in a fragrance to mask the smell of bleach and call their solution “proprietary”. 
 

If you’re still not sure, just ask: “How will you protect my plants while cleaning my roof?”  If you receive an answer other than “We don’t need to protect your plants because our product does not harm plants.” this is the clue that tells you that a harmful chemical will be used.  If they tell you:  “We wet down your plants before, during and after our treatment to protect them.”, you should be VERY concerned and the next question should be “Do you have insurance to cover loss of landscaping!” Also be aware of the use of runoff recovery systems which attempt to suck up runoff during the treatment into a containment vessel.  When you’re told straight up that your plants will be covered, that is a clear sign that a harsh chemical is being used and it’s most likely bleach!  

Household plants have an exterior membrane called a cuticle that protects the plant from many substances, including our eco-friendly detergents. Algae, however, doesn’t have a cuticle.  It can be unicellular or form filaments, nets, sheets, spheres, or complex moss-like structures; therefore, our detergent damages the algae and cleans it off your roof and surfaces without harming other vegetation around your home.  And, it’s safe for you, your children and pets! 

Many companies use caustic chlorine bleach.  Chlorine blench is a powerful oxidizing agent capable of breaking up most protein structures, including the plant cuticles of the vegetation in the landscaping surrounding your home.  You know what happens if you pour even a 12.5% solution of bleach on your jeans.  It will not only whiten them, but most likely the cotton fibers will start to fall apart because the fibers have been oxidized.  Roof cleaners who use blench will often times use it in concentrations as high as 40-50%.  Imagine what that will do to your landscaping when it splashes up on it from underneath the coverings most use.  
 

Most roof stains are caused by the growth of algae (which can harbor a number of molds), lichen colonies (fungus) or moss that feed on the organic material frequently found in the mineral-based granules that make up roofing shingles, mainly limestone. This organic matter is the food source for these roof staining organisms. These organisms are literally eating your roof. The portions of a roof that receive the least amount of sunlight are more likely to have algae, lichen colonies, or moss growth. This explains why some homes may have roof stains only on one side of the roof, typically the northern and/or western exposure or in heavily shaded areas.

Algae is a living organism that thrives on dust, pollen, and the organic materials that make up the roof. Dampness triggers its growth resulting in unsightly stains and streaks on the roof -- usually more prominent on northern and western exposures and in heavily shaded areas. Roofs with algae stains absorb heat rather than refect it causing a super-heated attic and higher home cooling costs as well as reducing the natural life span of the roofing material.

Moss is a flowerless, spore-producing plant.  Tile roofs having moss growth do not require the same kind of urgent care that a asphalt or shake roof needs because moss & algae are not going to eat through or rot away a tile roof very quickly (although it does happen), but there are still some serious problems that can results from failing to maintain a clean roof.  Build up of moss growth and debris in the slots between the tiles can hinder proper water run-off allowing it to spill over the side underneath the tiles.  Moss & debris can also build up on your roof and can cause water to backtrack or go sideways under the tiles.  Tiles hang on long strips of wood running horizontally under the visible roof, so when water does net underneath it will followo the boards sideways and this makes it very difficult to identify the source of the leak.  The valley sections of your roof are especially vulnerable to this problem and should be serviced regularly even if no moss growth evident.

Lichens are a fungus, usually of the class Ascomycetes, that grow symbiotically with algae, resulting in a composite organism that characteristically forms a crust-like or branching growth on roofs.

Many roof cleaning contractors who use chlorine-bleach and TSP proclaim that a 2007 Asphalt Roofing and Manufacturers Association "ARMA" Technical Bulletin recommended the bleach/TSP method for roof cleaning. In truth, the ARMA states quite clearly that the “the effectiveness of such cleaning techniques are only temporary and discoloration will likely occur.” The bulletin does NOT comment on the impact of bleach on your landscaping or its poisonous gases and fumes.

Not all mold (fungi) and algae pose a health danger, but some are harmful especially for young children or older adults and those who suffer from asthma and respiratory problems.  The spores on your roof can get inside your home because they end up on the driveway and walkways from rain and then are easily tracked inside. They can even be drawn in through air conditioning systems and eventually populate the ducts.

Anyone can purchase a pressure washer and advertise they offer a pressure cleaning service.  However, simply owning a pressure washer doesn't mean they can operate it effectively.  A high-powered pressure washer in the hands of an unskilled operator will do a great deal more harm than good.  We've seen decks ruined by too much pressure and harsh chemicals, siding blown off houses, plants and yards killed, windows broken, paint peeled and even concrete cut and etched.