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Xstream · Guest

When the roof is infected!!!

chrisf72 · Guest

Bryan that is good question wish could answer but I donot know the answer hope AC will answer that one.

Guest

I don't think that anyone can really quantify that. You would have to have cleaned a roof along side an untreated roof for 20 to 30 years to make comparisons. I can't say that anyone here has done that.

I know that lichen and moss have a major effect on shingles. Remove sections of them and you will see the immediate, impactful damage to the roof granules.

Maybe someone will prove me wrong by showing proof of the GM effect on shingles, but I have never seen conrete proof. Theory that makes sense is all I can go on.

Brian

-- Edited by The Roof Cleaners of Chester County Pennsylvania 610-842-2104 on Wednesday 13th of October 2010 04:10:16 PM

Xstream · Guest

Wow I thought more ppl would chime in on this one. Thanks for the replies Chris and Brian

sweetwaterfish · Guest

I think it would be hard to find an exact range of "x" number of years that your roof's life span is shortened.

1) We know that it makes the shingles less reflective and darkens them which causes more heat to build up from both above and below the shingle.

2)We also know that the GM is "eating" the limestone filler.

3)It is also introducing constant moisture into the shingles, which can't be good. This moisture provides a foundation for a host of other biologic life forms to attach the shingles.

But as far as giving a solid quantifiable number for the roof life, I think that would be nearly impossible. Two exact roofs will age at different rates, there's just too many variables, whether they are infected or not.

Xstream · Guest

I can see your point. I was just curious on if and what it did do to the life span. Like it you were infected for 4 years that it took off so many days/months of life off the roof. It would have been a great selling point if we knew.

mfulton · Guest

Brian this is an excellent subject. Im wondering what would happen if you were to call around to some roof contractors and ask them for some stats. I am sure they would know! Just don't tell them your in the roof cleaning biz. :)

If you find out anything PM me. I'd be interested in knowing myself.

-Mike

Xstream · Guest

Mike,

Thats a great idea. I will call around and see what I can find out.

wanna-b-1 · Guest

Would a shingle manufacturer have any idea?

Xstream · Guest

That is who I will be calling in the next few days

wanna-b-1 · Guest

Wow I had an idea!! So proud of myself.

gutterdog · Oct 13, 2010

Interesting thread but lets not over complicate our selves. A clean roof last longer and can go past the life expectancy, The waranty. If kept clean.

We did a wash today on shingles the HO told me were at the end of the guarantee. Just a lil bit of moss. Mostly GCM. I told him call me in 2 years.

Many areas GCM is new. The answer would come from Florida. But its diff down there than in my area. So It wouldnt be the same.

Whatever it is your trying to figure out, Cant be figured out with experience, maybe a calculater, and that COULDNT be corect or exact. Trusted. I like experience. The experience is only in Florida washing this way. Here in Maryland diff Temps, Humidity, etc.

Chris has not come down on anyone offering a 2 year guarantee. If it was a bad idea, He'd put a stop to it.

Go wash a roof and give 'em a 2 year guarantee! Or wash your roof and wait 2 years. There will be experience and assurance for your guarantee.

I trust fully in the RCIA!

Go wash a roof brother!

BCRoofClean · Guest

Ultimately the basis of rate of growth of GM and deterioration of an asphalt roof is determined by environmental factors and specific makeup of the substrate.
Not all 30 year shingles are made the same. You have metric shingles, laminated, 3 tab, dimensional, fiberglass.....and they all have different weight which can greatly effect the insulating and thermoreflective values of the shingle which also throws color in to the mix.
With all of this being said you are driven to the exact specific environment of each roof and which can include shade from trees or farm next door which ups the airbourne organic particulate which can also aid in black streaking as well as lack of insulation on the interior side of the home that can greatly effect the growth patterns of GM and then there is the big kicker---each home's respective day to day unpredictable weather.
One can determine greater risk though by calculating up the additional negative factors that a specific property has besides it's Northern exposure which is the biggest factor of all.

