What Are Architectural Asphalt Shingles?   

/in /by

The roof is the most crucial element of any structure aside from the foundation. That’s why it’s important to choose high-quality shingles that’ll protect your home. 

With the variety of roofing innovations on the market today, it can be challenging to sort through all the different types of roofing that are best for your home. One of the most popular types on the market is architectural asphalt shingles. To learn more about why this material may be the right choice for you, then read on. 

Architectural Asphalt Roofing 

Architectural asphalt-based shingles are a more recent addition to roofing options but are a variation of the most commonly used asphalt shingles.    

To make them, manufacturers took the traditional 3-tab shingles made of fiberglass mat coated with asphalt and combined them with a rock and ceramic mixture. The conventional option is still used today to cut down on cost, but the benefits of the updated design outweigh the price for many contractors.  

Another element that makes architectural asphalt-based roofing so special is that they consist of at least two individual shingles bonded together. Typically, this bond is achieved by laminating the shingles, which creates a look akin to popular high-end shingles such as wood cedar shake shingles.  

Here’s a short list of the benefits of asphalt roofing over wood shake roofing:   

  • More affordable 
  • Variety of color/wood style choices 
  • Less flammable  
  • Produced in many shapes 
  • Easier to install 
  • Can be “high definition” or show greater contrast than lower-quality shingles 

Need to Clean Asphalt Shingles?  

At Tidal Washers, we have an expansive inventory of chemicals available to buy online. If you or your client have a special request, we can create a custom blend to meet your business needs. With our bulk 5 and 55-gallon pails, you’ll never run out of supply nor have to worry about unnecessary packaging waste.  

Have Questions?  

Ecolink is an experienced supplier of high-quality chemicals and cleaners. Let our expert representatives guide you toward the best fit for your company’s needs. Ask for a free quote and consultation using our quick and easy contact form today! 

Why can’t you use soy methyl ester for cleaning shingles?  

/in /by

The answer is fairly simple: that’s not what it’s for! You need to clean your shingles before you use a soy methyl ester (a.k.a. methyl soyate) treatment, a chemical used to maintain and extend the life of your asphalt-based roofing. To learn more about how this method works to preserve your roof, then read on. 

What Is Methyl Soyate? 

Methyl soyate is an industrial cleaning solvent known for being eco-friendly. It is often used in oil spills as a shoreline cleaner. For roofing, however, it is not used to clean shingles. Instead, it is used as an oil, sprayed onto the roof, and allowed to soak into the material as a type of treatment. 

The benefits of using methyl soyate on your shingles are equivalent to the benefits associated with applying lotion to your skin. When applied correctly, this chemical can help your shingles by… 

  • Increasing flexibility 
  • Decreasing brittleness (reducing the chance of cracking) 
  • Reversing shingle aging 
  • Extending service life 

Cleaning Shingles Before Application 

Before applying the methyl soyate compound, you’ll want to make sure you clean shingles to remove any algae or moss that may have grown. Luckily, you likely have access to the necessary cleaning chemicals in your home: laundry-strength bleach and water.   

A diluted mixture of bleach consisting of half water and half bleach will need to sit on the surface of your roof for 15-20 minutes. After the time is up, wash the mixture off gently with water. Never use a pressure washer, as doing so will cause damage to your roof. 

Once you’ve washed your roof, then the methyl soyate solution can be applied by following the instructions on the packaging. When applied properly, the chemical solution will help rejuvenate your roof and keep it looking ageless for months to come. 

If you don’t have a ladder and the proper safety gear, then you’ll want to hire a professional to carry out the cleaning and application process. Generally, this is the safest option, as roof maintenance comes with a high risk of falling.  

Looking to Treat a Roof?  

Check out Ecolink’s expansive inventory to start browsing our roof treatment and cleaning products today! We go above and beyond to meet our clients’ needs, offering unique custom blends for all of your cleaning jobs. Our products are available in bulk 5 and 55-gallon pails, so you’ll never have to worry about unnecessary packaging waste.  

In Need of Assistance?  

Our expert representatives are ready to assist! We are a trusted and experienced supplier of high-quality substances. Whatever your question, we’ll work hard to provide superior service and peace of mind. Fill out our easy contact form today and ask for a free quote and consultation! 

 

What Is Non-Pressure Chemical Cleaning?  

/in /by

Non-pressure chemical cleaning, also known as soft washing, is a method that eliminates the use of extreme pressure when cleaning a roof. When it comes to applying a cleaning detergent or rinsing the solution off of a roof, high-pressurized blasts of water from a pressure or power washers aren’t used. While these powerful blasts may be effective at blasting away dirt and debris on your roof, they can also cause damage. 

In order to prolong your roof’s life, and make it appear as good as new without involving these harsh blasts, then you may want to consider a non-pressure washing method. Read on to learn more about the importance of roof cleaning and a gentler method for cleaning your shingles. 

Importance of Roof Cleaning 

Fungus, mold, algae, and other debris can cause serious harm to your roof when left untouched. If the exterior of your roof is harmed, then the interior of your home can fall victim to… 

  • Water damage 
  • Pests 
  • Structural damage 
  • Mold, mildew, and more 

Being aware of the importance of cleaning should encourage you to regularly check the state of your roof, and schedule times to clean it in order to prevent any of the damage listed above. 

What Are the Benefits of Non-Pressure Roof Cleaning?  

With chemical cleaning, the only tools you need are a high-quality chemical roof cleaning solution, safety gear, and a low-pressure stream of water. Here are some of the benefits of ditching aggressive, high-pressurized blasts for a non-pressure/soft wash clean: 

  • Eco-friendly (nonbleach) 
  • Some chemicals may not need to be rinsed 
  • Doesn’t damage the roof or surrounding areas 
  • Provides a protective layer on the roof as a prevention measure 
  • Displays results instantly and improves the overall appearance 

Distilling any chemical or solution is not a new concept and is encouraged. When it comes to cleaning your roof, know that this is a great option to explore depending on the methods you decide to use!  

