Roof Algae Removal Is Hazardous

Though it might initially seem like a rather benign home improvement project, roof algae removal is actually quite a hazardous undertaking.  You might never have thought that something like algae could be a danger, but I’m not overstating when I say that it has crippled or killed more than a few people who have tried to take it on.  Any time you’re doing work that involves the roof you are taking a gamble against gravity.

Working in high spots is dangerous enough as it is, but when you add the factor of roof algae removal to the equation it adds a whole new level of danger.  This is because the algae can become very slippery.  It is most slick when it is covered in chemical or water, but I’ve even seen situations where it was dangerous when dry because it was so thick.  I can remember one time giving an estimate and nearly sliding right off the roof because of the algae even though the roof was bone dry and it was a hot sunny day.  Needless to say it was an embarrassing situation but it taught me a valuable lesson that I have never forgotten.

There have been other situations where I’ve slipped while cleaning a roof and it’s only because of dumb luck that I had something like a chimney or stack to grab onto that saved my life. And that’s coming from somebody who does this full time. Imagine how much more common it is for weekend warriors who have absolutely no clue what they’re doing. You see, it’s just a flat-out hazardous activity and I don’t care how brave, experienced, or confident you are – there is always the chance that you could fall and break something or worse.  Cleaning roof shingles may seem like an easy and benign project but it is anything but.

I wish I could say that slipping or falling is the only dangerous part of removing roof algae but it isn’t.  There’s also the hazard involved any time you get into mixing cleaning chemicals.  Roof cleaning chemicals, in particular, can do downright scary things if you aren’t careful.  I remember reading about a handyman in Florida who had no experience in roof cleaning but decided to give it a go anyway.  He mixed the wrong chemicals together, poured them into an airtight backpack container, and headed up the ladder to start cleaning.  Well, he made it to the top of the ladder before the container exploded.  Yes, exploded.  It sent this poor fellow to the hospital and left a three-foot wide hole in the homeowner’s roof!  Bottom line – you better educate yourself on the proper chemicals when it comes to removing algae from shingles.

So those are some of the dangers involved with roof stain removal.  I’m not trying to scare you guys out there.  I’m just saying that you better bring your A game if you want to walk away with your body intact.  This kind of work is not for the timid or the ill-prepared.  If you can’t commit yourself to learning the proper safety techniques ahead of time then do yourself and your loved ones a favor and look up a non-pressure roof algae cleaning company in the phone book.