Before someone sprays something on your roof, it’s only justified for you to ask what chemicals are used. While various companies and roof-cleaning techniques use a wide variety of chemical products, most professional roof cleaners do utilise a small number of reliable chemicals to clean roof surfaces. The article below is a straightforward description of chemicals used in roof cleaning that may be used to clean your roof surface, as well as their intended purpose.
The Most Common Chemicals Used in Roof Cleaning
The chemicals used in roof cleaning are chosen to remove organic growths from roofs, such as algae, moss, and lichen, without damaging the roofing materials.
Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach) — How It Works
Sodium hypochlorite is the chemical used by roof cleaning companies frequently. Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) is found in household bleach as a basic aqueous solution but is used at a higher concentration when used for cleaning a roof surface. It kills algae, mold, and bacteria on contact when used on a roof; like most roof cleaners, it has been diluted to a concentration of approximately 1% with water for safe application to shingles. Sodium hypochlorite bleach is one of the most effective cleaning chemical products used to remove algae streaks on roofs that have a lot of algae growing on the shingles.
Sodium Percarbonate—Eco-Friendly Option
Sodium Percarbonate is eco-friendly and biodegradable; it is found in powder form and releases oxygen when mixed with water. Sodium percarbonate is useful for green companies, as it is an environmentally friendly chemical to use for cleaning roofs of homes that are close to water features or gardens. Sodium percarbonate has little to no impact on landscaping and is one of the safest chemicals used in roof cleaning.
Zinc Sulfate — Preventive Treatment
Zinc sulfate is frequently applied after the roof has been cleaned for a long-lasting treatment to prevent moss and algae from returning. Zinc sulfate is a long-lasting treatment that can help prevent moss or algae from returning to a cleaned roof for up to two years after treatment; this makes it one of the best chemicals used in roof cleaning.
Proprietary Chemical Blends
Proprietary chemical blends offered by the cleaning company will have combinations of the above chemicals with surfactants to aid in the length of time they can remain adhered to the roof before being washed off. It is always beneficial to inquire about the proprietary blend before the service provider performs any roof cleaning services.
Soft Wash vs Pressure Wash — Which Chemicals Are Used?
| Method | Chemicals Used | Pressure Level | Best For |
| Soft Wash | Sodium hypochlorite, surfactants | Very low (under 100 PSI) | Shingles, tiles, painted surfaces |
| Pressure Wash | Detergent or plain water | High (1000–3000 PSI) | Concrete, driveways |
| Eco Wash | Sodium percarbonate blend | Low-medium | Environmentally sensitive areas |
Are Roof Cleaning Chemicals Safe for Plants and Pets?
The vast majority of chemicals used in roof cleaning are safe to use on lawns and pets when diluted to the proper concentration before application. All reputable cleaning service providers will take precautions to protect your yard from any possible damage during the application process.
- Water your plants and shrubs before applying the cleansing agent.
- Apply lower concentrations for use near flower beds.
- After the job is done, rinse any areas cleaned with the cleansing agent.
- Keep pets inside during this activity.
- Use sodium percarbonate for greener, more environmentally friendly homes.
What to Ask Your Roof Cleaner About Chemicals
- What concentration of cleansers will be used on my roof?
- Are the cleansers biodegradable or environmentally certified?
- What steps will you take to protect my plants and garden while you clean my roof?
- Do you have any preventive application to use after you have cleaned my roof?
- Are the products used to clean my roof safe to use on tile or metal roofs?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the chemicals used in roof cleaning?
There are several types of chemicals used in roof cleaning, but the most common ones are sodium hypochlorite (bleach), sodium percarbonate, zinc sulfate and proprietary soft wash blends. Each of the chemicals used targets a specific type of growth that can be present on roofs.
Q: Is bleach safe for roof cleaning?
Yes, as long as it is within the manufacturer’s specifications. Most professional roofing companies will use bleach at a concentration of 1-3%, and will effectively clean your roof without damaging the composition of the shingles.
Q: What chemicals used in roof cleaning are safe for the environment?
The top-rated and most environmentally friendly cleansing agent available today to clean roofs is through the use of sodium percarbonate. Sodium percarbonate will break down to water and oxygen after it is used, leaving no harmful residues behind.
Q: Can chemicals used in roof cleaning harm my plants?
If used properly, they don’t. Professionals will pre-soak your plants and rinse them off after using chemicals to reduce any potential negative effects on your vegetation.
Q: How long do roof cleaning chemicals last on the roof?
A soft wash will usually last between 1-2 years. Using a preventative chemical such as zinc sulfate may prolong the life of your roof cleaning.
Conclusion
You can now make better-informed choices about who you hire as a roof cleaner by knowing what types of chemicals are used for roof cleaning. The proper chemicals at the correct strength will be effective in removing algae and moss from your roof without damaging your family, yard, or roof. Always ask your cleaner what products they will be using before starting work. If you would like to know more about what types of chemicals are used in roof cleaning, please contact us for a free consultation and chemical usage list.
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