Treating a Roof With Moss Killer – Is More Work Needed?

One of the nice things about working with us folks at All Surface is that we are not married to just one type of roof moss removal.   We offer more combinations of cleaning methods than anyone.  We offer standalone roof moss treatments, combinations of hand brushing and treating, washing and air-blowing to mention some of the more common.  Why is this important?  Because every roof's moss problem is unique.  What worked on your neighbors roof might not work on yours. 

Every few years we hear a revival of an common fallacy;  some company offers to only treat a roof promising that this is all that is needed and that the moss will fall off by itself.  A homeowner buys into the idea of saving a little money for this seemingly simple solution. Unfortunately, sometimes this works but more often it does not and you may end up wasting your money. 

The photo above is of a roof a homeowner called us out to review.  It had been treated several months earlier by another company who promised her that the moss would fall off within a few weeks.  This specific type of moss would not have come off by itself in over a year.  Plus, it looked rather hideous, don't you agree?

Why Only Treating a Roof Moss Problem Might Not be Enough

The reason why treating only works sometimes is that it depends on the roof type and more importantly, the type and size of the moss.  There are indeed some types and size of moss that respond well to only being treated.  However, even with those types of situations, the time frame for the moss dislodging off the roof needs to be extended out much longer than just a few weeks.  Many months or even longer than a year are some times required for the moss to come off by itself.  In some environments, if the dead moss does not come off soon enough it ends up serving as a nice bed for a new batch of moss to take restart in.  So in addition to the type and size of moss, the environment around the house needs to be taken into consideration as when when considering this moss removal method.

Generally speaking, for a moss treatment only method of roof moss removal to work, the moss needs to be very small.  This means the homeowner needs to be getting on the problem very quickly.  Unfortunately, most people just don't really pay much attention to the problem until it has advanced a little further.  Most times more work is needed to solve your problem than just applying moss killer.

So before you believe anyone touting that their "one method fits all roofs" approach will solve your problem, check around fist with some reputable pros.  Speaking of roof cleaning pros, why not call us today and get the straight scoop on your roof!  503-590-9274.

Remember,

"Your Roof Protects You, All Surface Protects Your Roof!"

Roof Cleaning and Treating Safety Tips

Being on top of a roof, or even just climbing a ladder to get to the roof, can be a very dangerous proposition.  In our opinion, it should always be left to a trained professional.  This brief video shows a few of the safety precautions our crews take to ensure adequate safety for them and others.  This video is not intended to teach you everything you need to know to be on a roof safely.  Actually, it's effect might be to the contrary – once you see what is involved you may come to your senses and decide to leave roof cleaning and treating to the pros.

If you want nothing to do with being on top of your roof for roof cleaning, roof treating or gutter cleaning, please give us a call.   503-590-9274.

Generally speaking, since even a mild pitch roof of only one story can present the risk of serious injury or death, please think twice before getting on a roof and strongly consider using a professional instead.   Disclaimer – the advice given in this video is not meant to be a complete guide to roof safety and is in no way intended as a substitute for thorough roof safety training.  The creators, participants and distributors of this video disclaim any liabilities or loss in connection with practices and advice herein.

What is currently going on in the Portland Roof Cleaning marketplace?

 Understandably, everyone wants a positive story to tell prospective customers.   The problem is, sometimes for some companies, there isn't much positive to tell.   In those cases, companies look at what they are able to offer, whether it is good or not, and market it as the best solution.  This is what is happening in the Portland roof cleaning market currently.  

 Roof cleaning companies in Portland are confusing the heck out of poor homeowners who are simply trying to figure out what is the best way to handle their roof.  In just the last year, I have seen websites popup claiming the following:

• Power washing is the only way to go because it cleans the most deeply.
• Only treating with a "special solution" is the only way to go because it has no mechanical abrasion at all.
• Pre-treating with a moss killer and then brushing off is the only way because the roof moss comes off the easiest.
• Gentle, low-pressure power washing in the only way to go because it still washes without being too harsh.
• Air blowing and subsequent treatment with moss killer is the only way to go because it avoid granule loss but still kills the moss.

 And if you add what to treat a cedar roof with to the equation, you will get at least 5 different claims of what product type is the "absolute best available as determined by top scientist at a secret facility." 

 All are good reasons.   All could be just what your roof needs.   And all could end up causing harm or not solving the problem (a form of harm) if they were used in the wrong situation as a result of a company "forcing" their method on all roofs.   Perspective is what the homeowner truly needs for an informed roof moss removal decision.

 Fortunately, we specialize is "perspective."   Since we offer virtually every possible method of roof cleaning available, you do not have to worry about, well to be frank, being lied to.   Of course, some companies really do believe their single method of roof cleaning is the best one, but that error comes from a lack of…perspective.  

 We will review your roof and give you a customized roof cleaning plan that is based on your roof's needs, not what equipment we have back at the warehouse or treatment we are overstocked in.   If you were a roof, isn't this what you would want for yourself?   Call us today to get the straight story on your roof.   503-590-9274.  

Remember, Your Roof Protects You, All Surface Protects Your Roof!

