Stains on roofing materials are one of the most frustrating problems for roofers. The stains can be caused by many different things, so it is important to know what causes roof stains before you start trying to prevent them. This article will discuss four common causes of roof stains and how to avoid or remove them with some simple solutions.
Keeping the roof clean and free of debris like leaves and twigs will also help reduce algae growth, but if you’re already faced with brown stains on your roof tiles then a solution is to scrub them down using bleach or vinegar diluted in water. Be sure to rinse thoroughly after cleaning though!
Faded Paint on Roof Tiles Stains
Roof tiles may appear faded due to algae growth on their surface, leaving unattractive streaks on your roof that will have visitors seeing red! One way you can help reduce this problem is by installing a ridge vent along your roofline which helps break up condensation under the tiles where water accumulates eventually leading into black streaking mold eventually corroding steel surfaces.
Safety
Working on a roof may be risky, and it’s especially riskier when it’s wet, so be sure you’re properly protected. Avoid working on steep roofs, wear slip-resistant footwear, and if necessary, use a safety rope. Always protect your skin and eyes when working with strong substances.
Bleach, in addition to algae, can harm or kill other plants, therefore wet down any grass, shrubs, or other plants where runoff is likely before and after spraying bleach. It’s also a good idea to cover shrubs with plastic once they’ve been wetted down.
Cleaning
To avoid the cleaner from evaporating too rapidly, clean your roof on a cloudy day. If you know who made your shingles, contact them or go to their website for detailed cleaning instructions. Follow the directions on the container when using a roof cleaning product or oxygen bleach.
While the exact formula for cleaning a roof with bleach varies, the basic formula is as follows:
1-gallon bleach (6 percent sodium hypochlorite)
1 quart of water
1/4 cup TSP (trisodium phosphate) or another heavy-duty cleaning (do not use a cleaner that contains ammonia or that is not approved for combining with bleach because it can produce dangerous chlorine gas)
Pour the ingredients into a garden sprayer with a pump, stir well, and spray.