FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Note: The methods described below only work if maintenance is frequent. If debris is left on the roof in a moist and shaded area more extreme cleaning measures will be necessary. All of which will shorten the life of your roof, and can cause leaks.

Debris Removal- Debris should be removed with a leaf blower, or water from a garden hose. Leaf blowers work best when debris is dry. If the volume is too great combine the use of light brooming, and water from a garden hose. DO NOT PRESSURE WASH!

Moss Removal- The length of time that the moss has been on the roof, and the type of roof it is on will determine the method for removal.

If the moss is recent and light use of a moss killer may be required. (There are many types, both chemical and organic) However you may be able to lightly broom the moss off of the roof.

If the moss has embedded itself beyond the point of a simple broom job then a Moss Killing product will be necessary. These products typically work very quickly (Within 1 day) Apply the product according to manufacturer’s recommendations, wait for the moss to discolor and die, then remove with non abrasive broom.

Note: If roof has been neglected moss can take roof granules with it. This will cause your shingles to fail rapidly. If this is the case it is recommended to contact a professional immediately.

Algae Stain Removal- There are a multitude of Algae Removal products out there. The two predominant versions are either Bleach based, or Biodegradable. The bleach based products will perform faster, as the biodegradable may take more applications. (Call for list of products)
Either way the application is similar. Mix in a garden sprayer. Spray area affected, and rinse after a short period of time.

If in the spring and fall you are able to clean debris off of your roof, and treat the roof with a liquid algae cleaner moss should not be an issue for you, and your roof will look bright and new!

Short answer…. No. Zinc is a fungicide, and does kill algae which can reduce moss growth. However, you are relying on rain to wash over the strip carrying zinc oxide from the strip down the roof. Experience has shown that the effectiveness of the strip is 3-4 feet down from where the strip is installed (Typically at the peak of the roof). Experience also tells us that the strips wear out after a couple of years.

Other drawbacks are that when they are on the roof they are noticeable, and they have a tendency to break and flop around on the roof.

Copper wire is less effective based on the size of the wire typically used. However, many asphalt roofing shingles have Copper Granules embedded in them. These have proven to be effective in the prevention of Algae Staining for periods of 10-15 years. These work because they are evenly spread throughout the roof providing constant and consistent protection. For more information contact our office.

This question is largely determined by the contractor. If the contractor is professional, and organized the project will be swift. (1-2 days on overage)

This will be due to the contractor having highly trained crews. The contractor will assign the appropriate team for your property. They will show up when they say, and stay until the job is complete, and not leave your home partially complete to finish other jobs.

If you are in need of a roof, and want the job completed promptly contact us for your free estimate.

The answer is ABSOLUTELY! Actually the quality of the shakes today is far superior to what could be purchased 15-20 years ago.

There are two reasons for this:

1. There is a regulatory board known as ICBO. This governing body establishes the quality standard that shakes must be manufactured to. If a mill wants to stay in business they have to comply.
2. The shakes can be pressure treated at the factory. This presses the treatment deep into the shake for long lasting protection. (Topical treatments that are applied after the roof is installed do not last long)

The shake mills in Canada harvest Old Growth Cedar that has fallen in the woods. They cut out the good wood and make shakes from it. Of course there are different grades, and if you want a quality product it will cost more. But if you want that shake look you can still get it, and get a quality roof as well!

The key to dealing with moss is being proactive. In the Pacific Northwest we are truly blessed by our clean environment (Crucial for moss growth) and beautiful large evergreen trees. And some people say it rains around here once in a while.

Unfortunately the combination of these things make for perfect fungus and moss growth conditions.

So what can you do? Depending on your circumstance, and environmental consciousness here are a few suggestions.

1. Remove any foliage or structures that might be shading an area to the point that sun rarely or never hits it.
2. Keep the roof free from decaying organic material. I.E. Leaves, Needles, Pine Cones etc. Depending on the volume, if you are like most Northwestern Homeowners a minimum of a fall cleaning and a spring cleaning is necessary.
3. Keep the Fungus off of the roof. Fungus and algae grow on everything in the Northwest as well. It is easily treated, and needs to be stayed on top of.

Euroslate is a roofing product that in fact is made from the rubber from used tires. It is manufactured by a Canadian company named GEM. In Washington state the product is being distributed by a company called State Roofing. They have exclusive rights to the product.

Benefits of the product are:

• It is light weight and can go on most roofs
• It has a slate tile appearance
• It is impact resistant
• It is impervious to moisture

Issues with the product are:

• The cost. Typically 2-4 times as much as a medium grade asphalt composite
• Fire Rating. Class A fire is not achieved without additional cost in underlayments.
• Warranty – The warranty is loosely written, and favors the manufacturer. Major concern with discoloration. Warranty is vague in this area. Also does not cover labor or removal of defective product. (From what could be determined by reading warranty) *Read warranty for clarification.
• Maintenance – The roof can still grow moss. The issue with these types of products is walking on them to clean them.

Believe it or not, you can actually get a guarantee on Asphalt Shingles that is superior to ANY other roofing product. For more information on any of these topics contact us.

The answer to the question is yes. However, it is crucial as to who you invite to perform the work on your home.

Your most important decision in any contracting job is who you hire no matter what time of year it is.

The right contractor will design the job correctly, they will specify the correct materials, they will have the appropriately trained personnel assigned to the job, and they will do so with the weather in mind.

Most standard jobs take 1-2 days to complete. If the contractor is adequately staffed with trained personnel the window of time that a roof is vulnerable to weather can be reduced to a few hours depending on the job.

For example, if the roof is an asphalt composite removal and installation, and the roof is installed on plywood a company like ours may only need a few hours of good weather to assure it is weatherproof.

With that in mind it does depend on your situation. If you are considering re roofing, and would like some more information please call us. We will try to assist you in any way that we can!