Do I need to Walk the roof

newbie pete

New Member
Hey. I just landed my first roof job. I cleaned roofs for another company last summer so I have some experience but not enough, I only helped out on a couple jobs. This job I landed has a fairly steep roof (not one that I'm comfortable walking) and it goes up pretty high. It's one that doesn't go back down at the mid-point of the house. It goes up for about 3/4 of the house and then down again. It has some green mold or algae on the top corner. I've been doing a lot of searches and hear a lot of you talking about walking the roof, is this a necessity or just the quickest way to get the job done. I can probably get a few feet above the gutters with a ladder and figured that after applying the chemicals I could blast the algae away with a garden hose but, it'll be about 10 ft. or maybe less away from me. Any advice?
 

CaroliProWash

New Member
Can't advise on the job but will advise not to use the word "BLAST" when referring to any washing, espcially roofs, wood, vinyl or stucco! [idts]
 

Hottt Blaster

New Member
Have to agree on dont BLAST any roof.LOL Sounds like you have a 8/12 pitch roof or greater, are you working with composite shingles? You should use extensions off your washer LOW pressure where you can stand on the ground. There is a sprayer on wheels that you use to wash off your chemical can use it to apply as well. I never walk most roofs unless they are 4/12 pitch or less. Unless you have saftey lines rigged then you have the chance of damage to the roof loose shingles ect.
 

newbie pete

New Member
Actually I'm still not as confident as I'd like to be before I start this and I definitely don't want to have to leave the job unfinished. Basically it's what they call a "saltbox" roof I heard. The distance between the gutters and the peak of the roof is fairly large due to the fact that instead of going back down after it reaches the mid-point of the house, the roof keeps going up until about 3/4 back. I hope I'm describing this right. It is a little too steep for my comfort level on both sides. On the back side it's not a problem cause the gutters and peak are fairly close and I can easily rinse from the ladder. The front is where the problem lies. So, after i spray with chem. (either with my x-jet or duraflo pump) how can i rinse the roof without pressure to get the dead green mold or algae off. I was thinking of a garden hose just arching the stream to hit the algae off from the top but I would assume it's better to get as close as possible so I can clearly see the algae. I dont want it growing back in 3 months if I missed a spot. Another thought was to try to get the ladder to about the midpoint up the roof by taking a 40' and backing it away from the house to try and angle it over the gutter and up on to the roof itself a good ways up. Anyone know if this is possible. The roof is angled back quite a bit so I dont know if I can hit it with the ladder without the gutters gettin in the way. Anyone who is familiar with this type of roof that could help I would appreciate it very much. Im not really interested in any of the on roof pressure attachments.
 

newbie pete

New Member
I don't mean to be a pain but I'd really like to get this straightened out in my head BEFORE I get to the customers house. I don't want to start off looking like I have no idea of what I'm doing. Thanks guys
 

newbie pete

New Member
dont know yet im buying one this week. Im looking at the Duraflo 5800 (i think thats the name) or a shurflo. Or an x-jet but I'd rather have the control of the low pressure on a ladder. My only prob is how to rinse the green spots off after the chem. application if I cant get close on the ladder. or maybe I can do it with a garden hose, I've only done a few roofs last summer and most were walkable. You have any suggestions on a roof like this (unwalkable and far away from the gutters)?
 

Hottt Blaster

New Member
Well i can give you a few ideas, If you want a good chemical mixture for your algea and mold contact owen-cornings they are a roofing (shingle)manufacture, I had the mixture a while back but dont have it now. It will remove all of it. Far as the roof use a pitch witch the spayer is on wheels rolls up and down the roof, You can apply your mixture thru downstream and then rinse low pressure,using the pitch witch. I made my own years ago they are very easy to make. I was a journyman roofer for over 18 years, before i got into this business and i cant stress enough If its not a walkable roof stay off, the risk for slipping by yourself or workers even damgage to the roof is great. Also make sure your insurance covers any roof work you might be doing,If they dont know your doing that type of work they might not cover a claim, Hope this helps... Tom
 

newbie pete

New Member
Thanx. that def. helps but I was trying to stay away from the pitch witch. I thought maybe just rinse it from the gutter with a garden hose. anyone ever done that on a roof like this?
 

Hottt Blaster

New Member
Been there done it before wish i could give you more, But please read what i posted to you might be old but know what i am talking about,,
 

Mark

Moderator / Sponsor
Is this the link you are referring to:

Troubleshooting Your Roof


ALGAE GROWTH


CAUSES
Algae growth causes a dark discoloration on roofs. The algae is usually brown to black in color which results in a streaked, dirty looking rooftop. It can be mistaken for soot, dirt or tree droppings, which typically produce only localized discoloration. It's caused by the growth of air-borne algae which deposits on your roof. The good news is that algae growth does not affect the service life of your roofing material. It occurs most often in warm, humid climates such as the Southeast (where algae-resistant shingles are available).

RECOMMENDATIONS
Discoloration of roofs caused by fungus or algae is difficult to remove, but may be lightened by spraying a diluted solution of chlorine bleach, trisodium phosphate, and water onto the roof. Solutions range from one cup TSP, one gallon bleach and four gallons of water, to one cup TSP and 2.5 gallons each of bleach and water. This solution can then be rinsed from the roof in 10 to 15 minutes. Do not scrub. Scrubbing will loosen and remove granules. After spraying be sure to thoroughly flush the roof and the greenery around the home (grass, bushes and shrubs) with water. The effectiveness of this type of cleaning may only be temporary, and the discoloration may recur. High pressure washing is not recommended due to the possibility of removing granules, thereby shortening the life of the Roofing System.

For a more permanent solution, re-roof with Owens Corning Algae-Resistant Shingles. They are specifically designed to inhibit most algae growth for extended periods of time and are backed by our strongest product and algae resistance warranties* available to homeowners.
www.owenscorning.com/around/roofing/troubleshooting.asp
 

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