Fall Season Brings Leaves ... and Moss
Roof moss, “the scourge of the Northwest,” can be a formidable enemy. Every year, despite the brushing and pounds of Moss-Off applied, the moss returns, seemingly stronger than ever. According to a maintenance bulletin from Asphalt Roofing Manufacturer’s Association (ARMA), “Moss can be detrimental to asphalt shingle performance. [It] can cause lateral water movement resulting in moisture damage to the roof deck or may even cause leaks.” So why is moss so prolific in the Northwest? About 40 years ago, roofing manufacturers began adding limestone filler, which is a cheaper alternative to ceramic, to roofing shingles. Unfortunately, limestone is also great food for moss and algae. A steady diet combined with Oregon’s constant rain is the ideal breeding ground for these organisms. THE BIGGER PROBLEM Roof manufacturers know that the moss plant’s root systems can cause significant granule loss, leading to premature roof failure. Manufacturers will actually void the warranty on roofs that have been neglected.
short-term solution to a long-term problem and can take years off the life of your roof.
So the question remains, how can one effectively treat this moss without voiding the warranty?
recipe title To completely remove the moss the first time through, ARMA recommends a “SoftWashing” treatment. If treated and killed properly, roof moss will weather off the roof naturally, typically within six months, without any need for brushing, scraping, or rinsing. This method is the gentlest way to remove moss with no roof damage, guaranteed. Proper roof maintenance and cleaning can prolong the lifespan of a roof by double. Roof replacement is one of the most expensive maintenance items a property will encounter, so it pays to be proactive. WINNING THE BATTLE First off, one needs to think of moss like a pest, not as a dirty stain that can be scrubbed or blasted away. Interestingly enough, Oregon, like many states, requires companies who treat moss on roofs to be licensed with the State Pesticide Division. One common method used and recognized as a pesticide for roof moss is zinc or copper sulfate. While this method is excellent for maintenance, it doesn’t stop moss that’s already growing.
To make matters worse, most of the methods used to remove moss in the Northwest also void the roof warranty.
Brushing, scraping, pressure washing, and even a “low-pressure” rinse of the moss can void roof warranties as a result of granule loss. It’s a
Inside-Out Grilled Cheese Want to take your grilled cheese game to the next level? This recipe calls for
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cheese both inside and outside the sandwich, adding a crispy crunch to the grilled cheese experience. It’s a quick, delicious weekday dinner option the whole family will love.
INGREDIENTS • 8 slices of bread (Pullman works best) • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (preferably Parmigiano- Reggiano)
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• 8 ounces ham, thinly sliced • 1/2 pound Swiss cheese, sliced • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard • 1/4 cup apricot preserves
DIRECTIONS 1. Butter each slice of bread on the outsides and sprinkle with Parmesan. 2. Layer ham and cheese evenly on top of 4 slices of bread. 3. Spread apricot preserves and mustard across the other 4 slices. Press sandwiches together. 4. In a cast-iron skillet or large sauté pan over medium heat, grill sandwiches until golden, about 3 minutes per side. 5. Cut in half and serve. REQUEST A FREE QUOTE • 503-ALL-CLEAN 3
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