Comments on: How Do I Clean A Conservatory Roof?

By: mickeybl

mickeybl — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 23:55:43 +0000

I had same problem & had to hire a platform to stand on & then used a sweeping brush & detergent to get it off , then jet wash it. You need to look at the cause to prevent a repeat performance & in my case it was conifers. I have now got rid of the conifers & the green on the roof has not been a problem since

By: Enoch Root

Enoch Root — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 18:02:45 +0000

The other answerer was correct, the green stuff is algae. I usually have the same problem on a porch roof but it has been better this year because it has been too dry for it to grow.
The reason the detergent doesn’t work very well is that detergents contain phosphates and algae grow really well with sun, water and plenty of phosphates (that’s the P in NPK fertilisers). Not only that but glass and plastics store phosphates.
The answerer who mentioned bleached water has the right idea. Algicides, such as copper sulphate, or the treatments used in swimming pools would also be effective. I usually just scrub it off or pressure hose it, and then replace the plastic sheeting when it gets too bad. That is probably not an option for you with a conservatory.
This is a list of algicides:
bethoxazin
copper sulphate
cybutryne
dichlone
dichlorophen
endothal
fentin
hydrated lime
nabam
quinoclamine
quinonamid
simazine

By: Owlwings

Owlwings — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:52:20 +0000

Put some bleach in the water that you clean it with. A power washer is good if you can safely stand on the roof (with boards) but it can be a very messy job to do it that way! A long handled brush is best.
To discourage growth in the future, fix copper strip at the apex or the highest point of the roof. The weak solution of copper salts caused by the acidity of rainwater will discourage any further growth but may cause a slight blue tint to the polycarbonate.

By: garysoli

garysoli — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:26:40 +0000

huh

By: Maids Moreton

Maids Moreton — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 09:17:54 +0000

The green stuff is algae. The best product to use to gedt rid of algae is Plocher.

By: nicotine

nicotine — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 04:32:31 +0000

buy ammonia

By: Nothing to say?

Nothing to say? — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 01:21:11 +0000

I have the same problem. I use the jet washer brush with just the water turned on. For the long/high parts, I have strapped a broom handle to a rake with duct tape to make it longer and wrapped some cloth around the rake head. This long scrumbbing brush needs water from the jet washer
Mechanical cleaning with water works best for me. pressure washer is also good if you can reach.

By: JFLY

JFLY — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:22:21 +0000

Have you tried bleach water?

By: chelsean

chelsean — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:19:01 +0000

put a tent over it!!!

By: goincraz

goincraz — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 12:45:35 +0000

You can buy a detergent called zoflora which is good.