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Roof cleaning

Soft wash roof cleaning is our speciality! From Spanish tile to traditional shingle roofing surfaces Hang Loose can clean it all.

Another Driveway Cleaning Job with Amazing Results

Another Driveway Cleaning Job with Amazing Results

Driveways can sure taking a beating with all the traffic they see and are especially prone to excess dirt build ups during the rainy season. This Seminole, Florida driveway was in crucial need of a proper pressure washing and we were glad to provide the services.

Before Hang Loose Driveway Pressure Cleaning

Before Hang Loose Driveway Pressure Cleaning


After Hang Loose Driveway Pressure Cleaning

After Hang Loose Driveway Pressure Cleaning

Roof Cleaning Job in Belleair Beach, FL

Roof Cleaning Job in Belleair Beach, FL

This Belleair Beach slate roof was in dyer need of our expert roof cleaning services and wow, what an outcome! The roof was in perfect condition aside from the black algae growth that covered a great deal of it. Hang Loose Roof Cleaning to the rescue! We were able to fully restore the roof to it’s brand new look, removing all the algae, where it will remain in near perfect condition for years to come.

Protecting Landscape During Roof Cleaning

We also took extra care of the landscape on this property as we needed to utilize a greater amount of soft washing procedures in order to remove all the algae. This process is done by thoroughly saturating the areas where roof run-off has a potential to harm the vegetation before, during and after the roof cleaning process.

Before Hang Loose Roof Cleaning

Before Hang Loose Roof Cleaning

After Hang Loose Roof Cleaning

After Hang Loose Roof Cleaning

How Much Does Roof Cleaning Cost?

How Much Does Roof Cleaning Cost?

When looking at hiring a roof cleaning company, the concern of cost is an immediate thought. Most websites now have free quote forms, which helps in this process. However, these quote forms can never take into effect the actual condition of the roof, nor severity of potential mold or build up of dirt and debris on the roof, thus making them often give low numbers than what clients are actually charged.
When looking at average costs, the United States has a wide range, which depends on location, type of roof, size of the roof, the amount of cleaning needed, and type of cleaning performed. Let’s look at some of the varying numbers, which are helpful when budgeting a roof cleaning.

National Cost Averages for Roof Cleaning

The variety of business lists, like Angie’s List, Home Advisor, and Thumbtack, ranges from $550 to $2,000 for a 1,500 square-foot-roof to be low pressure, soft washed. The minimum reported cost for the same sized roof was $90 for a simple blowing of a roof, while the highest cost came in at $10,350 for a professional soft-wash of a roof horribly overrun with mold. For roofers who charge hourly rates, those come out to an average of $125 per hour; however, it will again depend on the level of expertise necessary to perform the cleaning. Some companies provide quotes based on the type of cleaning and cost-per-square-foot, with an average of $.90 per-square-foot.

Additional Cost Considerations

When the roofing company creates a quote, they will want to look at the roof’s condition. The more grime, algae, or mold there is, of course, the higher the cost. If the roof is made of cedar shakes, there will be an additional cost of a topical treatment, which helps restore the wood for greater longevity. This type of roof is only common in Norther states. There may also be minor repairs or shingle replacements, which may not be known until the cleaning is in progress. Consider if other services may be timely, like gutter cleaning or repair, and cleaning the home’s siding.

Cost Saving Measures

While roof cleaning costs can vary, it’s important to consider any options for cost-savings. When calling for a quote, ask if there are any specials, package deals, price matching, or coupons (and check their website too), get more than one quote, and then compare the companies’ reviews and reputation before deciding who to hire. Secondly, save $25 or $50 a month into a savings account so you can pay the bill without using a credit card.

As described above, the price of roof cleaning will vary based on several factors. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to contact us for a free quote today.

Roofs in Florida: The Grime, The Bad, and The Ugly

Roofs in Florida: The Grime, The Bad, and The Ugly

Whether a lifelong resident or visiting on summer break, it’s easy to see that roofs in Florida get dirty quicker than what you may have seen in Norther states especially. From grimy looking tile and mossy shingles to ugly black streaks. Many homeowners seek roof cleaning services to make it all go away, but what exactly is creating the mess? Let’s explore the why and what’s behind the yuck.

The Grime = Mildew and Mold

Living in one of the country’s most humid and moist locations, roofs in Florida are an entirely welcoming environment for fungi and microbial growth. Generally, starting with spores traveling through the air, mold, and mildew occur in those little dirty pools and puddles of standing water in those nooks and crannies mixed with humid climates.

