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Cedar Shake Roofs need vast amounts of air to keep them dry. Trim overhanging tree branches so that there is at least a 3 to 4 foot area above the roof. Don't let overhanging branches rub the roof or hang too closely. They simply inhibit evaporation of rain water or morning dew.
Moss Control
Moss is a major problem on shaded cedar shake roofs. Its presence can significantly shorten the life of your roof. Copper and zinc have proven to be very effective at stopping the growth of moss on cedar roofs. A copper ridge flashing may be all it takes to keep your roof clear of moss. You can also install zinc strips which expose 2 inches of metal at certain intervals as well. These strips release molecules of zinc with each rainfall. The strips look a little funny when first installed, however, they weather and take on a dull appearance in short order. They are a tremendous investment. Don't underestimate their value.
Cleaning a Dirty Roof
There are several ways to clean a cedar roof. Power washing with a pressurized machine is very effective. However, if an untrained person performs this procedure, shake damage, leakage, wood erosion, etc. are REAL possibilities.
When using water on a roof, either from a hose or a power washer, NEVER spray up the roof. Roofs use gravity to keep your house dry. Spraying water up the roof is not natural. By doing this, you will drive water up under your shakes. Drive water far enough and it will leak into your house. I guarantee it! Many past publications have promoted the use of a cleaning solution that contains either regular or commercial strength bleach (sodium or calcium hypochlorite). These forms of bleach can actually harm your cedar shakes. They can cause cellular damage similar to that caused by UV light. They also will remove (bleach out) the natural extractive chemicals which give cedar its beautiful color tones. A better solution is to use oxygen bleach. It will clean your cedar shakes with no problems. It will not remove the color and it is environmentally safe, unlike standard bleaches.
Sealing & Preserving
After cleaning your roof, let it dry. This may take 2 to 3 days. Then, apply whichever product you have chosen exactly as it says to doon the label. Do not become your own testing laboratory. Manufacturers hav
to hurt yourself.
Using the proper type of application equipment is essential. If a product says to use a power airless sprayer, don't try to substitute a pump garden type sprayer. Use common sense!
Roof Safety
Roofs are dangerous places. I have fallen off several and lived to tell about it. Moss covered cedar shake roofs are like tilted, elevated ice skating rinks. Need I say more? Add water to these roofs and they become practically impassable.
Cleaning and sealing cedar shake roofs should not be attempted by a novice homeowner. Serious injury and death are very real possibilities.
Give serious consideration to hiring this job out. Let a seasoned professional clean and seal your cedar roof. Be absolutely sure this individual has worked on such jobs and is insured with Worker's Compensation. Make sure they attach a copy of their current certificate, indicating paid up coverage, to your contract. Don't underestimate how dangerous this job can be.
For more information please call Patrick Fisse at 1-812-325-5695 9 to 5 EST. Sales@ShingleRenew.com
Algae on your Roof
Gloeocapsa Magma is the primary species of algae causing discoloration of asphalt shingles that has been observed throughout the United States and is commonly referred to as "fungus or mold." This discoloration manifests itself in a black streaking appearance and is often associated tree droppings, soot, dirt, or a loss of surface granules, resulting in the premature replacement of a functional roofing system. Another amification of algae stains are increased roof temperatures, due to the darkened surface, which lead to increased cooling costs.
According to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturer's Association, (ARMA) asphalt shingles more than 20 years old, are a prime candidate for replacement. A brief history of the asphalt roofing market may be helpful to understand the magnitude of this problem. Roughly 12.5 billion square feet of various asphalt shingle products are manufactured annually, that's enough to cover more than 5 million homes every year. Asphalt shingles are the leading choice for residential roofing in the US because they provide quality, durability, and versatility at an economical price. Furthermore, four out of every five homes are roofed with asphalt shingles in the United States.
So why are your asphalt shingles turning black?
Algae needs three criteria to grow. Heat, moisture, and nutrients. Gloeocapsa Magma thrives in warm humid environments and normally appears on the North slope where additional shade and moisture support its growth. Gloeocapsa produces its own energy source, and feeds on inorganic materials like calcium carbonate, an asphalt shingle filler material. Feeding on inorganic material distinguishes algae from fungus and mildew, which require organic material to survivie. Thus, elimination of algae may reduce fungus and mildew accumulation; so will removing loose debris from your roof deck and gutters. (Leaves, twigs, and tree bark)
These roof stains are seen in nearly eighty percent of the United States in various degrees. In the Midwest, it is most often confined to the north slope, while some homes along the Seaboard or Gulf States may be completely covered with algae in as little as four years. Also, this particular algae strain has become hardier and is able to migrate to less humid environments than it has in the past. In areas where it traditionally has been found, staining is manifesting earlier and more severely on a greater number of roofs.
How can you correct this problem?
The first line of defense is to purchase algae resistant (AR) shingles. The 3M company (Industrial Mineral Products Division) produces a copper roofing granule that is purchased by many asphalt manufacturers. Based on twenty-five years of research on growth-inhibiting effects, 3M found that roofing granules that are evenly distributed, at a minimum ten percent application, give uniform protection to all roofing granules. It should be noted that not all companies purchasing the cooper granule adopt the ten percent application in their production. Only companies who subscribe to the 3M ten percent system are permitted to advertise the 3M Algae Block trade mark. Those using the product in lesser quantities use other phrases like, algae resistant, or use their own trade names. Check the manufacturer's warranty for limitations on the algae resistance effectiveness. You will find a range out to fifteen years duration.
ARMA (Asphalt Roofing Manufactures Association) technical bulletin Catalogue No.217-RR-89, on algae discoloration of roofs, states, algae is difficult to remove from roofing surfaces, but may be lightened by applying a solution of chlorine bleach, trisodium phosphate, and water. However, these ingredients may vary between manufacturers and the amount of discoloration. Adding, "the effectiveness of such cleaning techniques is only temporary, and discoloration will likely recur." Further, cautions from ARMA state, "be sure to apply it carefully to avoid damage to other parts of the building and its surrounding landscape."
A concern for home owners using this generic approach, sodium hyporclorate is a form of bleach (organic complex containing chlorine) and as such, can cause premature chemical degradation of asphalt roofing shingles. In short, causing a shingle to become brittle. Chlorine-based cleaning solutions are also harmful to plants!
Before making a capital improvement to your roofing system, ask your roofing contractor about roof cleaning and roof maintenance. You may find your roof can be cleaned and postpone the replacement for several years. If your roofing contractor does not offer this service, there are shingle care contractors who specialize in roof preventative maintenance to alleviate and prevent mold and algae.
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