Rooftop solar panels get dirty primarily from wind-blown dust and pollen. Birds are usually not a problem unless your last name is Hitchcock and you live in Bodega Bay. As panels get dirtier, their output declines. A small amount of soiling — say a light dusty film — may only cause a 5 percent output decline. However, when panels get very dirty — perhaps in an agricultural area or location that does not get regular rainfall — the output decline can be greater than 20 percent.

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When should I clean my gutters

Clean gutters of leaves and debris to help prevent damage to your landscaping and siding, and to head off expensive water damage repairs to your foundation that may cost £1000s or more. 

Clean gutters at least once a year — twice a year if you have overhanging trees. Also, clean clogged gutters after big storms.

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Cedar playground

Last week we set up a lovely playground!!!

First day: make the ground level and use sand first.

Second Day:  Assemly!

Last day: Finish it with shredded rubber and make it safe!

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Roof Cleaning method 2.

The chlorine-bleach roof cleaning method

Roof cleaning contractors who use sodium hypochlorite (chlorine bleach) mix it in high concentrations with other chemicals such as trisodium phosphate, also known as TSP. 

They spray it on the roof and wait for it to dry and then re-apply it several times as needed. Stains and moss or lichens that don’t come off on the day of treatment may eventually come off with rain in the months to come. 

Pros: The bleach method can be less expensive than other methods because the chemicals are inexpensive and the technicians generally don’t get on the roof to rinse or inspect after the application. 

Cons: Strong chemical odor and results that may not be instant, particularly when moss and lichen colonies are involved. There is also a possibility of posing harm to people and pets if exposed to the fumes or fluids. The effects of bleach on landscaping can cause permanent damage to plants, trees, grass and shrubs. Contaminating bleach and phosphates can leak into waterways in watershed areas.

Tip: Roof cleaning contractors who use chlorine-bleach typically don’t advertise or divulge that they use bleach. If they need to wet down plants before, during, or after treatment or use a runoff recovery system or cover plants during the roof cleaning process, these are indicators that a harsh chemical such as chlorine bleach is being used.

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Methods of cleaning Roofs I.

Roof staining organisms such as algae, lichens and moss feed off the organic material in shingles. In other words, they eat the roof. The longer they go untreated, the more damage they will cause. 

Homeowners often find confusing and conflicting information when researching roof cleaning services. To assist homeowners with making informed decisions when deciding on which roof cleaning contractor to hire, this article describes the differences between the three main roof cleaning methods.

1. The eco-friendly, non-bleach, low pressure roof cleaning method

Roof cleaning companies that use this method use high-grade eco-friendly products that do not contain toxic chemicals such as chlorine-bleach, phosphates or other chemicals that can kill vegetation and pollute waterways. This method also uses a low-pressure rinsing system, avoiding the use of damaging high pressure scrubbing or brushing. 

Pros: Typically, the results with this method are instant and complete. Algae, lichens, and moss are completely gone before the contractor leaves the property. Technicians use eco-friendly roof cleaning products such as roof shampoo and equipment designed precisely for safe, gentle roof cleaning. Contractors who use this method clean the roof while preserving the integrity of the shingles and without damaging the landscaping. 

Cons: This method may cost a bit more due to the cost of high quality eco-friendly products vs. inexpensive chlorine bleach mixtures.

Tip: When hiring a contractor who uses this roof cleaning method, pick one who guarantees that the algae, lichens and/or moss will be completely gone before they leave your house. Also, look for a contractor who offers an annual roof stain prevention program.

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Advice against Scammers ( Roof Cleaning,Coating)

Why You Should NEVER use a Pressure Washer on Roof Tiles

The most common roof tiles in the United Kingdom are made from concrete and have a sandy/granular finish on the exposed side of the tile. This part of the tile is designed to gradually wear off until the tile needs to be replaced, usually after 80-100 years of normal weathering.
Using a high powered pressure washer may strip the surface of the tile and shorten it’s life expectancy. 

As a manufacturers of concrete roof tiles we would not advocate power washing or recoating tiles as this would invalidate any guarantee.
Power washing the tiles will remove fines in the concrete which will affect the lifespan of the tiles.

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