Helpful hints and tips
Helpful hints and tips
An ongoing series of information
An ongoing series of information
Mossy Roof
Moss Growth On Roofing And The Solution
Moss Growth On Roofing And The Solution
April 25, 2020
Having a thick green blanket of moss on the roof might make you think you have gone to a land of hobbit houses in New Zealand however this green substance has a sinister side. If left un-checked it can cause severe damage to roofing materials including water intrusion and wood rot!
Fortunately, there is a fairly simple process to rid this evil moss and keep it at bay.
Follow these steps to easily remove moss and keep it from coming back!
1)Pre-Cleaning
Using a soft bristle brush, scrub away the larger pieces of the dry moss. Removing these larger pieces before wetting or applying a cleaning solution will eliminate some of the mess. This is a pretty messy job once the moss is wet and being scrubbed so get those old clothes ready!
Once most of the larger moss has been scrubbed away, use a leaf blower to remove the pieces from the roof.
2)Cleaning / scrubbing
Most home centers sell specific cleaners that can be used to remove moss but a simple at home solution works just as well. Mix up a batch of 50% household bleach with 50% water. Place in a spray bottle or garden sprayer. Apply the mixture to the affected areas and let it soak for a few minutes. This process is best done on a cloudy / partially cloudy day so the solution can remain wet on the moss.
After a few minutes use the same soft bristled brush to scrub away the moss. Working from the top down. Once all the moss has been scrubbed down, wash down the shingles with a garden hose from the top down. Do not use a pressure washer on the roof, this can damage the granules on the shingles shortening the roof life.
3)Keeping moss at bay
Once the moss has been cleaned away, keep it away!
Zinc and copper are naturally toxic to moss and algae. Copper is the most toxic and works the best however is much more expensive than zinc. You can find rolls of 99% zinc at a home center for around $35 for a 50-foot roll.
The zinc should be applied at the top of the roof peak right under the roof cap shingles. Cut a strip the entire length of the area that has the moss growth happening. The zinc roll should come with nails with rubber washers included. Nail the zinc strip at 2-foot intervals along the top of the zinc strip. As rainfall happens, the zinc will wash down the shingles and prevent moss from growing back.
Moss does not grow well in direct sunlight. It is also a good idea to cut back any trees or shrubs that might be shading the roofing area from the sunlight to help inhibit new growth.
Contact us if you would like help with removing moss from your roof!
Spring Maintenance
5 tips for spring home maintenance
5 tips for spring home maintenance
March 5, 2020
1) Inspect your roof, chimney and roof vents for any visible damage. You can do this safely from the ground with a pair of binoculars if you are not comfortable on a ladder. Repair any damage found to avoid further more costly repairs in the future.
2) Clean out gutters and downspouts. With spring showers on the way, make sure your gutters are working properly. Clogged gutters can cause damage to fascia boards, windows and can lead to foundation problems.
3) Painting touch-up's. Inspect the painting around windows and doors to loose and peeling paint. This also gives you the opportunity to check the caulking around your windows and doors.
4) Inspect for any rotting siding or trim. Soft rotted spots will lead to further damage and can also be a great place to let pests and bug into the home. When replacing window trim, look at using PVC trim, this will not rot in the future and can be painted just like wood.
5) Clean exterior surfaces. Power wash siding, decks, sidewalks, driveways and fencing. Keeping these surfaces clean will extend finishes and lead to better curb appeal of your home.
Contact us if you would like any help with your spring maintenance projects!
Snow Removal
How to safely shovel and when is the right time
How to safely shovel and when is the right time
February 14, 2020
Shoveling is a dreaded task we all have to face, here are a couple of tips to do it safely.
1) When should you begin shoveling? Generally you should clear show before it gets packed down and becomes ice. Try and avoid driving over freshly fallen show and try and clear it no more than 6 hours after its completely stopped snowing.
2) Left with the legs not the back! The old saying rings true when clearing snow. Snow can be very heavy so avoid using your back. Bend at the knees when lifting a full shovel and try to avoid twisting.
3) Cut into larger piles. If the snow pile you are clearing is taller than 1 foot, use the shovel to chop away pieces from the top of the pile. This will break off a smaller more manageable piece.
4) Don't forget the roof! Clearing snow from the roof is a must to avoid excessive weight and ice dam build up. Using a roof rake to keep about 18 to 24 inches of the roof edge clear will help with ice dams. Keep in mind where the snow will fall once raked off to avoid damaging anything below the roof line.
LED Lights
Should you change out light bulbs to LED?
Should you change out light bulbs to LED?
January 15, 2020
YES! You should be changing out your old incandescent and CFL (the twirly ones) to LED bulbs. LED light bulbs have become more and more reasonable in price. You can find a 4 pack at the local home store for as little as $6.00 these days.
The biggest benefits are the savings from the reduced energy use and the life of the bulbs. LED bulbs can save up to as much as 80% of energy over old incandescent bulbs. The life expectancy is also up to 25 times longer than an incandescent bulb. That means buying less bulbs over time and saving the hassle of changing them out when they do go out.
LED Light bulbs come in both soft and cool light just like other types of bulbs so you can customize the look you want. Use the cool light in smaller spaces you want to look larger, a basement bathroom for example that might not have natural light. Use warmer bulbs in spaces you want to feel more cozy.
Changing out old incandescent bulbs to LED is a quick and easy way to save money on your energy bill.
Ladder Safety
How to safely place and use an extension ladder
How to safely place and use an extension ladder
December 1, 2019
A couple of safety tips on how to properly use an extension ladder. Planning on putting up the holiday lights, read these quick tips!
1. Place the ladder against the wall and your toes against the bottom vertical rails of the ladder.
2. Stand straight up – no leaning forward allowed! You will maintain the best control of the ladder if you are standing straight up.
3. With your hands out at 90 degrees from your body, grab the rails of the ladder from behind. Rails are the side vertical pieces; rungs are the horizontal steps you climb up on.
4. If you cannot do this, adjust the ladder until you can. You are working to get the angle of the ladder correct before you climb up on the ladder.