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Roof Cleaning: The Complete Guide for Portland Homeowners

6/1/2021

 
Roof Cleaning Guide Portland
 Just like we take care of the entire house and look after it, ensuring proper roof care shouldn't be left behind. With frequent maintenance you'll be able to make your sliding and yard appear like new, but over time the roof develops green and dark brown streaks.

Some of it is pollen and dirt or it can also be algae and lichen. When you're considering the roof cleaning methods, you shouldn't be quick about it.

​Many roof cleaning services are offered by roof cleaning Portland experts, but in a lot of instances, selecting wrong one voids warranty of the shingles and also leads to damage of roof underlays.

​In other instances, use of strong chemicals damages adhesive holding the particles with shingles and kill vegetation around the house.

​Using the right type of roof cleaning Portland service or roof washing and cleaning method lengthens the life of your roof and also cuts down your costs. 

Taking Preventive Maintenance Approach

Preventive Roof Maintenance
This is a recommended approach to take as roof cleaning before and after measures, and is recommended by roofing professionals.
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​The program involves roof cleaning with inspections twice annually, with the ideal time being autumn and spring.

With robust roof maintenance program you can easily preserve longevity of the roof while keeping the problems at bay. Frequent inspections and maintenance of house and commercial roof are vital for ensuring that all prospective issues get identified before reaching a point of crisis.

​It not only helps in prevention of catastrophes but is also provides ample of time to homeowners for introducing necessary expenses in their roof cleaning budget. Also homeowners get time for filing and processes vital warranty claims prior to repairs. 

Tailoring Your Roof Cleaning Program to Your Roof

Concrete and Clay Tile

Using high pressure washer roof cleaner equipment and harsh chemicals erode pain and tile coatings.
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Roof cleaning makes it necessary for re-coating paint and seal for protection of roof from moss and dirt infestation.

​Avoid walking on roofs. When you want to be on tile roof, you can use plywood with foam treatment on underside.

Tiles can take on the form of efflorescence (chalk-like whitish covering) on drying. This is an outcome of salts getting crystallized after evaporation of water.

For removing efflorescence, you can try buffing the dry roof through a dry and clean cloth rug while roof cleaning. 
​

Asphalt Shingles

While there are no special cleaning methods, one must make sure to avoid pressure wash asphalt single roofs as high pressure severally damages shingles.
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Also it is advisable to avoid use of harsh products such as bleach resulting in discoloration or premature shingle degradation.

Also you need to check for asphalt shingles granules that can accumulate in gutters. While it is common on roofs, it can indicate older roof can near end of the lifespan.

Wood Shingle and Shake

Improper roof cleaning practices can cause damage to the wooden shingles and shakes. Also avoiding pressure roof washing is vital.

​Pressure washing results in wooden shingles and shakes to lift and they can also trap water beneath them resulting in leakage.

Also, use of harsh chemicals such as ammonia or bleach should be avoided as such products discolor metal fixtures and paint on roof and the runoff can also damage the lawn and garden.
​

Metal Roofing

​This is among the most durable roofing option, but while cleaning you should know that it is highly vulnerable to rusting and corrosion.

​Also it is vital to prevent different materials from touching each other. Chemical reactions between metals discolor and damage metals. You need to ensure that the metal roof is well-maintained and clean through use of products safe for metal type of your roof. 

Cedar Shake and Shingle

​Cleaning methods used for cedar shake roofs are quite similar to the wooden shingles. While cleaning it must be ensured that overhanging branches get trimmed from cedar roofs for preventing moisture and debris buildup. Also cedar should be clean for letting it breathe.

​During the biannual inspections professionals should check downspouts and gutters for cleaning. Adequate ventilation must be provided to the roof and ensure areas with ridge vents, louvers, soffit, and roof vents are free of blockages. 
​

Slate Shingles

Slate roofing cleaves easily and is water absorbent so it's best to have regular cleaning. Debris and moss buildup on slate roof hold moisture in slates splitting them in winter.

​While cleaning slate roof, make sure that no chlorine beach or ammonia is used. Also pressure washing method can break slates or draw water under slates resulting in leaks. 

Regular Roof cleaning

People who are getting professional help for roof cleaning will eventually know that cleaning process varies according to the roof type they've got.

It is because they're use different methods materials and tools for ​different types of roofs.

Regardless of what type of roof you've got, it's good to give it cleaning around twice a year around spring or fall season to see a noticeable difference roof cleaning before and after outcome.

How to Clean your Roof?

Pressure Wash

Roof power wash is among the most controversial roof cleaning methods and most people don't know "can you power wash a roof?"

