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Do you need your roof cleaned and would like to know the cost? We will try to provide you the information needed to help you make an informed decision in choosing the right contractor for the job.
Roof cleaning prices can vary throughout the United States. In the Southern states the prices may be a bit cheaper since the seasons allows roof cleaners to work all year round. In the Northern states there may be only an 8-9 month window to allow this type of work. In order to maintain a viable business year over year, Northern companies will have to charge accordingly. There is not much equipment needed to start a roof cleaning business. But a contractor who operates without liability or workers compensation insurance can charge less to perform the work since they are without this added expense. Furthermore, if you’re not being charged sales tax, chances are you’re not dealing with a legitimate company. These are choices as you, the homeowner, will have to weigh when making your decision.
Which Method is the Correct Method for My Roof?
We understand it can be confusing and you can find a lot of conflicting information pertaining to roof cleaning. It also doesn’t help that the roof shingle manufacturers do not go out of their way to endorse any one specific method. One piece of information exists by one of the manufacturers that outline what the staining is and the recommended procedure for treatment. This ARMA Bulletin (Asphalt Roofing Maunufacturers Association) provides the most pertinent information available. Cleaning a roof of black stains, moss, or lichens is not a “power washing” job. The bulletin clearly states that high pressure should not be used. The reason for this is because high pressure can loosen the granules that protects the roof and gives the roof its color. These granules protect the underlying membrane from weather and harmful UV. Roofs with thinning granules are nearing the end of their life cycle and will soon need replacement. Any device that is connected to a pressure washer and produces forceful water should not be used to clean a roof.
There are many roof cleaning companies in New Jersey and some actually use a machine on the roof that looks like a floor buffer. This machine is called a “surface cleaner”. It connects to a pressure washer and produces high pressure water that is released on a spinning bar at the bottom of the device. Though this method is not recommended by the manufacturer and it can dislodge large amounts of roofing granules, it does serve a purpose in the roof cleaning profession. This method of roof cleaning produces instant results which may be needed for those who need to take the “For Sale” snapshot by their realtor. People who anticipate moving out of the home are not as interested in how this process shortens the life of a roof. This process is a bit more labor intensive since a machine needs to be brought onto the roof. The cost for cleaning a roof using this method can be a bit higher that those who use Non-pressure roof cleaning methods. A typical Cape style house with moderate staining can cost anywhere from $400-$600 for a roof treatment. A mid-sized 3-4 bedroom home with a 2 car garage can fetch $600-$800 using a high pressure treatment. This method is not a suggested method for cleaning a roof. It will shorten the life of the roof and void the warranty of the shingle.
The other method for treating roof mold is called Non-Pressure roof cleaning. This process is more accepted by the roof shingle manufactures since there are no pressure washers involved. This process is much less abrasive to the shingle. The process uses a detergent of sodium hypochlorite which is the main ingredient in household bleach. A certified roof cleaner is trained to know the exact mixture of sodium hypochlorite, water, and surfactant to blend to achieve the desired result. Though many people can cringe at the thought of using bleach around their home, sodium hypochlorite is very biodegradable. It is made from common salt and ends up as common salt. This is why all municipalities use sodium hypochlorite to treat the tap water we all drink. This product is also used in swimming pools to inhibit the growth of algae. So it would make sense that the manufacturer of shingles suggest using this product. The main question to ask a contractor who uses this method is how they intend to protect the surrounding landscape. Most contractors using this method will cover all landscape and have a ground man who constantly waters down the surrounding area. They should also bag the gutters to collect the run off.
This process does not produce instant results. Any black staining will remove instantly but solids like moss and lichens will die, dry out, and come off within a few rains. Though this process will not produce instant gratification, the roof will actually stay cleaner for a longer period of time since treating the whole roof will produce a 100% kill ratio on all living organisms on a roof. Using non-pressure roof methods, a typical Cape style house can cost roughly $300-$450 in New Jersey, Ranch style $450-$600, 3-4 bedroom with 2 car garage $450-$650.
We hope this message helps you better understand the different methods and costs of roof cleaning in NJ. It is good practice to check online reviews and actually ask to see documents such as insurance. Good luck on your quest for cleaning your roof of your most treasured asset.
