By Nancy Brumback, Contributing Writer
Business name: Roof Washing Services and Stain Prevention
Address: Northborough
Owner: Bob Blanchette
Contact Information: 774-303-1155
How did you get into the roof cleaning business?
“I was in the home remodeling business for over 30 years. I had just landed a job for a new roof, and the homeowner wanted to shingle over the existing roof, but there was moss and lichen on it. He said I could use his power washer to remove all that. I was thrilled with the way the roof looked and with not having to deal with permits, licenses, sub-contractors, inspectors, no trips to the improvement stores,” said Bob Blanchette, who has been operating Roof Washing Services for four years.
“On the way home from that job, I started looking at other roofs and saw the need was endless. If lichens and algae weren’t on the front, there was a good chance they would be on the back, most often on the north side. I spent the winter months that year educating myself about roof algae.”
How do you clean roofs?
“I use what I consider the best product on the market. It is a professional grade roof wash which is bio-degradable and eco-friendly, and will not harm animals or plants. It’s sprayed on the roof and sits for 30 minutes, then is rinsed off with a soft tip on the pressure washer. For tough stains or moss, I will pre-soak the day before cleaning.
“Sometimes people hear negative comments about using pressure washers on the roof. In the wrong hands with the wrong tip and no idea how to clean around flashing and skylights, pressure washers can spell trouble. The tip I use is a soft tip. I can put my hand in front of it. This tip will not damage shingles,” he said.
Why should roofs be cleaned by a professional roof cleaner?
“Customers call for a number of reasons. They might think they need a new roof and find it just needs cleaning. When people are selling their home, it improves curb appeal. People may have received an insurance cancellation letter because of a dirty roof, or they may need to have the roof cleaned before installing solar panels.
“There are products homeowners can purchase to clean roofs, but after you spray it on the roof, it will turn brown. You have to wait for three or four months of rainfall for the results. I get results the same day.”
What are the benefits of cleaning a roof?
“It is important to keep up the maintenance on your roof. If not, it can possibly lead to bigger and more costly problems. Cleaning the roof removes moss, lichens, algae and dirt that can cause damage to shingles over time.
“About 90 percent of homeowners do not even realize their roofs can be cleaned. After roof washing, I also offer a yearly maintenance program which averages $125 a year to prevent the black stains, algae, and moss from recurring,” Blanchette said.
In addition to roofs, the company cleans home exteriors, decks, fences, sidewalks, patios and driveways.
Roof Washing Services operates throughout the greater Metrowest area. It is accredited by the Better Business Bureau.