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Cedar Roof Cleaning
Cedar roofs are like teeth: keep them clean and they'll not only look better, they'll last longer.
That's why cedar shingle vendors
recommend that cedar roofs be kept clean.
We clean cedar roofs using appropriate processes in accordance with Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau guidelines.
"Isn't roof cleaning just about APPEARANCE?
No. Clean cedar roofs last longer than roofs afflicted with organic growth. Algae, mold, moss, and lichen growing upon a roof will trap moisture against the shingles, promoting rot.
Cedar roof shingle vendors know this, as does the Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau (CSSB), and so they recommend that roof cleaning be a part of a cedar roof's periodic maintenance.
An example of cedar roof shingled killed by algae is shown below:
"So HOW do you clean a cedar roof?"
We clean cedar roofs with appropriate chemicals in accordance with guidelines of both the Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau and the
U.S. Forest Products Laboratory. We rely upon chemical solutions -
not brute pressure - to remove organic growth from the roof.
Depending upon the details of your roof and the type and extent of organic growth upon it, your roof may appear clean as soon as we are done, or it may take a period of time to appear fully clean.
"How do I know if my cedar roof needs cleaning?"
The old saying goes like this:
"If it's silver or gray, stay away. Black or green means time to clean ."
A healthy cedar roof with weather to a silver, gray, or buff tan color. Cedar roofs afflicted with organic growth become dark black or green in color. We recommend cleaning a roof at the first sign of trouble: fuzzy dots of moss, dark streaks of algae, or little patches of lichen. It's far better for the roof (and your wallet) to address this issue before it becomes severe. 20% of the roofs we're called to look at are so damaged by organic growth that they are no longer cleanable. Instead of an affordable roof cleaning, those customers are faced with needing a new roof.
"I'm selling my house and want to spruce it up before putting it on the market...."
Better plan ahead. Cleaning a roof is a messy process and - when done per manufacturer's recommendations, in a manner which won't damage the roof - results are often not "instant." If have your roof washed, it shouldn't be done at the last minute before placing your home for sale. For best results, plan ahead and schedule your roof cleaning BEFORE the house and trim are painted, the windows washed, and the gardens adjacent to the house perfectly manicured.
We clean cedar roofs on many historic buildings and we've got the perfect solution for your needs. Check this out:
Understood! We offer some extremely
affordable methods of roof cleaning. These methods rely upon Mother Nature to rinse away dead growth, eliminating any need for manual rinsing of your shingles, rather than a man on the roof using aggressive rinsing pressure.
It's worth noting that these are the methods recommended by manufacturers of asphalt (composite) shingles. So, if somebody proposes to climb all over your roof rinsing each shingle, you might ask them... WHY?
"Are you licensed?"
Nobody is. Here in Massachuestts, roof cleaning is an unregulated and unlicensed industry. As a result, there are many companies and service providers performing this work in a deceptive, unprofessional, and irresponsible manner.
In absence of available licenses, we ARE members of several professional roof cleaning networks and organizations through which we further our professional competency and education. These include the Power Washers of North America (PWNA) and Bruce Sullivan's Cedar Cleaners.
"Everyone says they're the best. How do I weed out the duds?"
First, do your homework before contacting a service provider. Research companies by talking to your neighbors or via free, independent review sites such as the Better Business Bureau and Google.
Note that many once-unbiased review sites, including
Angie's List and
Yelp!, now promote paid advertisers over unpaid listings. Many reputable service providers (such as us) do not pay to advertise on these
sites, and so customer reviews are not prominently and publicly displayed.
"What questions should I ask a cedar roof cleaner?"
Regardless of who you hire to clean your roof, we recommend asking questions such as:
- Is everyone on the job site FULLY and properly insured, including worker's compensation?
- Will you be cleaning my roof in the manner recommended by the shingle manufacturer?
- Will anything about this process void my roof's remaining warranty?
- Exactly what chemicals will you be using in this process?
- What will be done to protect my landscaping, groundwater, pets, and family from these chemicals?
Lastly, ask for recent references. Any reputable cleaning contractor should be able to provide numerous local recent references.
Listen to your gut. If you're dissatisfied with any answers or feel like you're just getting a sales job, keep shopping.
"OK, I'd like a quote to clean my roof."
Contact us by phone, e-mail, or use our
online form . We will set a time to come out to look at the job and provide you with a written quote.
We’ll care for your roof as though its our own.
Call us at 508.209.1972 or contact us for your free quote.
