Mould and mildew don’t just look bad. They’re also slowly detrimental to the health of your home.
If your cedar shakes, shingles or siding appear black or green from mould, mildew, and moss buildup, those organisms aren’t just making your home their home. They’re also making it their menu, munching away at your home’s finish and cutting down on its longevity.
“When moss and mildew are left on your roof, siding or trim, they keep the surface damp, causing it to deteriorate much faster than if it’s clean and dry,” says Chad Gilchrist, owner of Roll-On Painting and Muskoka Softwash. “That is the last thing you want, especially when you’ve invested so much into your home.”
While these organics can be blasted away using a power washer, Chad says there’s there’s another option that is hard on mould and mildew, yet gentle on exterior surfaces.
“Unless you’re okay with removing the paint or stain beneath the organic buildup, we suggest softwashing your exterior instead.”
Softwashing uses a diluted cleaning solution with a surfactant, which is gently sprayed on the exterior surfaces. Within 10 to 15 minutes, it kills the organic material clinging to the surface, removing stains and brightening wood. Once the solution is rinsed off, the exterior’s original lustre is restored.

Softwashing is ideal for almost every surface of your cottage’s exterior, from siding and trim to decks, fences, and cedar shingles.
“Your surfaces last longer when they’re cleaned regularly,” says Chad, adding that many of his clients choose to have him back for a yearly surface cleaning. To maximize the lifespan of cedar shakes, siding or shingles, he says to pair a regularly scheduled softwash service with a nanosealant like GoNano.
“GoNano extends the lifespan of cedar shakes, wood siding and even shingles by penetrating and transforming the molecular structure of materials to enhance your home’s resistance permanently.”
In fact, GoNano can extend the life of a 10 to 15 year old asphalt roof for an additional 10 to 15 years with the manufacturer’s written warranty.
Roll-On Painting is the region’s exclusive provider of GoNano Products, enabling them to rid your home of organic matter before sealing it out for good.
“Your home deserves to be protected,” says Chad. “Let us help you get it clean, and keep it that way with our softwash service and GoNano sealant.”
TEXT SHELANNE AUGUSTINE
PHOTOS ANDREW FEARMAN