ABSTRACT
A series of field experiments in Florida have examined the impact of reflective roof coatings on air conditioning
energy use in occupied homes. The tests were conducted on nine residential buildings from 1991 to 1994 using a
before and after protocol where the roofs were whitened at mid-summer. Measured AC electrical savings in the
buildings during similar pre- and post-retrofit periods averaged 19%, ranging from a low of 2% to a high of 43%.
Utility peak coincident peak savings averaged 22%. Cooling energy reductions appear to depend on ceiling
insulation level and roof solar reflectance, air duct system location and air conditioner sizing relative to load.
A complementary thermal study of the effect of reflective roofing systems has been conducted in a side-by-side roof
test facility. Ceiling heat flux reductions up to (60%) were measured from reflective roofing in these experiments.
However, the test results have also shown degradation in solar reflectance and associated thermal performance
after a year of exposure.
If your pressure washing company is using any type of chemical like chlorine to clean your roof you could end up like this – needing repairs! If you think you are saving money with an inexpensive pressure washing company, you will ultimately cause damage to the roof. First, the chemical itself will attack any metal (nails, screws, flashing) and corrode it as well as dry out the base of tar papers under the top tile or asphalt. Second, walking on any tile roof will cause some breakage of the tiles. Sooner or later you will need roof repairs.
Our patented Citra-Shield (formerly CUG) Bioicide formula is sprayed onto your roof, no walking on it required. Citra-Shield Biocide is a revolutionary no-rinse green cleaner and preventitive treatment that removes green and black algea, moss, mildew, fungus, and lichen stains from roofs, siding, brick, stucco, stone and other exterior surfaces, and prevents them from returning, with maintenance program.
Thank you for contacting me about the concern you have for your customers. I’m sure they appreciate having someone look after their best interest. In reference to your question, I would refer you to our web site. We have a Knowledgebase Question and Answer section, which has the answer I believe you are looking for. I’ve attached a copy below and provided the web address.
http://www.kellyroofing.com/lore/
Kelly Roofing is often asked, “What is the best way to clean our roof?” Here in Florida we tend to have aggressive algae build-up. Here are our findings: Do not use Chlorine or Sodium Hydroxide: These chemicals are not only harmful to the asphalt membranes and materials that comprise the main waterproofing layer, but more importantly, these chemicals corrode the metal flashings and fasteners. Flashings bridge transition areas and fasteners hold the system together. Additionally, using these types of chemicals will void your roof’s warranty and potentially cause damages to other parts of the building and surrounding foliage. There are natural products available, which provide a cleaning solution without the harmful side effects.
I can also add that it has been our experience over the last 33 years in business here in Southwest Florida that roofs cleaned with the chemicals listed above do not last through their expected life cycle. The most damaging areas are to the flashings. The analogy we like to use is a pool-cleaning vehicle. The next time you are behind a pool-cleaning vehicle look at all the rust on their tailgate and bumper. Chlorine is very destructive to metals, especially galvanized metals like the ones used in roofing.
Additionally, the use of pressure causes the system to discolor and causes the tile’s surface to collect more dirt and algae due to the etching that results from pressure cleaning. This will just cause the algae to build up more quickly and reduce the amount of time between roof cleanings.
Thank you for contacting me. I hope this helps provide answers.
Joe,
Thank you for contacting me about the concern you have for your customers. I’m sure they appreciate having someone look after their best interest. In reference to your question, I would refer you to our web site. We have a Knowledgebase Question and Answer section, which has the answer I believe you are looking for. I’ve attached a copy below and provided the web address.
http://www.kellyroofing.com/lore/
Kelly Roofing is often asked, “What is the best way to clean our roof?” Here in Florida we tend to have aggressive algae build-up. Here are our findings: Do not use Chlorine or Sodium Hydroxide: These chemicals are not only harmful to the asphalt membranes and materials that comprise the main waterproofing layer, but more importantly, these chemicals corrode the metal flashings and fasteners. Flashings bridge transition areas and fasteners hold the system together. Additionally, using these types of chemicals will void your roof’s warranty and potentially cause damages to other parts of the building and surrounding foliage. There are natural products available, which provide a cleaning solution without the harmful side effects.
I can also add that it has been our experience over the last 33 years in business here in Southwest Florida that roofs cleaned with the chemicals listed above do not last through their expected life cycle. The most damaging areas are to the flashings. The analogy we like to use is a pool-cleaning vehicle. The next time you are behind a pool-cleaning vehicle look at all the rust on their tailgate and bumper. Chlorine is very destructive to metals, especially galvanized metals like the ones used in roofing.
Additionally, the use of pressure causes the system to discolor and causes the tile’s surface to collect more dirt and algae due to the etching that results from pressure cleaning. This will just cause the algae to build up more quickly and reduce the amount of time between roof cleanings.
Thank you for contacting me. I hope this helps provide answers.
Would you recommend Clean Up Group, Inc. to a friend or colleague? Yes
Describe Your Experience with Clean Up Group, Inc.:
Very good staff. Jury still out on if the enzime system for cleaning the roof will work as effective as power washing, but certainly is better than someone walking on your tile roof.
To see any additional information provided by the consumer on this rating, please visit the Ratings and Reviews section of your member site. Congratulations again and thanks for satisfying another ServiceMagic customer!
Fresh from our lab Clean Up Group will be applying Citra-Shield sidewalk cleaner. The cleaner will pervent the mildew stains from comming back just like our roof products.
CUG Biocide is a green cleaner to protect your home and the environment. For your added safety it has been approved by the EPA. You will be amazed at the way this cleaner eats away the mold and mildew and prevents it from coming back for much longer than ordinary pressure washing . Most cleaners just bleach the mold and mildew. Your home is further protected because CUG Biocide will not rust nails or metal thereby causing leaks in your roof. Your roof will not suffer from damaged or broken tiles because we never walk on it. We look forward to answering your questions or hearing your comments.