Choosing the Proper Roof Cleaning Method for Your Roof Moss Removal Project

Sometimes it is easy to feel that the hard part of a home maintenance decision is over once we have decided that we are going to do it.  However, that is really only the start of the process.   After coming to terms that there is a problem with your mossy roof and you are going to get your roof cleaned, you then need to decide who is going to do the work and by what method the cleaning will be done.

This video tells a sad story – well as sad of a story that you can tell about a roof in approximately 60 seconds.   It shows a roof that had been power washed by an amateur with no specialized power washing equipment.   While in general power washing roofs should be avoided, we always acknowledge that there are still occasions, due to the specific nature of the moss infestation, that it is the best or only solution.   It's rare, but there are times when that is the case.  In such instances, properly adjusted, specialize washers should be used to prevent as little granule loss (or fiber or glaze loss if a cedar or tile roof) as possible. 

The bottom line is that a proper roof cleaning solution must be matched to your home's specific, unique roof moss removal problem.  And sadly, this video shows what happens when a cookie cutter approach was applied to one roof.

Our friends at Angie's List (where we just happen to have some of the best roof and gutter contractor ratings in the Portland area) allowed us to share these

8 great Tips for a Green Home.  

We would include the following tips of our own (the graphics on their tips are much cooler, though:)

1. Consider solar reflective roofing options when it is time to replace you roof. Cooling costs and energy usage can be greatly reduced, even in cloudy Portland.
2. A well maintained roof (ie, one that gets periodic roof cleaning) keeps your old roof out of the landfill for much longer.
3. Consider roof treatments that avoid metallic components.  Our proprietary line of "Guard" treatments (CompGuard, TileGuard and CedarGuard) and among the most environmentally compatible roof treatments available.
4. Clean gutters, or even better protected gutters (learn more here), keep much organic debris from filtering into the city sewer system.

[Via: Angie's List Window Replacement]

If you are ready to get your home's roof and gutters GREEN, please give us a call today and let us help you – 503-590-9274.

Seven Simple Tips to Keep Your Deck in Great Shape

 Deck refinishing is a lot of work even for a small deck, so time spent keeping it in good condition is time well spent.  While to fully protect your deck and keep it looking beautiful periodic refinishing is required, there are some simple things you can do to keep it in good condition both between regular maintenance as well as over its entire life.

1.) Always put pots, planter and similar items on blocks or "pot feet".  

Not doing this is the number one cause of topical damage to decks.   Once in place, simply rotate the spot where they rest between the deck and planter every six or nine months with a quick twist of the pot of lifting a corner of the planter while sliding the block over an inch or two.

2.) Try to keep bird or animal feeders away from the deck.  

Sometimes it is temping to attach them to the deck railings since they are in a handy location.   However, certain bird droppings can cause imbedded stains in the wood that are not easy get out.  Also, scratches from squirrels getting to and opening nuts or seeds can often be permanent (short of some deep sanding.)

3.) Resist the temptation to apply more stain too soon.  

While you might think you are just being responsible, it isn't what is best for your deck.  In general, reapplication every year will cause an excess build up that can potentially cause peeling and accelerate the need to strip the deck back to bare wood.   Most decks will not look quite as good one year after staining as they originally did right after staining but try to hold off on re-staining until at least 18 to 24 months.

4.) Promptly remove debris.

Don't let excessive debris, especially wet and decomposing leaves, accumulate for too long.   A quick sweep or blowing will help greatly.

5.) Between periodic refinishes, a very gently washing helps the stain last and refreshes the look of the deck. 

Find a mild deck wash or dilute a deck cleaner per the instructions on the container.    Never use a stripper, brightener or full strength deck cleaner for this job.  Simply mop on and hose off.

6.) Put a deck mat under your barbeque.

Grease and fat stains are exceptionally difficult to get out of either wood or composite decks.   Additionally, hot charcoal pieces can burn the deck.

 7.) Say no to solid stains and paint.

Finally, if a deck currently is bare or has transparent or semi-transparent stain on it (if you can see much of the wood's grain it likely is one of these two types), think twice before covering it up with solid deck stain or paint.   The stain's label may make reference to "long lasting coverage" which might sound good when faced with a hard job that you do not want to do very often, but it comes at a huge price.   You don't get to see the grain of the wood, which is where its beauty comes from.   Your deck suddenly looks like siding.   Even more critical is that you are likely stuck down that path for the remaining life of the deck.  It is virtually impossible to strip or even sand all of the stain or paint off of a deck.   If you decide at a later date you want a different look you are usually out of luck.   So if your house painter suggests that for a few more dollars he can just spray your deck to match, kindly decline.

Following these simple steps will help you avoid causing costly damage to your expensive deck.   They will also help it look much nicer between service intervals.   If you think you deck is ready for refinishing or if you are uncertain and want a FREE professional opinion, please give us a call today at 503-590-9274.

Periodic Roof Treating – The Smartest Way to Keep Your Roof Moss Free

Preventative maintenance.   Whether changing car oil every 3000 miles, getting your teeth cleaned, or treating your roof so moss doesn't return, preventative maintenance is an unwelcome phrase to many of us.   Why?   The best I can figure it is the result of a misperception.

