Cedar Shake roof cleaning help needed!

[detailsetc. 14]

I have a customer in MA that has a 3200 sq. ft. house, many different angles, peaks, etc. He wants the roof cleaned of mold, lichen stains, moss, etc., but keep they grey weathered look. The roof is approx 20 yrs old, and says it is worst this year becasue of all the rain we had. Is there any way to keep they grey weathered look while cleaning the roof. Also, he wants the roof sealed/stained also. Bringing in a lift to do the job is also not a problem with the owner. Any ideas on pricing and what is best sealant for the job. Thanks

[PressurePros 249]

What he wants does not coincide with anything that can be achieved. Any type of cleaner whether it be be sodium percarbonate based (which is what I would use) or bleach will also remove the grey. That grey wood will not accept or hold onto sealer. My suggestion is to clean the roof removing all the crap that is on there (do your reseacrh and learn what chemicals, pressure and technique to use). Seal it with a clear sealer and set him up on a maintenance cleaning schedule. Once you get a coat of clear sealer on the wood the sun will make the wood turn gray again in less than a year and a simple yearly cleaning with a light bleach solution will keep the roof free from mold and let the wood underneath keeps its patinaed look. You will have to recoat the shingles every couple of years.

[tropical wave 22]

wood defender makes a gray sealer that may be what your looking for if he definetly wants it sealed as opposed to letting it gray naturally

[Celeste 341]

We have successfully applied Wood Defender to over 50K sq ft of cedar shakes last year and early this year. Results were quite nice, especially considering the condition! Looked at them just last weekend and they still look great :)

Celeste

[Beth n Rod 1,279]

Worth reading.... http://www.cedarbureau.org/about-us/overview.htm

Beth

[Celeste 341]

That's a great link Beth - information from that exact brochure insured that we determinee the appropriate course of action for the roofs we did :) We also provided it as a part of our proposal package.

Celeste

[Beth n Rod 1,279]

They are the authority for cedar roofing.

Very helpful folks too.

Beth