Roof Cleaning Tools
Use this to apply the cleaner, simply pour the concentrated cleaner into the applications reservoir. Set the dilution dial to "C" (1:6), attach it to the hose, and spray on roof. This saves time and eliminates the need for mixing.
This is a safe, low pressure rinsing system made exclusively for SaverSystems by American Water Broom. The three head Roof Rinsing Tool attaches directly to your hose. It safely removes the algae colonies and their roots without causing damage to the shingles.
A minimum of 150 feet of 3/4" diameter heavy duty contractor hose is best. Smaller hose diameters like 1/2" or 5/8" will reduce cleaning efficiencies when rinsing.
Use a 3/4" ball valve on the hose end. This will allow you to easily shut off water flow to change from cleaner applicator to rinsing tool. Note: Make sure the valve you choose does not restrict water flow.
You will need a hand held pump-up sprayer for applying DEFY® Stain Blocker. A sprayer with a large 2-3 gallon tank works well and saves refilling time.
Other Helpful Tools
A 1/2 hp or slightly bigger utility pump rated for a minimum of 20 GPM or at least 1200 GPH. Available at most farm supply and home improvement stores. Note: A minimum of 80 psi of water pressure is best for rinsing. A small pump is helpful because water pressures will vary greatly from each location or municipality. Additionally, pressure is lost from the rise in the hose when rinsing on roofs.
Water resistant boots made especially for walking on roofs, with special replaceable pads designed for maximum grip on roofs are highly recommended.
How the System Works
DEFY® Roof Cleaner breaks up the masses of algae rooted to the shingles' surface into very fine particles. Then, the specially developed rinsing tool is used to remove the algae from the surface. The rinsing tool, attached to a garden hose, will remove the algae spores and any remaining roots more effectively than just rinsing with a garden hose. This is no more harmful to the roof than a hard driving rain. This means the roof stays cleaner longer, and no damaging pressure washing is needed.
Once the roof has been properly cleaned and rinsed, it should be treated with DEFY® Stain Blocker for Roofs with a pump-up sprayer. Maintenance coats should be re-applied about every 2-3 years, depending on climate, orientation of the roof, and surrounding trees that keep direct sun off the roof. In some extreme cases, maintenance coats may need to be applied yearly. In ideal situations, maintenance coats may only be needed once every five years. For more information, read our article on Roof Cleaning and Stain Prevention.
Roof Cleaning Steps
Step 1: Clean
Wet the section of the roof down that you will be working on first. Apply the Roof Cleaner Concentrate using the Roof Cleaner Applicator tool. Spray this on the roof and allow it to set for 15 minutes. (Make sure it remains wet. If it dries out, spray more cleaner or some water on it to keep the cleaner active)
Step 2: Rinse
After attaching the Roof Rinsing Tool to the end of your hose, turn on the water, then turn on the utility water pump. Start at the peak of the roof and work your way down towards the gutters, rinsing the Roof Cleaner Concentrate off the roof.
Step 3: Block
After the entire roof has been cleaned and rinsed, apply the Stain Blocker for Roofs using a pump sprayer. This can be applied to a damp roof, and does not need to be rinsed off.