The misperception I theorize is the cause for avoiding preventative maintenance is that it "costs" too much.   "Why service an issue that has yet to arise, that's just a waste of money!"

Well as the saying goes, "to each their own," but if I am correct in my theory this misperception actually costs you money versus saving it.   Roof cleaning and treating is a prime example.   Every roof cleaning job has several components to it: moss removal (usually the majority, not all of it), gutter cleaning, ground clean up and finally, roof treating.  

When you wait so long after your last roof cleaning that there is once again large moss present, much time and effort will need to be spent removing the majority of that moss.   Accordingly, whenever roof moss removal is involved, there will need to be gutter cleaning and ground cleanup.  As you can see, this is a lot of work, and thus a lot of cost, as a result from waiting.

Roof treating every one to three years is actually very affordable, particularly when compared to a full roof clean and treat.  

Another factor to consider is the life of the roof and the cost of replacement.   Even the most gentle of cleaning methods will remove a few granules off of a composition roof or a cedar roof's wood fiber.   Periodic preventative is the gentlest method of keeping your roof moss free, which in turn maximizes your roof's life to the highest extent.

All Surface recommends to our customers to get on a periodic treatment regimen.   At the very minimum, call us the very first moment that you see any hint of green on your roof.   Whether just a hint of green or a full-fledged forest of moss, we stand ready to help you.   Call us today – 503-590-9274.

Gutterglove – Remember This Name If You Are Serious About Gutter Protection

All Surface is pleased to announce that we are now Portland Metro installers for Gutterglove gutter protection system.   How did we come about this decision? In everything we do, we pursue the best training, the best methods, the best materials and the best products.   We have been offering another excellent gutter guard system over the years and will continue to do so.   However, as the saying goes, "when the best arrived, the good became the enemy of the best!"   Gutterglove is simply the best gutter guard available.

Apparently many others agree with us.   Their testing has come to the same conclusion – Gutterglove scores higher than EVERY gutter protection system tested, whether a gutter cover, gutter screen, gutter guard, or gutter insert. Here is a simple breakdown of some of the top reasons (there are many more) that Gutterglove is the best:

• Effectiveness – absolutely nothing but water and micro-particulate enter the gutter.   Even composition roof shingle's grit will not enter.
• Strength and durability – Micro mesh screens have been proven to be the best systems and of the micro mesh systems available, Gutterglove has the strongest, thickest frame (made of aluminum versus plastic or much thinner metal.)
• Rain flow - Gutterglove accepts more rain water without spillover than any other brand – tested up to 150 inches of hourly rainfall
• Debris buildup – As a result of typically being installed at a sloped angle, less debris builds up on top of it.
• Honest and integrity – No over-exaggerated claims.  Both All Surface and Gutterglove freely acknowledge that there might be a rare spot that might need an occasional brush off of top debris.

You can learn more at our own Portland Gutterglove installer website – Gutter Guard Portland.

Get your Free Estimate for protecting your home with the best gutter guard ever – 503-590-9274.

When we think of cleaning gutters in Portland, we generally think of removing fallen pine needles and leaves. 

On occasion there might be roof granule or sludge building up, particularly if the roof is either very new or very old.   However, sometimes, the organic matter isn’t always dead yet.   Often we clean living plants that have taken root out of gutters for our customers.

In the moist environment inside of a gutter, it doesn’t take much debris to serve as a “potting soil” for seeds to germinate.   Unlike fallen debris that is primarily an annoyance only when it is raining and the gutters are overflowing, growing plants, not matter how nice and healthy they may be, are an eyesore and embarrassment visible to neighbors and friends.   Plus, like the fallen debris, they will cause back up and overflow also.

 If you need your gutters cleaned or “weeded”, call All Surface right now for your free estimate – 503-590-9274 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              503-590-9274      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

Careful Roof Moss Cleaning for Fragile Roofs

On very rare occasion, we will encounter a house that needs roof moss cleaning but has one obstacle most roofs don’t have; it is too fragile to be walked on, even by technicians who know what they are doing.    Most commonly, these roofs are certain types of slate, tile and ever more rarely, material composites.   The common denominator is that while the roofing material may be strong and good condition with many more years of life left, it is thin and lacks a lot of shear strength.   Think of glass – strong and durable in one sense but yet brittle if stressed in the wrong way.

Obviously, moss knows no boundaries.   It pretty much grows wherever it chooses.   So how do you go about eradicating roof moss in a situation when a technician can’t be on the roof?   You use a crane or boom lift!

Needless to say, this adds much cost to a job.   It also increases the amount of expertise required by the roof cleaner.   The last thing a homeowner wants is a boom lift crashing through their roof!   You need to choose a company that is qualified to work on many different roof situations.

This particular project was a large slate roof.   The only option was to power wash it with lower water pressure from the boom.   Slate is a material that is not going to suffer any surface deterioration from proper power washing, unlike a composition or cedar shake roof.   The end result was a moss-free, clean roof with not harm caused to it.

If you have an especially fragile or steep roof, don’t hesitate to call Portland’s unique roof cleaning company!