Cedar roofs are a beautiful addition to any home, but they do require proper maintenance to keep them looking their best. Over time, dirt, debris, and mold can accumulate on cedar roofs, which can cause discoloration and damage to the roof.
Cedar roof cleaning and restoration is a process of removing this buildup to restore the roof’s appearance and prolong its lifespan!
6-Step NJ Cedar Roof Cleaning Process
- Inspection: The first step is to inspect the roof to determine the extent of the cleaning needed. This involves checking for any damaged or missing shingles, as well as identifying areas with heavy buildup.
- Clearing debris: Before any cleaning can take place, the roof must be cleared of any debris, such as leaves or branches, that could interfere with the cleaning process.
- Applying cleaning solution: A cleaning solution is then applied to the roof, which is designed to kill any mold or algae that may be present. The solution is typically a mixture of water, bleach, and soap.
- Gentle washing: Once the cleaning solution has had time to sit on the roof, a gentle washing process begins. This usually involves using a low-pressure washer or a soft-bristle brush to remove the buildup from the roof.
- Rinsing: After the washing process is complete, the roof is thoroughly rinsed with water to remove any remaining cleaning solution or debris.
- Optional treatments: Depending on the condition of the roof, additional treatments may be necessary. For instance, a sealer or preservative might be applied to protect the roof from future damage.
Never Pressure Wash Your NJ Cedar Roof!
Experienced contractors know that cedar roofs should never be cleaned using high pressure.
Pressure washing creates a challenge since you need to be above the shingle in order to pressure wash downward. Since you wouldn’t want to walk on your cedar roof, in most cases a lift is required. This, in turn, adds further expense. Additionally, continual use of aggressive high pressure can cause damage to the cedar shake.
But the truth remains: a cedar roof shingle infested with algae or mold will retain moisture and rot prematurely. So what can you do?
Luckily, high-pressure applications are not required in order to get your roof cleaned properly. Most stains contain organic features that react well to properly proportioned detergent
Bottom line: roof cleaning is not a “power washing” job, as our Cedar Roof Cleaning Video explains.
Cedar Roof Cleaning: Sanitizing Treatment
Your roof’s infestation can be corrected with a mild detergent that contains a sanitizing feature. After application with a short dwell time the roof can be rinsed but it must remain long enough to dissolve the mold.
Most detergents with a sanitizing feature can have aggressive properties and should not be used frequently. Long-term use of aggressive detergents can break down the fibers of the shingle therefore this process should not exceed 5 applications over the life of a cedar roof.
Mold and rot are doing the real damage allowing the shingle to retain moisture. It can become soft and fail so it remains paramount to keep the shingle clean of mold, moss, and algae.
Cedar Roof Cleaning: Moss & Lichens Removal
Removing moss and lichen requires patience since the first treatment applied simply kills the growth at the root level. Like any other type of plant or fungus, it will die and decompose before washing away with a few rains. It can take up to a year in severe cases yet most cases of moss clear up in less than 90 days. The amount of rain sessions may affect the length required to fall away.
Removing heavy moss instantly will require aggressive agitating such as stiff scrubbing or pressure washing with an aggressive pressure. Considering the growth is a living organism, a pest-control approach can insure the roof remains free of stains for an extended period of time. Aiming for top sterilization will assure a clean surface for an extended period of time.
We Are a Leading NJ Cedar Roof Cleaning Contractor Since 1996!
At Thompson, we’re experts at roof cleaning of any type, including cedar!
With nearly 30 years of experience in roof cleaning behind us, we understand the ins and outs of roof cleaning and how to handle it safely and effectively–especially when it comes to cedar roofs!
We treat the entire roof and guarantee results! Completely sterilizing the roof yields a clean roof for many years whereas a spot-treatments allow stains to regenerate faster.
At Thompson Roof Cleaning & Power Washing, we never pressure-wash a roof! Instead, we use biodegradable detergents that safely eradicate living organisms that create stains on a cedar roof.
Each of our full roof treatments comes with our 3 Year Spot-Free Warranty!
If you need cedar roof cleaning service scheduled, or have questions about our process, please call (732) 726-9261!
Our NJ cleaning & restoration services cover Hunterdon County, Middlesex County, Somerset County, Union County, Essex County, Monmouth County and Ocean County, Far Hills, Califon, Readington, Clinton, Tewksbury, Basking Ridge, Warren, Summit, Westfield, Scotch Plains, New Providence, Millburn, Livingston, Wyckoff, Boonton, and more!
