Choosing a Stain Color for Your Cedar Roof

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All types of materials have been used to stain cedar roofs.  In the past Indians in the Pacific Northwest used fish oil.  There have also been reports of people using diesel fuel, motor oil, and linseed oil.  Today modern products are much safer and easier to use, however there are still some things to take into consideration when selecting a stain color for your cedar roof.

 

Examining one’s community and region, climate, and wall color can all help when trying to make a stain selection.  Different communities and regions have different expectations of an acceptable roof color.  The same pink roof could be considered both conservative in a tropical resort region and daring in a traditional city with deep winters.  It is best to choose a roof color which fits in with the norms of the area.  In regions where the climate is cold most roofs are darker colored.  In hot areas, dark colors tend to be avoided.  Dark colors absorb heat and light colors reflect it.  Roof colors are typically darker that the house walls.  Light colored roofs are usually matched with light colored walls.

 

Prior to making a final selection it’s important to talk with a service professional about the specific stain color you are considering.  Dark colors tend to look even darker over a large area.  Reds and yellow-browns frequently look more red and yellow.  Some mottled colors look exaggerated over a large area and other mottling effects can be completely lost.

 

The service professionals here at Roof-to-Deck Restoration are happy to assist you with the selection of a stain color for your cedar roof or any questions you may have.  Give us a call today at 877-687-3639.

Water Reclamation

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Water reclamation is a process in which wastewater from homes and businesses is cleaned via chemical treatment, and then safely returned to the environment for non-potable uses.  It is also known as simply “water recycling.”

The water reclamation process contains multiple steps to ensure a high disinfection level.  The first step is to eliminate large solid materials.  Next, microorganisms are introduced to break down the smaller solids.  Then, undesirable compounds and fine suspended particles are eliminated.  Finally, chlorine is introduced to eliminate organisms that cause disease.

Once water has been reclaimed, it is a low-cost alternative to depleting the drinking water supply for purposes of irrigation, industrial processes, and construction.  Reclaimed water is also excellent for restoring and enhancing wetlands, adding to groundwater supplies, and increasing flows in rivers and streams.

Water reclamation is beneficial to the environment because it creates a renewable water resource which can be used for a variety of tasks without impacting the drinking water supply.  It is estimated that annually, use of reclaimed water saves more than six billion gallons of drinking water, enough to supply 60,000 families over that same time period.  Using reclaimed water helps to ensure reliable water supplies for our future.

RTD Power Washing believes water is our most precious natural resource, and is committed to providing you top quality service without damaging the environment.  Through our membership in the Power Washers of North America, we are proud to be one of the first companies granted a Water Reclaimer Certification for our mobile power washing units.  This certification is your guarantee that the mobile power washing equipment used by our technicians meets or exceeds industry standards and that Best Management Practices are followed concerning the safe use, collection, and disposal of water.  From sidewalks to buildings, if your Minneapolis area business is in need of power washing, we would be happy to provide you with a free quote.  Give RTD Power Washing a call at 612-868-7312.

Selecting a Stain for Your Cedar Fence

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Whether you are thinking of installing a new cedar fence or it is just time for your existing cedar fence to be stained you are probably thinking of color choices.  With today’s large market the selection is wider than ever.  Before selecting your color there are a few things to take into consideration.

 

Examining the colors in the environment surrounding the fence can help when choosing your stain color.  Consider the colors of your home, such as your roof, siding, trim, and foundation.  Look at any landscaping surrounding your home, including the driveway, large plantings, or trees.  You may want to select colors that enhance these existing features or hues that will tie these elements together for a more coordinated look.

 

Prior to making a final decision it’s important to talk with a service professional about the specific stain color you are considering, as they will be able to provide additional guidance.  Dark colors tend to look even darker over a large area.  Reds and yellow-browns frequently appear more red and yellow.  Some mottled colors look exaggerated over a large area and other mottling effects can be completely lost.  The natural color or grain pattern of the wood itself can greatly influence the final color.  Semi-transparent stains will allow the fence’s original wood grain and coloring to come through.

 

The service professionals here at Roof-to-Deck Restoration are happy to assist you with the selection of a stain color for your cedar fence or any questions you may have.  Give us a call today at 877-687-3639.

Cedar Roof Maintenance

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Cedar contains a high amount of natural preservatives causing some homeowners to believe that it is maintenance free.  This is just not true.  Over time these natural chemicals can become depleted.  As the years pass the rain extracts the natural preservatives from the wood, leaving it vulnerable to accelerated deterioration.  As the preservatives are decreased, water is able to enter the wood causing it to expand and contract.  This expansion causes cracks in the wood creating places for algae, moss, and fungi to grow.  As they grow they draw food from the wood, further weakening it.  Without proper attention their spread will lead to premature roof failure.

 

Sunlight can also cause serious problems for cedar roofs.  The sun’s rays can cause the wood to breakdown at a cellular level.  Once the cells are broken down on the top layer of the wood, they are then able to be washed away by the rain.  As this cycle continues, over the years it causes the cedar to grey.  Although many of us see this “graying” of a cedar roof as an attractive, it is actually a sign of deterioration.