The Bad = Moss on Florida Roofs

As with mildew and mold, roofs in Florida are prime real estate for mossy growth. It can take less than four years in some areas for a roof to be entirely covered. This is particularly noticeable on roofs shaded most of the day with occasional damp, cooler weather. The lack of sunlight is often the most significant factor in how much moss may grow.

The Ugly = Algae and Lichens

Like a shallow pond or lake with an algae bloom, Florida roofs often have dark spots and ugly streaks. Often mistaken for dirt or mildew, it’s a form of blue-green algae. Unfortunately, by the time it is noticeable, it has grown for at least two months into visible streaks. All types of roofs are prone to algae, but asphalt shingles seem to be the most susceptible to airborne algae spores. Then, if algae meet fungi, it’s an entirely more complicated problem. The two will form lichen growth with the smallest of food sources, which can then ‘root’ itself if left too long and cause irreparable damage.

Preventive Measures for Roof Longevity

While there is no permanent remedy for algae, fungi, or microbial roof growth, preventive and regular cleaning. By keeping these pesky growths under control will lengthen the life of your roof when adequately cleaned. Therefore, it’s always best to hire a professional roof cleaner and pass on doing it yourself.

From colorful or black streaks, moss, or algae growth, any or all are expected in Florida’s humid environment. If you’ve noticed a growing spot or streak, let us come out for a free roof cleaning quote move toward getting it under control.

Red Tile Roof Cleaned in St. Pete Beach

Red Tile Roof Cleaned in St. Pete Beach

Another beautiful red tile roof in St. Pete Beach is Holiday ready! This client’s roof was in dyer need of good cleaning and we were happy to assist. There’s something almost therapeutic about watching a dirty, algae ridden roof come fully clean with our specialized blend of roof cleaning solution. Each time we clean a roof like this we are extra careful to both make sure we are walking carefully and fully saturating plants to keep them safe during and after the cleaning. Of course, we also utilize proper, safe, soft, low/no pressure when cleaning roofs as any serious pressure can damage even the strongest tile roof.

White Tile Roofs, Our Favorites to Clean

White Tile Roofs, Our Favorites to Clean

This Treasure Island, Fl home was in need of a proper soft wash and the outcome was incredible. Much like owning a white car, a white tile roof will quickly build up dirt and algae in Florida’s hot, humid climate. Cleaning white tile roofs may just be our favorite soft washing projects to undertake as the outcome is always stunning. Occasionally the roof is nearly a completely discolored from algae growth and the final product is a totally new looking roof. This is enjoyable for both our team, and the home owner. If you are need of Roof cleaning services, be sure to let the pros at Hang Loose give you a free estimate.

Pressure Cleaning VS Soft Washing, What’s The Difference?

Pressure Cleaning VS Soft Washing, What’s The Difference?

Searching to find what the differences between pressure cleaning (aka Power washing) and soft washing are? Simply answer, soft washing is a method of cleaning anything from a tile roof to stucco on the exterior of a home in which the pressure is no more stronger than that of the average gardening hose. Meanwhile, “pressure cleaning” refers to the usage of high pressure to clean dirt, grime and algae from hard surfaces like brick and concrete.

Is Soft Washing or Pressure Cleaning Better for my Roof?

Ongoing roof maintenance for your home is essential to maintaining and increasing your home’s equity. Keeping the siding and roof clean clean helps the longevity and makes it easier to identify needed repairs. An important aspect of cleaning the roof or siding is in the process. Most people understand what pressure washing means but don’t realize the real difference in soft washing. Just because you may have seen what looks like a pressure washing company on your neighbors roof, possibly even holding what looks like a power washing wand, don’t assume that roof was being cleaned with high pressure. Most likely, and hopefully, their pressure settings were set extremely low, yielding an effect that is no more harmful to surfaces then a regular garden hose.

Power Washing brick house

Power Washing brick house

The Truth About Pressure Washing

Regardless of the company doing the work, pressure washing uses high-pressure water to remove substances from a surface. At 1,300 to 4,000 PSI (pounds per square inch), even the lowest level setting of a pressure washer can cause lasting damage to roof shingles and tiles. It is generally considered an additional level of risk when the roof is older or in less-than-optimal condition. That’s not to say that pressure washing is terrible. It is very effective for washing other surfaces and the preferred method to remove paint, and clean concrete surfaces, paved areas, brick, stone, and other highly durable surfaces where dirt and grime are hard to move with regular pressure and chemicals.

