There are so many roof cleaning products available, how do you know what to use? Which roof cleaning products are best for you and your specific needs?  Well, we can start buy looking at the two most common active ingredients used in roof cleaning products today. This should give you a better understanding of what is being used and what you think would be best for your specific needs. Keep in mind that both types of roof cleaning products that we will discuss are used for several types of roof issues such as black algae roof stains, roof moss, and any type of fungus growth.

The first roof cleaning product or active ingredient is Chlorine Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) or lye (sodium hydroxide). Most commonly used by professional roof cleaners because of the caustic nature of the product as well as being the lowest cost chemical available to do the job. Industrial strength Chlorine Bleach is also a readily available product that can found at pool supply retailers which makes it easy for contractors to purchase locally. The issue with using Chlorine Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) as a roof cleaning product is that it can be very damaging and potentially dangerous to so many things such as your family, pets, painted surfaces, aluminum gutters, and landscaping. If you choose to use this type of roof cleaning product please be aware of the many dangers that it presents. These potential dangers can be limited by having a professional roof cleaner with a track record of safe and successful roof cleaning techniques clean your roof for you. As always, just because they say they are professionals doesn't mean that they are. You should always ask for references and examples of their work before hiring.

As a homeowner or a contractor using a non-biodegradable, caustic chemical like Chlorine Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) may not be worth the risk to you. It's for this reason that you find more and more contractors and home owners looking for a safe roof cleaning product that is biodegradable, effective, and takes the worry out of roof cleaning.

This brings us to option number two which is the biodegradable, safe, and effective choice of roof cleaning products. The active ingredient in these types of roof cleaning products is Sodium Percarbonate, otherwise known as Oxygen Bleach which is basically hydrogen peroxide. This type of roof cleaning product takes the worry out of over spray and will not harm the finish on aluminum gutters, stain painted surfaces, damage plants and grass, or create health hazards for your pets and children.

Home owners and professional roof cleaners who care about the risks associated with using Chlorine Bleach normally choose to use this type of product. It takes the risk out of the whole process and is still just as effective as using Chlorine Bleach.