Moss is gorgeous – that is, if it’s the shade of your new coat of paint. But if it’s growing on your roof, moss is the last thing you want to see.
“Moss growth is a huge problem in our area,” says Chad Gilchrist, owner of Roll-On Painting and Muskoka Softwash. “From asphalt shingles to cedar shakes, it can cause severe damage to your roof if left unchecked.”
The problem is that moss traps moisture. The longer the moisture permeates your roof, the more moss will grow, eating away at your shingles and the roof beneath it.
If your roof has a carpet of green moss or discolourations from mould and lichen growth, you are cutting the lifespan of your roof – especially if it’s made of cedar shakes.
“That organic growth is feeding on your cedar and causing it to remain wet. Always remember, prolonged wetness equals rot.”
Prevent and protect
If you have a newly installed cedar or asphalt shingle roof, the best way to prolong its life is by applying treatment that will prevent moisture from permeating it.
“There are a lot of roof treatments on the market today,” says Chad, noting that many are made of bio-oils, which work well for a season or two before they need to be reapplied again.
However, there’s a new alternative on the market that Chad uses to protect his clients’ properties after they are cleaned and painted to give them the longevity they truly deserve.
GoNano – which recently made a million dollar deal on Dragon’s Den – is a nanosilica treatment that uses nanoparticles of silica to transform the molecular structure of the materials it’s applied to.
“That’s what drew me to GoNano,” he adds. “It’s not a sealant, but a breathable treatment that actually permeates the material, making it hydrophobic, creating a moisture-proof surface that will extend its lifespan by up to 15 years… or anywhere from 50 to 100 if you apply every five years.”
Because it’s anti-moisture, it’s great for our weather extremes – reducing the chance of ice damming, heat absorption, discolouration, and premature shingle decay. It’s also known to stand up well to hail and high winds.
GoNano products are backed by a 15-year limited warranty that applies to almost any 7- to 15-year-old roof. “If you see defects, peeling, or experience leaks, they’ve got you covered.”
“The product is a no-brainer,” says Chad, who first encountered the product as a way to make his clients’ homes and cottages healthier. “It goes hand in hand with our paint and soft-wash services.”
Wash it
If your roof is covered with moss, softwashing offers a simple way to remove moss without lifting or damaging the shingles underneath.
Chad discovered soft washing as a means to improve the cleaning and preparation process prior to painting his clients’ homes.
“In painting, it’s so important to remove all the moss, mildew and mould from your siding, trim, decks and docks, before you coat them,” says Chad. “Without taking that step, the organics will seep through the paint while eating away at the wood beneath it.”
Chad and his team are Muskoka’s leading experts in exterior softwashing. Their process is simple, gentle and effective: they spray roofs, siding and other exterior features with a diluted cleaning solution that contains a surfactant to help it cling to the surfaces.
This coating kills most organic material clinging to the surface in as little as 10 to 15 minutes, removing stains and brightening wood, says Chad, noting that heavy moss removal is more complex and takes more time and care.
Once the solution is rinsed off, your exterior’s original lustre is restored.
While the solution includes diluted sodium percarbonate, Chad says it won’t damage or fade your surfaces, nor will it harm your surrounding gardens and greenery with proper use. By thoroughly watering the surrounding foliage before, during and after applying the soft wash solution, it locks out the solution like a saturated sponge.
Paint it
Once your surfaces are clean, Chad’s team can also protect them with a fresh coat of paint or stain.
Roll-On Painting has long been a favourite among locals, seasonal residents and contractors who lean on Chad and his team to pre-finish cabinets and paint and stain interiors and exteriors with precision.
At their off-site shop, his team paints cabinetry, furniture, and pretreats trim and siding using the latest equipment, sourced from across the globe.
In addition to his cutting-edge spray booths for kitchen cabinetry, Chad has also purchased a 360-degree finishing machine for pretreating siding, trim and cedar shakes on all sides.
It all adds up to a full-service package that will keep your home or cottage clean and healthy for years to come.
TEXT SHELANNE AUGUSTINE
PHOTOS ANDREW FEARMAN
