Commonly Asked Questions
Here are some of the more common questions we are asked in the course of our business:
Q: Should I do the work myself?
A: Several factors should weigh in your decision. You probably should hire a professional company to do the work for you to avoid accidental damage to your roof. Safety is also a factor, such as possibly tripping over hoses, sliding on a dirty or wet roof, or worse, falling off the roof. If you do not like heights, I would say, leave it to a professional!
Q: You mentioned accidental roof damage. Can a composition roof be cleaned without damage?
A: Yes, it can. However, it should normally be done by a qualified professional with experience in using very low pressure and higher water volume systems.
Q: Can you get those unsightly black streaks off my roof?
A: Yes we can. The black streaking is caused by Gloeocapsa Magma which is a very hardy airborne algae.
Q: How often should I get my roof cleaned?
A: Most composition roofs need to be cleaned after 6-8 years of age. Through the years, dirt accumulates on your roof, various fungus grows on dirt, and so the fungus grows and spreads more and more. If the roof is cleaned properly, it usually won’t need to be cleaned again for 4-7 years in most cases, depending on the environment where you live. If you live in highly shaded wet areas or have lots of trees nearby it might need to be done a little more often.
Q: Is there any reason to be concerned about moss on my roof?
A: Absolutely. Moss is one of the more serious problems for composition roofs. It anchors itself to your roof developing roots in order to supply itself with nutrients. This can cause the protective granules of your roofing to dislodge and leave the shingles exposed to the weathering as well as leaving the roof more susceptible for the moss to spread. I have seen roofs that developed internal leaks because the moss had eaten so far down into the roof material that water was able to get into the sheeting of the roof and cause deep mold and rot to develop. This can cause real headaches for a home owner and be very expensive to fix.
Q: What about roof treatments?
A: Typically what is used in professional roof treatments is a solution known as Zinc Sulfate. This powdery or granulated substance looks like sugar and can be applied either by hand or with water through the pressure washing system. The substance should be used sparingly and will retard moss and is relatively harmless to plant life. Easily applied, you can sprinkle the product on either dry or in liquid form on the surface to be treated and the rain does the rest of the work. Zinc sulfate works very well at preventing moss. It is much cheaper than other applications - you are spared the unsightly look of old zinc strips running across your roof and you don't put unnecessary holes in your roof by nailing it down. In accordance with the manufacturers recommendation, while spraying, we combine three pounds to five gallons of water and apply to 600 square feet. This product needs to be applied on a calm day. Effective powder applications have been known to control moss for up two years and spraying an application may need to be applied annually.
Q: Can moss buildup cause my cedar shake roof to leak?
A: Yes. Heavy moss can cause water to back up on the roof enough to flow over the top of the shakes. I have seen water do some very strange things to cedar shake roofs. The moss buildup should always be removed. Moss retains soil and moisture that can harm wood over time.
Q: Do I need to pressure wash my cedar roof?
A: Pressure washing done correctly is one of the options available in the care and maintenance process. When done incorrectly pressure washing can seriously damage a cedar shake roof. I recommend very low pressure and high water volume to clean cedar shake roofs. Other options include back pack blowing the roof or the use of an air compressor which is called an air cleaning method.
Q: Should I use a sealant on my cedar shake roof to keep out moisture?
A: No. You should never seal your cedar roof. Sealing the roof will lock in moisture that would otherwise naturally evaporate over time and normal weather conditions. Cedar needs to breathe and so we recommend using a water repellent-type product, rather than a water proofing product.
Q: Are oil-based products any good for the roof?
A: There are a variety of options available for topical treatments. We suggest that you follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Q: Can you recommend a good cedar roof preservative?
A: When looking for a product, you should look for a topical treatment that: offers a MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet that lists product ingredients and safety precautions); is labeled as a cedar shake roof treatment product; is a water repellent; is a UV inhibitor; and is a EPA registered wood preservative with a manufacturer's performance guarantee. We would not recommend the use of topical treatments that make outrageous claims (such as a 10 or 15 year protection) or makes fire-retardant claims, is a sealant, waterproofer or plasticizer. We especially would not recommend a product if it contains unfortified linseed oil, diesel fuel or crank case oil, etc.
Q: What can I do to prevent the shakes on my roof from turning grey?
A: There are many topical treatments available that contain color tints. Contact Mikie's Pressure Washing for more details. Note: If you have a pressure-impregnated treated product, always check with the treatment company to obtain their recommendation on roof maintenance prior to authorizing your contractor to begin work. Mikie's does treat cedar shake roofs as well as clean and repair them.
Q: Do you clean tile roofs?
A: Yes. White tile roofs are normally cleaned every other year, or every third year if the tile roof is colored.
Q: How often should I clean my gutters?
A: We recommend twice a year here in the Pacific Northwest depending upon the location and the amount of trees in the immediate area of your building. At a minimum, it should be done at least once a year before temperatures hit the freezing mark or the heavy rains come in. Once ice forms, water can back up in three places: the gutters, along the roofline, and below the shingles.
Q: Will your services damage my lawn and shrubbery?
A: No. We do not use any detergents that will cause harm to your plants or lawn. In addition, we take extra care with our hoses and equipment so as to not damage flowers, shrubs, etc. It is our commitment to you to leave your home or business better than we found it.
Q: Do I need to be home when you come to give us an estimate?
A: No. We would prefer you are there in case of any questions you may have, but we know busy schedules may prevent you from being present. When an estimate is left for you, a follow up phone call can answer most any question you may have.
Q: What other services do you offer?
A: Please refer to our Services page to see an extensive listing of services we provide. If you do not see a specific service you need done, please email me or call and I will let you know if we do that particular service.
Q: Are You Insured and Bonded?
A: Yes. We are fully licensed, bonded & insured to cover all residential and most any commercial jobs. We carry our credentials with us to happily present them upon request. You should never hesitate to ask to see a contractors license and insurance before work is started. If a contractor is hesitant to show his documentation, this should be a red flag for you.