Advanced Question Help Needed!

[WashRite]

This roof appears to be a single layer "rubber type" roof. This roof has been cleaned by someone else a few years ago. Apparently, they pressure washed this roof using bleach only and allowed it to dry before rinsing. It appears they sprayed bleach from the top down and didn't rinse in time. There are many run streaks as well as big stained areas embedded in the roof. I did a few test patches using a combination of bleach, soaps, simple green, vinegar, TSP, etc. The stained areas were lightened but could not remove them completely. I even tried whitewall tire cleaner but no help. This project is huge and would love to be able to offer a solution. The roof is several hundred thousand square feet.

[Doug Dahlke]

My only suggestion would be to call the company that installed the roof and see if they had any ideas.

[Scott Stone]

I AM NOT A ROOF GUY!
I used to work for a company that made the type of coating that it appears is on this roof. It is an elastomeric rubber coating. Quite honestly, they are supposed to be reapplied from time to time, like every five years or so. The are usually a urethane or latex based product, and if there is a weakness in them is that they do provide a foothold for mold and mildew.
If it were me, and remember, I AM NOT A ROOF GUY, I would do the standard apple sauce mix, and let it dwell, and then rinse it really well. I would do it three or four times, remembering that Bleach on rubber is a destructive process. That means, rinse before any major damage is done.

[814jeffw]

If it's just a film on there like you think it is, get it wet and soak a minute or two and it should just kinda' peel off with a fan tip and some pressure, just take it easy and be careful until you see if it comes off by this method. If it's a film it should.

Jeff

[WashRite]

I have actually hit it with extreme pressure and heat, in my mind, 3200 PSI at 180 degrees with a 40 fan tip and it only lightened it up. I may have to try something caustic, very caustic then rinse.

Any suggestions?

I have not tried Apple Sauce but will.

[814jeffw]

Yea,.... that should have been enough to loosen it if it were bound to come off. Caustic may have an effect on the rubber,...but I would be thinking the same way at that point. Maybe do it in the pouring down rain and let that help soften it some.

Jeff

[danster]

Elastomerics have a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years depending on the local environment (factories, pollution in the immediate area). I give a 10 yr warranty on my elastomeric applications which after you recoat with one coat for an additional 10 yrs.

From the pictures you supplied it was probably fine before they washed it. Whatever they used "burnt" the coating allowing it to catch all dirt and not self clean. You usually don't use any harsh chemicals on these coatings, just a soap, scrub and rinse.

I doubt you will be able to do any miracles on this one. Just bring a little bit of degreaser and spray on a small area then try to wipe. If you can bring it out some maybe you'll get lucky.

If that doesn't work I'll go down and do an elastomeric job for ya


Dan

[MudDuck]

Originally Posted by danster

From the pictures you supplied it was probably fine before they washed it. Whatever they used "burnt" the coating allowing it to catch all dirt and not self clean. You usually don't use any harsh chemicals on these coatings, just a soap, scrub and rinse.
Dan

LOL...All else fails blame it on "the last guy"!!!

[douseahouse]

i am quoting now on the same type roof but it's not even close to being as bad as yours. the guys that have given me info have used their surface cleaner on this type of roof along with cold water. they have used their standard house wash mix (12.5/sc/dawn) downstreamed and then let the surface cleaner do it's thing. these roofs are made tough but i was told to keep the surface cleaner moving and not in one spot too long.

good luck,

rando

[danster]

Originally Posted by MudDuck

LOL...All else fails blame it on "the last guy"!!!

douseahouse hit it right on the nail. They are relatively tough coating but a simple wash should remove it, a little soap will just make it easier. I am blaming the last guy who washed because it should clean easily. He burnt the coating thus dirt and grime is staining the coating now. He did say he tested different products and it didn't work. If it was mildew it should wash off with just water and its not or so he says.

This is the scenario that I can see that happened.
*The elastomeric contractor failed to tell the client how to take care of his roof .
*A bright azz engineer decided it was OK to wash with any old cleaner because he is a god and knows everything.
*The last cleaning contractor failed to do his job by testing whatever he was using if it had any negative effect on the coating.

Either way somebody screwed up and now its going to cost a lot of money to repair the mess.

Dan

[Apple Roof Cleaning]

Originally Posted by douseahouse

i am quoting now on the same type roof but it's not even close to being as bad as yours. the guys that have given me info have used their surface cleaner on this type of roof along with cold water. they have used their standard house wash mix (12.5/sc/dawn) downstreamed and then let the surface cleaner do it's thing. these roofs are made tough but i was told to keep the surface cleaner moving and not in one spot too long.

good luck,

rando

Especially if it is Hot Water Powered Surface Cleaner
Do I smell "burning rubber" ?