Algae Discoloration of Roofs and Roof Cleaning!
For many years, roof discoloration caused by algae has been observed throughout the United States and Canada. The discoloration usually has a brown to black appearance, and may be mistaken for fungus growth, soot, dirt, moss, or tree droppings.
Gloeocapsa magma is probably the most prevalent of several algae species that contribute to discoloration. All species are transported through the air, and tend to collect and grow upon roofing structures. Natural pigments produced by these algae may cause a white or light colored roof to gradually turn dark brown or black. Discoloration may appear as uniform discolorations or streaks. The algae discolorations should not be confused with moss or tree droppings, which typically produce only localized discolorations.
This type of roof discoloration has been most widespread in the Gulf States and along the Northwest and Eastern Seaboards. It is not, however, confined exclusively to these regions. Algae growth occurs to varying degrees in all regions of the country, especially those subjected to warm, humid conditions. It should be noted that almost all types of roofing systems are susceptible to algae discoloration. It is, of course, most readily visible upon light colored roofs, while it is not so visible upon darker shades of roofing.
Algae discolorations are difficult to remove from roofing surfaces, but may be lightened by applying a solution of liquid household chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) and water. Directions for mixing solutions of these ingredients may vary among shingle manufacturers and depend on the amount of discoloration. A typical solution should be one part chlorine bleach and one part water. Other cleaning chemicals or methods should not be used without approval of the shingle manufacturer.
First, gently disperse this solution on the roofing surface. Use normal precautions for handling bleach including eye protection and rubber gloves. Be sure to apply it carefully to avoid damage to other parts of the building and the surrounding landscape. Avoid scrubbing the surface, as this friction may loosen and remove granules. If possible, always work from a ladder and/or walkboards to avoid direct contact with the roof surface. Observe all possible safety precautions when working on or near the roof. The solution should be left on the roof for at least 15 minutes but for no more than 20 minutes. Finally, rinse the solution from the roof by gently spraying the surface with water. Be warned that this solution application and rinse process will make the roof surface slippery and potentially hazardous to walk on during treatment.
The effectiveness of a roof cleaning technique is only temporary, and discoloration will likely reoccur (likely after 2-5 years).
Caution!
High pressure washing systems are likely to damage asphalt roofing and should not be used on asphalt roofing for removing algae or for any other purpose.
Credit: ARMA asphaltroofing.org
What Our Clients Say
I would highly recommend 3LM Roof Cleaning. I had contacted multiple other companies that either responded once and never followed up with a quote or didn’t respond at all. 3LM Roof Cleaning responded quickly and gave me a quote quickly. They came out when they said they would and due to our mistake couldn’t do the work in the morning. They figured out a way to get the work done later in the same day and did a great job!
I would highly recommend 3LM Roof Cleaning and I will be happy to give them my business the next time my roof needs to be cleaned. The office staff were highly communicative, professional, and kind. The technicians who came to perform the service were on-time, efficient, careful yet thorough in cleaning our roof to perfection. Solid company made up of good people.
Excellent Job! The neighbors came over to compliment how nice the roof looked, like new! On-time and professional. I will use them again. Last 2 pics are before
Very professional group you deal with. The service was outstanding. If you’re looking for this kind of service search no more, the results are excellent. Look no further, I honestly didn’t need to look at the results we’ve used them many times over the last 7 years.
3LM did an outstanding job on my roof. It started to rain during the cleaning and they waiting two hours before continue so the rain would not dilute the cleaning compounds...Very thorough.
I have been using their service every year. They work hard and did excellent job. I was very satisfied.
Their team was professional and courteous and did an excellent job cleaning our roof. We would definitely use them again in the future.
Had roof, driveway and back pool deck area cleaned from all the grime. Roof looks fantastic with their soft pressure wash and driveway was sealed and sanded after cleaning. All looks great and would recomend them. If you bundle the services they give you 10% off.
3LM Roof Cleaning and Pressure Washing did an excellent job cleaning our home. People in the office were very responsive and quick to fit us into their schedule. I recommend the company and will use their services again.
3LM is very professional, responsive and most importantly their service is great. They came out on time and did the job timely. I appreciate their work and would highly recommend them to anyone.
3LM did a great professional cleaning on my difficult roof and home.
Each step was quick and easy, from the estimate to the price and scheduling. They were quick to reply and easy to communicate with throughout the process.
My roof is high and steep so I was happy they came prepared, experienced, recommended... and insured.
They answered all our questions in a timely fashion. We are really happy with the end result. Thank you so much for your services. Kudos to such a very professional team. They explained everything and were thorough. Happy customer and highly recommend. I've attached a photo of my before and after.
