Typical homeowners don’t really think about the roof much.
But the growing lichens, moss and other such foreign particles play a vital role in consuming the shingles. And when the landlord gets working on solving the problem, most of the time it’s too late to do anything.
And that’s what we are willing to change today. We’re going to use pool shock for roof cleaning.
Although the claim itself seems unorthodox, there is a very good possibility to come out as the victor. Also, you get to save a good amount of cash just by staying with us until the very end.
With that said, let’s get started.
Pool Shock: What exactly is it?
Pool shock is a kind of grainy oxidizing agent. It’s a chlorine concentrate that brings back the usability of the pool.
‘Shocking the pool’ implies that pool shock gets applied to counter any foreign growth like algae, moss-like granular particles and more.
The use of pool shock comes in certain stages. The main objective of the pool shock is to get rid of chloramine corruption. Pool shock reduces and eliminates the growth of algae and bacteria. Also, pools with bromine treatment undergo pool shock to quiet down the bromine ions from activation.
Usage
Pool shock has particular use cases, as mentioned earlier.
During the opening and closing of a pool, pool shock is administered. Before opening the pool, the user applies pool shock to stabilize the water chemistry. Also, after closing the pool, to bring back the water clarity and remove any external particles, users apply pool shock.
During heavy rain, small dust particles, pollen, and algae come in contact with rainwater and fall into the pool. Also, gusty winds can blow dirt and debris into the pool. So, you apply pool shock to balance out the water chemistry and get rid of miniaturized external contamination.
When chlorine creates a bond with either nitrogen or ammonia, the compound works as a contaminant for the pool. It causes a strange smell and visual discomfort. In such situations, using a pool shock is the best way to take care of the smell and irritation.
Chemical Formula
Formulas that are EPA approved can be used as pool shock. There are several available options out there.
The Calcium Hypochlorite option is the most efficient and cost-effective option. You can find it in either 65% or 73% strength.
Sodium Dichlor or Dichlor is a more stable choice with a 56% strength. One of its distinct characteristics is that it doesn’t add any additional calcium to the pool. Also, the pH levels are neutral.
Potassium monopersulfate is a non-chlorine alternative that’s impervious to sunlight. It adds no chlorine to the pool, only oxygen.
By now, many of you are wondering what does pool shock has anything to do with roof cleaning.
The chlorinated formula is what qualifies it as a roof cleaner. Pool shock in liquid form comes integrated with chlorine. And this chlorine comes with bleach-like properties that can clean up the shingles and save your roof from harm.
Now it’s time to formulate a plan to clean your roof with pool shock.
Pool Shock for Roof Cleaning: The Plan
It’s a common practice to use pool ingredients to clean surfaces like concrete, cement, etc. So, pool shock products that are commercially available have one thing in common (except one). They all release a hint of chlorine to the pool. And that chlorine is what we are after, as mentioned before. And that’s in liquid form.
So, here are the steps:
Step 1: Cover all the plants and greenery
It is a safety precaution.
Though the solution shouldn’t harm the plants around your home, placing a protective cover offers an extra layer of security. So, even if some sprayed solution makes its own (which it will do!), the plants stay protected.
Step 2: Prepare the hose with a spray nozzle
The second step implies that you prepare the washing hose.
The spraying intensity should be low to medium. The reason behind it is very simple.
If the pressure is too high, it may cause harm to the roof shingles even after clearing out the moss and algae. So, keep that in mind.
Step 3: Prepare a 15% pool shock solution
This shouldn’t be very hard.
A 15% solution suggests that the water to chemical ratio is 85:15. From the ratio, you can see that it’s not that strong. Still, it will get the job done.
Step 4: Spray the solution
Now you are ready to spray on the solution.
Make sure to reach every corner. But specifically, target the spots that have a visible growth of algae or any other external particles. These parts need better soaking.
Step 5: Let it rest
After a few coats of the solution, you need to let it rest.
The resting time will depend on weather conditions. But the standard time for such an operation should be no more than 45-minutes to an hour. But if the weather is soggy, then you may want to wait an hour or two more.
Step 6: Rinse your roof
This is the final piece of the puzzle.
After you let the solution soak in, rinsing it with clean water should clear our any unwanted growth.
But if the problem still persists, then you should use a brush to clear the rough growth. Or you could just let it soak for some more time and then try rinsing it off.
In extreme cases, if you go for pressure washing any hard surfaces like limestone that’s on the roof, keep the hose pressure to medium. This will ensure proper results.
That’s it. You now have a clear roof free from foreign contaminants. In case, you have a case of bats in your attic. You can use mothballs to get rid of bats from the attic.
Final Thoughts
So, you can see pool shock for roof cleaning can be an effective method.
Still, if you neglect the precautionary measures, there may be unwanted issues.
So, be careful while applying the following steps. The water pressure, chemical spreading all need to be done in a controlled way. If you can manage it, then it will bear terrific results.
We hope you find your desired results. If you do, then we will consider it to be a success.