Soft Washing a Tile Roof

Soft Washing a Tile Roof

The Difference in Soft Washing

Soft washing is the process of using water under pressure at a rate of less than 1,000 PSI with low-pressure nozzles. The washing gun or wand for a true soft washing method is an extremely gentle cleansing process combined with specially formulated cleaning detergent for a longer-lasting and effective cleaning. Unlike power washing, soft washing also retains the surface texture of surfaces. This process can be used on any roofing surface from tile to shingle and even metal roofs. It is also specifically recommended for cedar shake, wood paneling, stucco, coquina, screened enclosures, and window screens. Certain types of high end pavers are also recommended to only be cleaned via soft washing methods to avoid discoloring. Soft washing is also less likely to cause accidental damage to siding, gutters, window screens, or painted surfaces, which quickly occurs with high pressure power washing services.

Summary and Conclusions

Eliminating the mold, fungi, dirt, and grime from external surfaces like your home or businesses roof is always good for maintaining equity and extending the life of the roof. As noted above, pressure and soft washing have great value when used properly but must be used according to the type of surface being cleaned. For roofing, in general, the best practice is to obtain soft washing to ensure the longevity of your roof.

Have questions? We’re happy to provide answers and a free quote. Contact us today!

Top Seven Roof Cleaning Mistakes

Top Seven Roof Cleaning Mistakes

The roof of a home or business is just as important as the foundation. If properly installed and maintained, a roof can last 20 years or longer. Simple mistakes in maintaining a roof can lead to premature, expensive repairs, or replacement. Whether you hire a professional roof cleaning company or prefer to do-it-yourself (DIY), the following top mistakes are essential to keep in mind to recognize potential for damage and other issues.

  • #1 Power Washing

    As noted in additional blogs, high-pressure power washing easily causes damage to roofing. Primarily, the high-pressure water strips away the protective layer and granules from shingles, causing minor cracks to become fissures, or even break off small pieces of roofing material. This is one of the most common mistakes in roof cleaning and has been known to void warranties or even insurance claims on the roof.

     

  • #2 Brush Cleaning

    Depending on the roof’s condition and how the brush is used, roofing material can be easily damaged and lead to further embedment of fungi and algae. For example, a DIYer starts brushing up against the tiles’ pitch or shingles unknowingly fights as bristles catch and pull up on the roofing material. This is where loosening starts, and debris is accidentally brushed up under the layer of roofing rather than off the roof. If you hired a roofing company and see the “expert” atop your roof with a strong brush, scrubbing away, first take a photo, then inquire about his method. If he seems like he doesn’t know what he’s talking about it’s likely because he has no clue what he’s doing. Stop him. If your roof is damaged, be thankful you took that picture as it will come in handy when you have to take that company to court to pay for your tarnished roof.

     

  • #3 Acid and Harsh Chemicals

    Depending on the roofing material, any harsh chemical could harm the coloring of the roof. Worse yet, if the fine print is misunderstood, then roofing can disintegrate away, leaving expensive repairs behind. Keep in mind bleach must be used carefully, including covering any plants and removing furniture near the roof runoff areas. Other harsh chemicals can also cause damage or harm animals, so reading the fine print is critical. At Hang Loose, we use a proprietary solution with minimal bleach and our roof cleaning methods include fully saturating and rinsing nearby plant life to prevent any possible damage to the vegetation.

     

  • #4 Wrong Method or Too Often

    Each roofing type will need a slightly different level of care. Fungi and algae growth or other microbial issues should be treated specifically to the actual growth. Additionally, there no need to clean a roof more than once a year though particular treatments may need to occur to inhibit growth. In these cases, a professional’s opinion and guidance will provide the knowledge need to properly maintain your roof.

     

  • #5 Be Aware of Ridge Caps

    New roofers and DIYers may not even think twice when getting on a roof when suddenly a crack or breaking sound occurs on the ridge. These ridges are essentially the roof’s seams. The ‘caps’ installed are not meant as extra support but defense for the roof. It’s as simple as too much weight or leverage on the cap that ends up cracking or breaking these caps. To avoid this, don’t step on the ridge! Also be sure to hire a roof cleaning company that’s been in business for a while and has a strong rapport on your local directory listing such as Google Maps. If you need more help choosing the best roof cleaning company, click here

     

  • #6 DIYing the Internet

    Although it’s easy to search the internet, there are too many bad players with processes or ‘recipes’ that leave searchers undeniably sorry. Plenty of DIYers with good intentions may not share the entirety of details relative to your roofing type. It’s easy to find the wrong information and this may leave you with discolored or otherwise damaged roof.
    Even if you plan to DIY clean your roof, consult with a professional roof cleaning company in your area.

