FAQ - Alpine Gentle Roof Cleaning, Renton, WA

'High Pressure' washing, which many companies use, is not recommended on any type of roof.

'Gentle Pressure' is the safest cleaning system for your roof, and it is recommended by roofing companies in our area.

'Air Pressure' is used when aggressive cleaning is not needed.

The Treatment extends the life of your roof.

It naturally blocks moss and algae.

It Restores the Cedar's Color.

For Shake Roofs we use a treatment that:

is non-toxic and enviro-friendly.

is a waterbased and multi-purpose treatment.

is Cedar tinted and restores the beauty of your natural cedar roof.

has a special coating that bonds to the fibres in the wood to naturally block biological growth.

For Composition & Tile Roofs we use a treatment that:

is a guaranteed moss treatment.

on a scale of 1-10, is a '10' commercial grade material.

The life expectancy of your roof varies with climatic conditions. Generally, wood or asphalt roofs can be expected to last 15 to 20 years. Regardless of the area you live in, weather conditions will allow moisture to be retained on all or at least on some portions of your roof. This can shorten the life expectancy of your roof considerably because it promotes the growth of destructive moss, fungus and algae.

The largest contributor to fungus and algae on most roofs is the position of your home or building. Sunlight obstructions such as overhangs, shade trees or even a northern exposure only serve to increase the build-up of moss, fungus and algae.

Gutters not being cleaned out regularly also contribute to the growth of fungus. Even if you don't have trees in the area the rock washed off by rain that lay's in the gutters hold moisture - therefore contributing to the cause of streaks and stains.

Your roof's overall appearance can look inconsistent--what seems to be "weathering" may very well be green, white or black patches of fungus discoloring the roof surface and breaking down its' fibers!

Moss, fungus and algae can penetrate wood or composition roof surfaces--weakening fibers, wearing off the granules, and curling, rounding or cracking off corners. If allowed to build up heavily, moss, fungus and algae can even lift the shingles and allow your roof deck to be infected!

This is why it is important to see that your gutters are cleaned regularly, and your roof washed and treated for further protection.

Some roofs are easy to walk on for cleaning and treating. But others are more difficult and more dangerous.

The pitches depicted on the right are the non-walkable roofs that are more difficult and therefore cost more to clean and treat, the roper steep being the hardest.

To clean a roper roof, the roof specialist has to rope off using ropes and anchors to enable him to do the job. This allows him to stay up on the roof until it is clean, otherwise his body could not endure the task of standing upright while trying to balance himself and the hose. By roping off, he can safely, and more easily do the job, although steep roof are still physically exhausting.

Not all of our roof specialists do the roper roofs, therefore we need to know in advance so the right person and equipment are sent to your home.

Steep roofs require more time and equipment. So, giving us your correct roof pitch is important when making an appointment; that way we can schedule the best person for the job, and give you a more accurate estimate of cost. Below, we've provided a diagram and some examples to help you determine your roof's pitch.