​And if you're doing it by self or with the help of any inexperienced person, the result can be highly unsatisfying.

With too much pressure on water and also no proper roof inspection causes a lot of damage. Due to this reason roof repair and maintenance professionals recommend total roof inspection along with pressure testing before beginning the process of pressure washing for roof cleaning.

When professional roof cleaners notice areas with damaged tiles they choose to go for another roof cleaning method as they believe the roof won't withstand pressure washing. 

Using Chemicals

Cleaning can be done through sodium percarbonate solution or bleach, certain commercial and residential cleaning services use this method along with other chemical cleaning products.

Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association suggests the use of 50/50 sodium hypochlorite (household strength) and water for clearing out algae and moss. Additionally placing zinc strips near roof's peak can minimize moss and algae regrowth. 

Gutters

Regular cleaning is necessary also for gutters for removal debris like twigs and leaves.

​The conventional method for gutter cleaning manually scraping out debris through hands, but it is not quite efficient. Professionals use vacuum gutter cleaners and leaf blowers for roof gutter cleaning. 
Know more about Gutter cleaning practices

Rinsing

​To save on time and lower costs professional roof contractors spray roof with chemicals and rinse it of later. Also to save on cost in rainy areas, contractors rinse off one third of roof and let the rest clear out through rain.

Sealing and Painting

Sealing roof priming and roof painting is final task in the process of roof restoration. Single coat of primer or sealer gets applied with two paint coats. This also offers total protection for waterproofing, uplifts the beauty of your roof and is also environment friendly. 

Hiring Professional Roof Cleaners is a Great Investment for Home



​Timely professional roof cleaning and maintenance restores the appearance of your house roof and removes build-up of grime, soot dust along with other debris and different stains with discoloration areas.

he tiles and roofing shingles then appear vibrant and fresh so the whole house appears like new and clean.

With hiring a roof cleaning company in Portland homeowners also ensure that professionals use soft wash cleaning method which results in removal of mold, algae, mildew and moss that isn't reachable through pressure washer or conventional hose.

Surfactant and detergent used in soft pressure wash method can reach all small corners and distant areas in the roof, and dissolve debris and dirt in roof eaves and shingles.

Also low pressure rinse through roof cleaning Portland professionals doesn't damage granules and loose tiles on shingles, while protecting the tiles from storm residue damage.

Thorough roof power wash also reveals area damage along roof surface. A house roof can have soft sports, which calls out the need of structural repair.
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But involving a professional roof cleaning service on the job homeowners see unnoticeable damaged areas for making prompt repairs and avoid roof leakages.

If you need help please, call us right away! (971) 284-3558 


Metal Roof Vs shingle roof: pros & Cons

6/16/2020

 
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Metal Roof VS Shingle Roofing

Which one is the best choice of metal roof vs shingles?

Although both metal roofing and shingle roofing are worthwhile options for your investment in the current of future roofing projects, it is essential to note that each has its unique paybacks and drawbacks.

​Are you questioning which would be the best type of roof between metal roof vs shingles to suit your building or home? Yes, it is essential to understand the benefits and shortcomings of each roofing material type.

What Are The Benefits, Demerits, And Characteristics Of Metal Roofing?

Although metal roofing is a relatively complex roofing option that requires not only experienced but also specific techniques during installation, it is the most common roofing option you can find in places with extreme weather conditions. Besides, metal roofing lasts decades longer than their counterpart shingles roofing, offers the much-needed versatility and a wide variety of options that aren't found in other roofing options. So what are the benefits allied to the metal roofing material?

Pros of metal roofing options

Lightweight. Since metal roofing is quite a lightweight material, it makes it easy for the installers to transport and handle it easily during the installation and roll forming procedure. Besides, it doesn't put unnecessary weight and stress on your building, which would otherwise result in flame damages. It, therefore, means preserving the integrity and durability of your structures.

Durability. Perhaps the main difference between a shingle and metal roofing is the lifespan duration. Metal roofing, for instance, is expected to last for over fifty years before the degradation sighs can emerge. Various metal roofing material such as the combination of zinc and copper is known to last more than 100 decades.

Long-tern low cost. Although metal roofing can be quite expensive in the short term, when it comes to long term cost, metal roofing is less costly for it can last for over 60 years when compared to 15 years in asphalt shingle roofs.

Metal roofs are fire-resistant. Do you know that metal roofing is usually noncombustible and class A-fire resistant material, thus making it impossible for them to catch fire? It, therefore, means it is the best option for places prone to wildfires or other fire-related risks unlike with shingle roofing.