     

  • #7 Ignoring the Weather

    As all Floridians are aware, the weather is nothing to ignore. This is another huge mistake easily made. If it’s fall, and leaves are all of your roof, don’t let this sit there and cause algae to build under them. Keep an eye on your roof throughout the year, even if that means getting the ladder or drone out and doing regular inspections. Have a property with a lot of trees? You may be well suited to invest in a good, strong leaf blower to minimize the need to have your roof professionally cleaned more often than truly needed. Wind will cause water and cleaning agents to spray all over and will be less effective cleaning overall. Rainy days will rinse off the cleaning agents too soon, and the converse with hot days where the cleaner will evaporate too soon.

     

Some Helpful DIY Tips

For hardcore DIYers, please use these helpful tips if cleaning your roof:

  • Research the manufacturer of your roofing material and check their website for recommendations and specified cleaning processes.
  • Wear eye protection, even if you don’t use chemicals.
  • Use protective clothing appropriate for the cleaner being used.
  • Never, ever, mix ammonia with bleach.
  • Perhaps obvious, use slip-resistant shoes and a fall harness if possible.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely.
  • Seek some professional guidance if you have questions or a significant amount of microbial, fungi, or mold growth.
  • Start at the top of the roof and spray in sections and avoid walking on the wet roof.
  • Once the cleaning agent has sat for 10-15 minutes or as directed, rinse the solution using a garden hose with even strokes.
  • Trim tree branches (or hire an arborist) before cleaning the roof.
  • If the roof is prone to growth, consider installing a copper strip or zinc strip under the row of shingles at the peak of the roof. 


Final Thoughts on Preventing Roof Damage

Cleaning a roof is important and critical to the overall cost-effectiveness of maintaining and preserving its longevity. The above common mistakes and helpful tips are meant to assist DIY-curious and DIYers in their decision to hire a roof cleaning company or not.

Hang Loose Pressure Washing is happy to answer your roof cleaning questions and concerns. If you’re ready for a quote and live in the Clearwater and Pinellas County area, contact us for a free quote today.

Choosing the Best Roof Cleaning Company in Pinellas

Choosing the Best Roof Cleaning Company in Pinellas

Long gone are the days of yellow pages, where reputable businesses were easy to find. In our digital age, we must be vigilant in our search. Locating the best takes several steps, starting with locating professional roof cleaning companies, narrowing them down, obtaining quotes/bidding, and selecting your best option. Here is a rundown of each step with additional information.

Best Resources for Roof Cleaning Companies

There are three primary sources for finding the best roof cleaning company in your area. First, ask your neighbors, family, coworkers, and friends. Use social media to expand your search by posting you are looking for a professional roof cleaner. Those closest to you are most likely to share valid and reliable information on their experiences. Secondly, use Google to search your area using “Roof Cleaning Company,” followed by your city and state names. There are far more reliable good and bad reviews on Google than anywhere else on the internet. With over 246 million unique Google users in the United States, their power in reviews rivals other sites. Businesses cannot buy their way to better reviews, and it is challenging to remove poor or scathing reviews.

Online Directories Are Not What You Think

The past decade has led to several ‘local’ business directories such as Angie’s List and Home Advisor. The unfortunate aspect of a majority of these sites is their dependence on the listing service. Paid subscriptions put businesses higher on the list, while some poor reviews are hidden or removed from view when fought by the poorly reviewed vendor.

Next Steps in Choosing the Best Roof Washer

Once you’ve started reading reviews, be sure to rely on the most recent comments, not the one scathing review from three years ago. Simultaneously, read both good and bad reviews and see if the business responds in a professional, customer-friendly manner. This can further help narrow down your options. If there is no Google listing, check Facebook. Not there either? Well, it may be a good idea to cross them off the list. For starters, Google listings are free and one of the most effortless accounts to set up for business owners. With a list of two or three (or one, if you live in a rural area), take the critical step to verify the business is license and insured. Sometimes this will be on their Google listing, Facebook page, or website. Other times, you may have to ask for proof before obtaining a quote or bid.

Ready to have your roof cleaned in Madeira Beach, Largo, or Pinellas County? Call or email us today! Hang Loose Pressure Washing provides safe and effective roof washing by licensed & insured professionals.

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