Knowing whether a roof cleaning contractor is roof cleaning with bleach is crucial for ensuring the safety of your home and surrounding environment. Discover the telltale signs and subtle clues that may indicate the use of bleach during roof cleaning procedures.
Consumer Reports warns NOT to use the chlorine-bleach solution described by the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association due to its damaging effects. Consumer Reports Senior Editor praised the Roof Shampoo method after he had his own roof cleaned with Roof Shampoo.
If a contractor DOES NOT tell you up front that they are NOT using bleach, then they are probably using bleach. Roof cleaning contractors who practice roof cleaning with bleach often don’t advertise or tell you that they use bleach because they know homeowners don’t want bleach used around their homes. Even when asked directly, some may still deny that they use bleach. Be insistent about your need to know. Many contractors who use bleach use the term “Soft Wash”. Here are some other clues:
-
- If they tell you that they follow the shingle manufacturers (ARMA) recommendations, they are using bleach.
-
- If they tell you they use sodium hypochlorite (or SH for short), they are using bleach bleach.
-
- If they tell you they will water down, cover, or spray your plants during the process, they are using bleach.
-
- If they tell you they use of a runoff recovery system to suck up the runoff, they are using bleach.
-
- If they tell you their ‘soaps’ breakdown into SALT, they are using bleach.
Many roof cleaning contractors who use chlorine bleach will mix up their own homemade formulas. They mix chlorine bleach with an array of varied chemicals such as phosphates, dish detergents, laundry detergents, assorted surfactants, and ODER-MASKING SCENTS to HIDE THE SMELL FROM YOU of the main ingredient – BLEACH! These haphazard chemical concoctions call into question product reliability, stability, safety and consistency across the board.
FACT: Both bleach and TSP will corrode metal (even in weak concentrations) and High Strength Bleach will accelerate the damage – especially when the roof is not rinsed properly.
FACT: Chlorine bleach releases toxic chlorine gas as it is sprayed and as it evaporates.
FACT: Bleach that splashes on plants will kill them.
FACT: The American Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) states in their technical bulletin that chlorine bleach may “lighten” [not remove] the steains and that wth effectiveness of bleach cleaning techniques are “only temporary and discoloration will likely recur.”
FACT: Many contractors who use bleach also add phosphates to their mixture which is a well-known pllutant in watershed areas. Phosphates have been banned for use in household products in 16 states.
Chlorine bleach has an intense chemical odor. The toxic fumes can drift as far as a block away, exposing your neighbors as well.
“Chlorine gas can be recognized by its pungent, irritating odor, which is like the odor of bleach. The strong smell may provide adequate warning to people that they are exposed. When chlorine gas comes into contact with moist tissues such as the eyes, throat, and lungs, an acid is produced that can damage these tissues.”
— Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Roof Savers Spokane uses Roof Shampoo, a low-pressure, bleach-free cleaning method to safely remove stains, moss, and algae from your roof. Then we apply an optional eco-conscious Roof Rejuvenate treatment to extend your roof’s lifespan by 5-15 years and save you money.