I have personally cleaned roofs that are only 3 years old and I have cleaned simalar style roofs that have the same amount of visible black streaking that are 15 years old.

The best bet is to keep the roof free of GM and that roof will outlast the roof that is infected by far. Once Lichen starts to hit it is a must clean.

gutterdog · Oct 13, 2010

BCRoofClean wrote:

Ultimately the basis of rate of growth of GM and deterioration of an asphalt roof is determined by environmental factors and specific makeup of the substrate.
Not all 30 year shingles are made the same. You have metric shingles, laminated, 3 tab, dimensional, fiberglass.....and they all have different weight which can greatly effect the insulating and thermoreflective values of the shingle which also throws color in to the mix.
With all of this being said you are driven to the exact specific environment of each roof and which can include shade from trees or farm next door which ups the airbourne organic particulate which can also aid in black streaking as well as lack of insulation on the interior side of the home that can greatly effect the growth patterns of GM and then there is the big kicker---each home's respective day to day unpredictable weather.
One can determine greater risk though by calculating up the additional negative factors that a specific property has besides it's Northern exposure which is the biggest factor of all.

I have personally cleaned roofs that are only 3 years old and I have cleaned simalar style roofs that have the same amount of visible black streaking that are 15 years old.

The best bet is to keep the roof free of GM and that roof will outlast the roof that is infected by far. Once Lichen starts to hit it is a must clean.

You sounding like Bill and I'm getting lost again!! LOL!!

gutterdog · Oct 13, 2010

Thanks Bill for the lead too. I got her and her neighbor and YOU look good! We were on time, all that chit, lol!!

AC Lockyer · none

Bryan,

We have found it cuts the life of the roof in half. Now thats against the life rating of the shingle. There are 20 year roofs, 30, 40, 50...... We know absolutely that many roofs in Florida dont make the 12 to 15 year mark reguardless if not kept clean.

Thanks,

AC

Xstream · Guest

Thanks for all the replies. I understand where all of you are coming from. I wasnt looking for an exact. I was only curious, due to a question or comment I heard one day. About how much time is taking off your life if you smoke or drink. It got me thinking!!!!! Yes I know I think sometimes, and yes I do get confused when I do LOL

Guest

Here on the Washington coast we get hit with lots of rain, and lots of 70 plus wind storms so your average 30 yr roof last about 20 yrs if your lucky and that is if you don't get a few 100 plus storms. I don't think any one has ever cleaned roofs in this area like we at the RCIA do. I am guessing that it should give the life of a roof an xtra 3 to five yrs. I plan on being in business for quite a while and I should have an answer for you one of these yrs. I hope

Andreas · Guest

Here's my pitch: GM is to roofs what smoking is to humans. As to longevity, some people live to 100 while smoking others die of lung cancer before 40. Everyone knows it's bad and it's something that is sure to affect health and quality of life.

GM is affecting their roof in multiple ways we've all talked about (heating, moisture, limestone, etc). Some roofs may last longer than others with GM but why should you (H.O.) chance it?

Matthew · Guest

This is a really long read but this link has a ton of info on the various affects on roofing materials.

University Study

Basically it boils down to this:

GM, or any other biological on the roof increases moisture and heat.
Moisture retention and increased temperatures degrade the roofing material.
This damage is expodential.

So "X" amount of biologicals cause "X" amount of increse temp and moisture which does "X" amount of damage in year 5.
It increases in year 6-15 each year not only doing more damage but doing more damage per year ie year 6 may be "X" x .75 year 7 "X" x .95 year 8 "X" x 1.05 etc, etc.

Add to that the granular loss.

Add to that the guy that gave you a great deal on a roof clean with a pitch witch.

Add to that the dude with the surface cleaner and a 5 gallon of Sodium Hydroxide.

Add to that.... ( well you get the picture)

-- Edited by Matthew on Thursday 14th of October 2010 05:32:14 PM

The Roof Cleaning Institute Of America Training & Certification Forum "Find A Certified Roof Cleaner Directory"

The Roof Cleaning Institute Of America Training & Certification Forum
"Find A Certified Roof Cleaner Directory"