Shortcomings Of Metal Roofing

Higher short term cost. It is a fact that metal roofing is quite expensive in the initial cost when compared to shingle roofing. Besides, the higher prices of metal material could end up escalating the entire roofing cost.

Few qualified contractors are available to undertake such projects. Do you know that finding an experienced and a qualified metal roofing installer or contractor can be quite challenging than even finding materials themselves? It is usually due to high chances of potential problems with metal roof installations.

Metal roofing procedures are more labor-intensive. Remember, even the slightest error in metal roofing can result in huge mistakes, and that is only trained and experienced crafts person are hired.

Advantages Of Shingle Roofing

Cost-effective in the short term. Yes, shingle roofing material is cheaper than their counterpart metal roofing in the short term cost. It cost half the price of metal roofing, and that is why they are the most common roofing among many homeowners.

Easy installation procedures. Shingles roofing generally requires less time and labor during installation and replacement. For instance, shingles are usually readily prepackaged for instant setup with ordinary nailing. Besides, no unnecessary cuts are needed.

Cost-effective repairs. In case of a slight error occurring, shingle roofing is quite more comfortable and cheaper to fix since they can easily be replaced one by one without damaging the entire system.

Shortcomings Of Shingle Roofing

Short life cycle. Shingle roofing material such as fiberglass or asphalt and their coatings can last for a maximum of 25 years of use. Besides, their replacement causes tear-off, thus making them unusable in other functions and need to  maintained it well.  Make your asphalt shingle moss free.

High Long-Term Cost. Although, in the short term, shingle roofing material is cheaper, in the long run, they might end up costing you more when compared to metal roofing. So, you need to clean it regularly and moss free.

Final thought

Honestly, both metal roof vs shingles is excellent options for your roofing project. Still, metal roofing is more advantages than shingles, mainly due to their long term benefits.

Effective Asphalt  Shingle Moss Removal

5/30/2020

 
aphalt shingles moss removal, portland oregon

Asphalt Shingle Moss Removal

In order to effectively eliminate the occurrence of moss in your roof, it is important to first understand what moss are and what causes these substances.

People often mistakenly interchange moss from algae. While these two organisms may share a couple of similar living environments and are both non-vascular plants, moss and algae are actually two distinct species with various different characteristics.

Moss belongs to a higher group of plants that are primarily characterized by their water conducting tissues. Unlike most plants, mosses have thin root-like cells called "rhizoids." Mosses are often characterized as clumpy green plants that can cause moisture damage on the exterior surface of your roof. Furthermore, these organisms can also degrade any surface of your roofing material, as it eventually shortens its overall lifespan.

Algae on the other hand, are the visible black-green discoloration that are often present in the roofs of different countries such as Canada and the United States. These discolorations often start as small dark patches, then eventually transform into widespread streaks on the surface of your roof after some period of time.

Unlike algae, the occurrence of moss can be harmful to the exterior surface of your asphalt shingle. The edges of your asphalt may be curled or lifted, which can make your roof vulnerable to strong winds events. In other cases that involve severe moss build-up, moisture damage that has occurred on the roof deck may lead to the risk of wood rot and water leaks.


How To Remove Moss From Asphalt Shingles

Materials and tools that you'll be needing:
  • Water
  • Safety rope
  • Spray bottle
  • Garden hose
  • Rubber gloves
  • Chlorine bleach
  • Extension ladder
  • Soft-bristle brush

The best perceivable way to remove moss from your asphalt shingles is to mix a 50:50 ratio of water and chlorine bleach in a spray-type container. This solution should be sprayed and gently scrubbed using a soft-bristle brush on the exterior surface of your asphalt shingles for 15-20 minutes before you rinse it thoroughly with water. It is important to be extra careful in scrubbing the mixture on the surface of your roof, make sure that you do not pound, scour, or scrape the surface of the asphalt shingles.

In rinsing your asphalt shingles, it is important to be mindful of the water pressure, since high pressure water can bring more harm than good to the finish of your asphalt shingles. High pressured water can remove the sandy granules on the surface of your roof deck, which will lead to an inefficient roof system. So it is advisable to use a garden hose instead of a high pressure one.

Here are some alternative D.I.Y. moss removal options:
  • water + oxygen bleach
  • water + distilled vinegar
  • water + dish washing soap
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Whichever moss removal option you choose, it is important to wet the exterior surface of your roof deck first before you begin with the application of your D.I.Y. moss removal solution on your asphalt shingles. You may also want to trim nearby trees, in order to allow the sun to directly reach the surface of your roof--which is very helpful for moss prevention.
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