Glenn Simplifies Roof Cleaning with Wet & Forget
Glenn K. from Vero Beach, Florida, faced a roof cleaning problem that almost every homeowner faces.
“My roof gets very black stains. And it gets darker and darker and darker if you don’t deal with it.” -Glenn
Like many homeowners, Glenn’s first attempt at a solution was to call a roof cleaning company to take care of the problem. While talking with his neighbors, Glenn discovered that what he thought would be an effective roof tile cleaning solution, had only made the situation worse.
“The companies my friends had hired were going onto their roofs with power washers and damaging the tiles. As a result, my friends had to spend an average of $15 to $20 dollars per tile.” – Glenn
Fortunately, a neighbor of Glenn’s offered him a solution to his problems: Wet & Forget.
Visible Black Stains Require Effective Roof Cleaning
Before launching into the ins and outs of how Wet & Forget safely and effectively cleans roofs, let’s look at Glenn’s roof-related issue.
Black stains or streaks are often mistaken for dirt or even mold. But in many cases, these black discolorations are a form of algae known as Gloeocapsa magma.
Gloeocapsa magma thrives in climates like Florida, where the climate is humid and warm. It can grow on almost any wet or moist exterior surface, though it prefers materials containing limestone.
And if you notice these dark spots on one roof in your neighborhood, you’ll soon see them spreading from home to home. That’s because Gloeocaspa magma spreads through the air and wind.
Even if you think you can live with these rooftop stains and smears, you may soon experience financial repercussions.
If left untreated, your roof may age and deteriorate prematurely. This could result in fines from your homeowners’ association or even cancellation of your homeowner’s insurance.
Why Other Roof Tile Cleaners Didn’t Work
Many roof cleaners contain a significant flaw: they require you to get on your roof to use them.
And, as Glenn notes, that’s not always a good idea because “it’s dangerous to be on tile roofs.”
The American Ladders Institute agrees. According to their statistics, there are over 136,000 ladder-related emergency room visits every year.
Additionally, it can be difficult to step on roof tiles without breaking them.
Again, here’s Glenn to put it in context:
“If the tile is like 12 or 14 inches long, you can only step on the top two inches. Otherwise, it snaps off. So, it’s very tricky to walk on, and even professionals break them. And they’re on roofs every day.” -Glenn
Even if you trust yourself or a professional to safely stand on your roof without stepping and breaking any tiles, there’s still the cleaning risk that is often employed in those situations: pressure washers.
Roof tiles are typically designed to withstand moderate to heavy rainfall. Pressure washers, however, are capable of emitting a concentrated and forceful stream of water.
This may result in damaging the tiles, breaking down their adhesive, and allowing mold to set up shop in your home’s heating and cooling system.
Other cleaning agents, such as bleach, can still worsen the situation. Bleach is caustic, meaning it can break down the materials that make up your roof.
Bleach may also not clear up the underlying mold issue. Instead, you could dye the mold a lighter color that only gives you a false sense of security.
How Wet & Forget Roof Cleaner Works
Instead of risking personal injury or property damage, it’s better to use a product that works effectively while keeping your two feet firmly planted on the ground.
And when we asked what Glenn likes most about Wet & Forget, his answer reflects these benefits.
“Most importantly, you can clean it without going on the roof. And, number two, it’s critically important to me that I only do these roofs once a year because I’m still a snowbird. I spray my roof in February, and when I come back the following December, my roof looks just like it did the day the houses were built.” -Glenn
Using Wet & Forget Xtreme Reach™ Hose End is so easy that Glenn cleans not only his house but also his neighbors’ houses.
“I use Wet and Forget on three houses a year, and I’ve been doing three houses a year for the last four years.” -Glenn
While the roofs in Glenn’s neighborhood are predominantly made from terracotta, Wet & Forget is safe and effective on virtually any roofing material:
- Aluminum
- Asphalt
- Clay
- Concrete
- Metal
- Stone
- Vinyl
When applying this product, it is recommended to wait for a day when the temperature is at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit. It is advised to spray on a day when there is no expected rain within a 4-5 hour window after application.
Then, simply screw Wet & Forget Xtreme Reach™ Hose End onto the end of the hose. To reach distances of up to 30 feet, such as on roofs or second-floor exteriors, attach the jet tip.
There’s no need to rinse, scrub, or power wash. The spray will work with wind and rain to gently lift stains over time.
In many cases, a single application every 12-18 months may be all you need. If you’re dealing with particularly stubborn or long-lasting stains, consider a second application after a month or two of your first.
Green stains may take a few weeks to completely clear. Black stains may take a few months.
The gentle cleaning process may take time, but you’ll end up with a roof that closely resembles how it first looked when it was installed.
Wet & Forget Can Do More than Clean Roofs
Of course, black stains don’t just appear on roofs. They can appear on driveways, decks, and virtually any outdoor surface.
That’s why Glenn also uses Wet & Forget to clean his driveway.
“I use Wet & Forget Concentrate on my driveway because our driveways have to stay clean also. And it does a great, great job.” -Glenn
The spray is as effective on stains as it is cost-effective on your wallet. A single one-gallon container is enough to make six gallons of cleaning solution.
And just like with Wet & Forget Xtreme Reach™ Hose End, you can apply it on virtually any outdoor surface. It requires no scrubbing, rinsing, or power washing.
Wet & Forget For All Your Roof Cleaning Needs
There’s no need to hire expensive roof cleaners who are just as likely to break tiles as they are to remove black smears and stains. Instead, be like Glenn and use Wet and Forget Outdoor products to get the job done safely and effectively.
As Glenn puts it, “Wet & Forget does an outstanding, perfect job in keeping my roof clean.”
Buy Wet & Forget Outdoor products today by visiting your local retailers.
