what's the cause of those black streaks on the outside of the gutters? if you notice it's on the top of white mail boxes, white fences and so on. I believe it's acid rain correct? doe's any one know how to easily clean them with out hand scrubbing and of course with out harming anything?
-- Edited by Walk on Tuesday 8th of December 2009 10:22:13 PM
The black streaks are a combination of things. Rain, paint oxidation etc. Can you clean it? YEP not a problem. Makes them look new again. Is this what you mean?
The black streaks are a combination of things. Rain, paint oxidation etc. Can you clean it? YEP not a problem. Makes them look new again. Is this what you mean?
Pat thanks for your response, however I'm referring to the vertical black streaks. from what I observe with your photo that seems to be just mold and mildew which comes off with S.H. but they do look good.
far as I know the only way to clean them is to hand scrub them with an aggressive cleaner and they still don't always come clean.
the last few house I washed I started using really strong S.H. that seems to of helped.
Honestly I'm trying to avoid the hand scrubbing to labor intensive.
-- Edited by Walk on Tuesday 8th of December 2009 10:06:38 PM
The black streaks are a combination of things. Rain, paint oxidation etc. Can you clean it? YEP not a problem. Makes them look new again. Is this what you mean?
Pat thanks for your response, however I'm referring to the vertical black streaks. from what I observe with your photo that seems to be just mold and mildew which comes off with S.H. but they do look good.
far as I know the only way to clean them is to hand scrub them with an aggressive cleaner and they still don't always come clean.
the last few house I washed I started using really strong S.H. that seems to of helped.
Honestly I'm trying to avoid the hand scrubbing to labor intensive.
The answer to your question Clyde. No, you cannot get the black streaks off the gutters without scrubbing. I have not tried Loris product. There are chemicals that will clean them. Scrubbing required. IMO.
i saw those black stains as well at my brothers old house, the gutter was not that old, he told me he tried cleaning them but won't go away. i told him to just get a spray paint that matches.
i'm interested to know though if there's a product that we can spray and rinse only. LORI?
cheers, rick
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Roof Cleaning Southern California Advance Roof Cleaning Company Chino Hills, CA. 91709 Tel.#: 1-909-342-9298
There is a spray and rinse product that I am testing. I get it locally but the issue is hitting a 2nd story gutter with a pump up and it is very expensive. Only comes in 55 gallons and you do not dilute it at $4 per gallon. I did use some to take soot off a garage door but so far nothing cleans the black streaks without scrubbing. I thought I had a mix one time but that turned out to be a fluke.
That wasn't mildew that was a nasty old gutter. I know it takes time to scrub a gutter but all you need to do is charge for it.
Gutters are an addition to roof cleaning right? I personally always inspect the gutter and offer to clean them out as well as clean the outside of them. Allows for more profit and a better looking roof job.
I always say the whole job looks better when the outside of the gutters are clean.
Be very careful as to what you use in trying to eliminate the streaking. It is oxidation. Degreasers such as Purple Power or Simple Green will lighten the staining, but DO NOT apply at full strength as it will remove the finish. We dilute it 3 to 1 and it works in most cases. Some gutters are just too far gone. Krud Cutter wil also work if the gutters aren't too bad. We have an auto washing soft brush on adjustable pool cleaner handles that we use. $1.25 per linear foot is what we charge. We don't promote it, but we do attempt it when the service is requested. Make sure to advise the homeowner that you can NOT get all of the streaks off, but you can improve the appearance.
A chemical from Northern Tool and Supply called House Wash will remove it. Just apply full strength with a pressure washer, wait and then wash off. As always if you can lightly scrub it will work even better. Do not allow it to dry. On average it cost about $8 a gallon. That usually does two houses.