Everything was such a positive experience. From getting a quote online to the communication about our appointment to the work they did. They did an amazing job. Our roof and driveway/sidewalks have never looked better. Even though we have our own pressure washer, we may never use it again now that we found 3LM!
Pete and his team took my Dad's tile roof from very, very, very dirty to like new. It's unbelievable how good it looks. The pricing was more than fair for the time they spent on it and the end result. I highly recommend 3LM. Pete was very responsive to my initial call and arrived right on time.
I’ve been power washing my own house, pool enclosure, and sidewalk for over 10 years. My girlfriend researched and hired 3LM to do my pool enclosure because my schedule has been crazy. WOW!!! I may never do it myself again! Our crew was amazing and thorough for the entire pool enclosure and deck. It hasn’t looked this good since it was new. We will have them back next year!
Josh and his partner did such a wonderful job cleaning our metal roof recently. They were on time, available to answer any questions we had and very reasonable in price. We will definitely be using them in the future!
We used 3LM for roof cleaning ( Soft Wash of the roof) from the quote to the day the job was completed. Extremely professional team. Very responsive to work via email or phone. The quote was easy and they were accommodating with the scheduling changes. I highly recommend them for roof washing as one guy was cleaning and other guy was watering the grass so chemicals didn't kill my grass. My roof looks like new and my grass is not dead - i am a happy customer.
Pete and his team did a fantastic job cleaning our roof, gutters, fascia, pool deck and pool enclosure. Being new to Florida this was our first time using such a service and Pete was great about explaining the process. I will use him again and recommend his service.
Service was great. They communicated with me through out the process. I had a deadline and they worked with me to get this taste completed before the deadline. Will definitely recommend and use them again in the future.
Pete and his team did a fantastic job cleaning our roof, gutters, fascia, pool deck and pool enclosure. Being new to Florida this was our first time using such a service and Pete was great about explaining the process. I will use him again and recommend his service.
Service was great. They communicated with me through out the process. I had a deadline and they worked with me to get this taste completed before the deadline. Will definitely recommend and use them again in the future.
They came on time and did a great job cleaning the roof. They also provided pictures before and after along with a drone picture of the entire roof.
Highly recommend them.
They came on time and did a great job cleaning the roof. They also provided pictures before and after along with a drone picture of the entire roof.
Highly recommend them.
I had hired 3LM Roof Cleaning & Exterior Pressure Washing to soft wash my roof and they did such a great job, I had them return and pressure wash my driveway & sidewalks. Everything looks top notch, beautiful! I am so glad we found this company and will use them for all pressure washing needs. Right from the first contact with this company, they were very professional. Pete & his crew did excellent work on my roof. They were professional, on time, courteous and polite. They did exactly what they quoted. They kept me informed with emails to remind me they were coming. Now my roof, driveway and sidewalks look great! I will definitely hire them again.
They were here on time and did a fantastic job. The house has some serious mold built up from the shade trees and it came out wonderful including the gutters and drip edges. Call these guys if you need pressure washing. They are doing my drive and roof next !!!!
Right from the first contact with this company, they were very professional. Pete & his crew did excellent work on my roof. They were professional, on time, courteous and polite. They did exactly what they quoted. They kept me informed with emails to remind me they were coming. Now my roof looks great! I will definitely hire them again.
I had the guys come out last week to pressure wash our driveway and sidewalk, they also done a soft pressure cleaning on our roof. We found them really professional to work with. From enquiry to job done was painless and we found everyone really helpful. Our roof is so clean now we reckon the space station probably can see it gleaming!!! And our driveway is now once again clean and bright!
Thanks guys we extremely happy customers.
3LM is a professional company. One who honors their warranty. In fact they reached out to us to see if our roof required any cleaning prior to the warranty ending. They do quality work and stand by their warranty. I highly recommend them.
The crew was on time. The roof needed a good cleaning. In less than 3 hours, the roof looked as good as new. Thank you 3LM for your professionalism and attention to detail.
The crew arrived on time and were very professional. They cleaned the roof which had not been cleaned since it was installed 13 years ago. They covered the plants rinsed off the driveway and the roof looks like new. I would recommend them to anyone I know. 
Christine Launderville
Alaa Al Amil
Alaa Al Amil
Grace Hennessy
Grace Hennessy
Grace Kinsella
Tom Rose
Gary West
CALL US NOW AT (407) 900-8966 OR
Contact Us
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865 Francis Street
Altamonte Springs, FL 32701 -
(407) 900-8966
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3lmpressurecleaning@gmail.com
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3LMpressurecleaning
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3LM Roof Cleaning & Exterior Pressure Washing Reviews
Rated 4.9/5 based on 10 reviews
