Asphalt Shingle Cleaning applications

[Don Phelps]

We usually rinse due to the fact that the chlorine, when dry, becomes a salt which can possibly dry out the shingles and cause them to become more brittle. Cosmetically the difference in rinsing/not rinsing is usually marginal. As far as causing more damage with the run-off, if rinsed thoroughly, you will actually be diluting the chlorine both as it runs off as well as whatever might have already gotten to the ground/plants. We find it best to always water the surrounding areas before, during and after the cleaning process just to be safe.

[Mike Williamson]

Originally Posted by Don Phelps

We usually rinse due to the fact that the chlorine, when dry, becomes a salt which can possibly dry out the shingles and cause them to become more brittle. Cosmetically the difference in rinsing/not rinsing is usually marginal. As far as causing more damage with the run-off, if rinsed thoroughly, you will actually be diluting the chlorine both as it runs off as well as whatever might have already gotten to the ground/plants. We find it best to always water the surrounding areas before, during and after the cleaning process just to be safe.

I used to rinse only if needed (dried white streaks, lots of scum on the roof if the algae or moss was really heavy, or if there's a slight haze)...But since talking to Don and realizing the point he's making here, I have started rinsing one every job. If you do it from the ground with a fire nozzle and a water hose, it only takes an extra 20 minutes or so. It also help the brown streaks that show up on lighter colored fascia after things dry.

50/50 with 12.5%? That seems a bit strong unless it's just horribly covered with algae. I was using a 50/50 with 10.5%, but have recently toned it down to a 30/70 mix and have pretty much the same results. less chem, less money spent.

[jsavoy]

Mike
Would you say that would be close to staight 6 %? Can't find 12 or 10 anywhere around here.

[Mike Williamson]

Originally Posted by jsavoy

Mike
Would you say that would be close to staight 6 %? Can't find 12 or 10 anywhere around here.

What I'm using now would be about 3.3%.

[CCPC]

I'm dilluting mine to about 5%. I've tried at 3 or 4 and have found that I end up using more chemical by having to reapply.

[Crownroyal]

I was wondering it myself.

Chemistry of Sodium Hypochlorite

Reacting chlorine and sodium hydroxide will produce Sodium Hypochlorite

Cl2 +2NaOH = NaOCL + NaCl + H2O

Chlorine + Sodium Hydroxide + Sodium Hypochlorite +
Sodium Chloride + Water

[Crownroyal]

I'm at lost for words.
Did I not do my Chemistry right?
Any help.
Dan

[CarolinaProWash]

RYAN - where are you Mr. Chemistry person?????

[Mike Williamson]

Originally Posted by Crownroyal

I'm at lost for words.
Did I not do my Chemistry right?
Any help.
Dan

Not quite sure what you're asking, or stating here. Could you clarify?

[Crownroyal]

Look at the post above.

Chemistry of Sodium Hypochlorite

Reacting chlorine and SODIUM HYDROXIDE will produce Sodium Hypochlorite

Cl2 +2NaOH = NaOCL + NaCl + H2O

Chlorine + SODIUM HYDROXIDE + Sodium Hypochlorite +
Sodium Chloride + Water

So chlorine has sodium hydroxide as a key ingredient?

[Mike Williamson]

Originally Posted by Crownroyal

Look at the post above.

Chemistry of Sodium Hypochlorite

Reacting chlorine and SODIUM HYDROXIDE will produce Sodium Hypochlorite

Cl2 +2NaOH = NaOCL + NaCl + H2O

Chlorine + SODIUM HYDROXIDE + Sodium Hypochlorite +
Sodium Chloride + Water

So chlorine has sodium hydroxide as a key ingredient?

No, chlorine is an element. Sodium Hypochlorite is made with chlorine and Sodium hydroxide.

[CarolinaProWash]

So there is a difference when someone says "bleach" versus "chlorine" versus "sodium hypochlorite" You guys are making my brain hurt!

[Mike Williamson]

Originally Posted by CarolinaProWash

So there is a difference when someone says "bleach" versus "chlorine" versus "sodium hypochlorite" You guys are making my brain hurt!

Yes. I'm sure Ryan can give a more informative and concise explanation, but here goes...

Chlorine is an element, Cl, and is naturally in gaseous form (I believe). Sodium Hypochlorite is a chemical made with sodium hydroxide and chlorine (and I'm sure some other things) and is the key ingredient in bleach, pool chlorine, etc. Bleach is a solution of water, sodium hypochlorite, and minor amounts of who knows what else. Pool chlorine is essentially the same thing, though stronger (more sodium hypochlorite).

So when we say chlorine in relation to cleaning, we're really saying a sodium hypochlorite solution such as bleach or liquid pool chlorine.

[CarolinaProWash]

Okay, so when we buy our 15% sodium hypochlorite to do roofs with because we decided against the sodium hydroxide products, we're still using sodium hydroxide because it's in the mix? And you Florida guys are using chlorine - pool style - not sodium hypochlorite?

[Mike Williamson]

Originally Posted by CarolinaProWash

Okay, so when we buy our 15% sodium hypochlorite to do roofs with because we decided against the sodium hydroxide products, we're still using sodium hydroxide because it's in the mix? And you Florida guys are using chlorine - pool style - not sodium hypochlorite?

The 15% you're buying is just a bit stronger than what we use here in FL...essentially the same thing but a bit stronger.

I isn't as if one mixes a barrel of sodium hydroxide with a barrel of chlorine and poof! You have sodium hypochlorite. It's a chemical reaction, and the end result does not have the same properties as the ingredients. Just like with water...H20...hydrogen and oxygen, both flammable...yet you can't light water on fire..