Looking for Chemical Roof Cleaning Solutions? 

Ecolink is here to provide you with the best cleaning solutions. Visit our website to view a wide range of cleaning detergents for all of your industrial needs. Regardless of the surface, we’ve got you covered. We take pride in providing greener chemical solutions for a variety of industries. 

Are you interested in non-pressure cleaning solutions? 

Let our chemical experts find the ideal cleaner for you! We’re available to discuss solutions with you today, and we look forward to hearing from you! Get in touch by clicking here.  

How to Clean Mold off Asphalt Shingles   

/in /by

Cleaning mold off asphalt shingles doesn’t have to be a difficult process. Read on to learn about the methods and types of cleaning that’ll help your shingles look spotless. 

The Importance of Cleaning Asphalt Shingles  

Mold thrives in any area that contains moisture, and when mixed with debris buildup, can be unsightly and cause damage to your roof. Exterior damage to your roof can lead to interior damage to your home such as water leaks, pests, and more. 

Even if you’ve neglected cleaning your roof, it may not be too late to improve its condition with a regular washing routine—a better alternative to replacing costly shingles and entire roofing if damage were to occur. 

When it comes to cleaning shingles, the best cleaning method involves the use of a pressure washer. There are a variety of solutions that can be used in the pressure washing process, some solutions are eco-friendly, while others rely on harsher chemicals such as bleach. 

Do I Need Chemicals When Cleaning Asphalt Shingles? 

Yes, chemicals are an essential part of the roof washing process. While we may often associate the word “chemicals” with toxic substances, not all chemicals are harmful and when used responsibly, can clean effectively without harming the environment. 

For example, bleach solutions contain small amounts of bleach that are great for removing dirt and grime from surfaces. When diluted and combined with other non-toxic solutions, bleach poses little risk to the handler and the surrounding environment if handled properly. 

Once you find an eco-friendly roof cleaning solution, you’ll want to use it with your pressure washer to start cleaning the shingles. During this process, you’ll want to make sure you’re wearing the proper protective equipment such as: 

  • Gloves 
  • Mask 
  • Glasses/goggles 
  • Suitable clothing 
  • & other protective gear 

Depending on the solution that you choose to use, some methods require that solutions be left on the surface for longer than others, affecting the overall length of the process, while some solutions can be rinsed off immediately. Either way, several pass-throughs may be needed if there is excessive mold on the shingles. 

Some chemicals that may be used to clean shingles are sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, bleach, etc. There are even enhancers depending on what routes are taken to clean shingles!  

Need an Eco-Friendly Solution?  

Tidal Washers is invested in finding ways to use eco-friendly products that involve fewer chemicals. We for the best solutions that meet your industrial application needs. Looking into pressure washing chemicals and not sure where to begin? We offer products that will enhance your solutions! 

Get in contact with one of our chemical experts today! We look forward to assisting you. 

Is Lithium Mining Worse Than Oil Drilling? 

/in /by

Lithium and oil are two resources that we rely on daily. From the batteries in our mobile phones to the oil in our cars, lithium, and oil are essential elements in our society. But while we are exposed to devices and machines that require these substances daily, not everyone is aware of the environmental impact associated with lithium mining and oil drilling. 

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the mining and drilling processes required to extract these two elements in order to determine which one is worse for the environment. 

What Is Lithium Mining? 

In order to extract lithium from the earth, it must be mined from either an open mine or a salt desert known as a salar. Using heavy-duty machinery and a variety of chemicals, lithium is extracted from the ground and sold to manufacturers as the main material used to create rechargeable batteries. Lithium batteries are found in… 

  • Smartphones 
  • Smartwatches 
  • Electric cars 
  • Laptops 
  • And more 

While lithium is an essential material found in many of our technological devices, the mining of this element is extremely harmful to the environment and can cause: 

  • Soil contamination 
  • Water contamination 
  • Excess amount of carbon dioxide emissions 
  • Biodiversity loss 
  • Toxic waste 

What Is Oil Drilling? 

Oil drilling refers to a complex process that involves the extraction of oil from the ground by drilling a large hole deep below the Earth’s surface. The well of oil is removed with specifically manufactured machinery and requires certain chemicals throughout the extraction process. 

Oil extracted from the drilling process is used to… 

  • Propel vehicles 
  • Produce artificial heat 
  • Product electricity 
  • Lubricate 

Like with lithium, oil has a variety of uses that we rely on in our daily lives whether we realize it or not. These two substances are also similar, in the sense that the extraction processes are harmful to the environment. Here are the consequences associated with drilling for oil: 

  • Can ruin land and marine ecosystems 
  • Releases dangerous emissions into the atmosphere 
  • Increases the chance of oil spills 
  • Displaces wildlife 

Lithium Mining vs. Oil Drilling: Which Is Worse? 

Both of these extraction processes are bad for the environment. Not only do they both release harmful emissions into the atmosphere and land, but they also pollute waterways and deplete land fertility. 

When it comes to deciding which process is worse, the answer points to drilling oil. The justification of this answer is based on the fact that drilling oil has been occurring for far longer than lithium mining, but the mining of lithium is just the lesser of two evils…for now. 

Want to Replace Toxic Chemicals with Eco-Friendly Alternatives? 

We offer a wide range of eco-friendly chemical products specifically catered to your company’s chemical needs. Want to learn more about how our products can help your company? Contact one of our chemical experts today!