 

Protecting the wood from decay is of high importance.  Failure from decay can occur in less than 10 years.  Failure from weathering, although slower, is an accumulative process.  The following are some simple steps you can take to help maintain your cedar roof

  1. Remove any loose debris from the roof and gutters routinely.  It is often easy to overlook debris such as leaves, braches, and vines.  These can accumulate on the roof and trap moisture in the shingles increasing the likelihood of decay.
  2. Trim any overhanging limbs and vines than provide excessive shade, as these can keep the shingles wet for longer periods encouraging moss growth.
  3. Periodically check the flashings for any damage or holes and if you find any damage replace it right away.
  4. If you find that any moss or lichen has formed on your shingles call a contractor that is approved by the BBB.

It is also important to have a professional contractor seal/stain your roof with a preservative that protects against the sun’s UV rays and also algae and moss growth every 6-8 years.

The service professionals here at Roof-to-Deck Restoration are happy to assist you with any questions regarding the care and maintenance of your cedar roof.  Give us a call today at 877-687-3639.

Wooden Fence Maintenance

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Wooden fences add a great deal of curb appeal to any home.  While their sturdy appearance may give the impression they will last indefinitely, a long life is not assured without proper maintenance.  Here are some general tips for extending the life of your fence.

Wherever possible, keep soil out of contact with the wood.  Of course, an outdoor fence will be exposed to some amount of soil. However, you should plan your landscaping so that it does not involve piling gardening soil or mulch up against your fence.  The parts of the fence exposed to the soil will soak up much more water without having access to the drying effects of the sun. Worse, the soil may contain termites that will be more than happy to burrow in and start destroying the wood.  For these very same reasons, you should keep plants and dead leaves away from your fence as well.  Essentially, play it safe and lean nothing against the fence if you can help it.

Adjust your sprinklers so that you are not watering the fence.  Not only do you want to avoid exposing the fence to unnecessary moisture, but your water may contain chemicals, such as chlorine, that will change the color of your wood.

In addition to these tips, it is important to have your fences power washed and stained or sealed approximately once every four years.  The power washing is critical for removing dirt, debris, mold, and mildew that has settled into the cracks of the wood over time.  By staining or sealing the wood after power washing, you are giving it a layer of protection against the sun’s ultraviolet rays, as well as preventing water absorption.

Remember, proper maintenance will double the life of your wooden fence.  The professionals at Roof-to-Deck Restoration are ready to assist you with any questions regarding your wood fencing needs.  Contact us today at 1-877-687-3639 or at info@rooftodeck.com.

Deck Maintenance

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Spring is thankfully just around the corner, and with the change in weather, you are sure to spend more time outside enjoying your beautiful wooden deck.  As the weather warms and the snow melts away, it is a good time to check your deck over to see how it faired through the winter months.  It is advised that you pay special attention to the following items:

1)      Check carefully for any loose or popped up nails and replace them.  (Lightly dragging your garden rake across the deck can help you locate them.)

2)      Check the deck’s steps and railings.  If they are loose, fix them immediately.  You may also find they need some light sanding to smooth splintered edges.

3)      Replace any boards that have become warped or cracked.

4)      Verify your deck has not pulled away from the house.  If it has, you need to call a professional immediately.

5)      Trim away any excess vegetation around your deck, as good air circulation around the wood will help stave off mold and mildew accumulation.

Once these items are taken care of, it’s time to think about having your deck power washed and stained or sealed.  To absolutely ensure you are maintaining your deck at its best quality and appearance, you should have this done yearly.  However, if your deck is not exposed to excessive sunlight or water, you may be able to extend this to every two years.  The power washing is critical for removing dirt, debris, mold, and mildew that has settled into the cracks of the wood over time.  By staining or sealing the wood after power washing, you are giving it a layer of protection against the sun’s ultraviolet rays, as well as preventing water absorption.

Remember, proper maintenance will double the life of your wooden deck.  The professionals at Roof-to-Deck Restoration are ready to assist you with any questions regarding your decking needs.  Contact us today at 1-877-687-3639 or at info@rooftodeck.com.

Caring for Your Cedar Roof

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Cedar is a very popular choice for roofing not only for its aesthetic beauty, but for the superior insulation it provides.  Because cedar naturally contains preservatives, it is a popular misconception that it requires minimal maintenance.  Unfortunately, this is not true, as sunlight and rain do impact the cedar.  Think of your cedar shingles as a tree that has been stripped of its bark.  Exposed to the elements, the wood will swell after absorbing rain water, then shrink after it has been dried by the sun’s rays.  This cycle eventually wears away the cedar’s natural preservatives, making maintenance necessary.  In fact, just by having your cedar roof regularly cleaned and sealed or stained, you can double its life.

Having your roof regularly power washed is important, because cedar is particularly prone to algae and moss growth.  In addition to being visually unappealing, algae and moss can absorb a great deal of water, weakening your shingles.  After the roof has been power washed, it’s important to apply a sealant or a stain to the wood to prevent future collection of moisture.

At Roof-to-Deck Restoration, our employees have been certified by the Power Washers of North America, and have the knowledge and experience to do any job for you correctly the first time through.  We will carefully wash your roof with an environmentally safe cleaning solution that will not harm your plants, grass, or pets.  We will then replace any missing or broken shingles and insure the moisture content of the wood is 16 percent or less before applying the sealer or stain, which creates the best possible bond.  We stand behind our work with a 5 year limited warranty.  We are happy to provide you with a free estimate for any project you need done.  You may request one online easily via our website at http://rooftodeck.com/Estimate.htm.

Ice Dam Prevention and Removal Don’ts

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As discussed in prior articles, an ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the end of your roof, blocking the melting snow from draining, and causing water to collect and back up behind it.  The primary cause of ice dams is heat loss from your home through your roof, which makes snow melt on some parts of your roof but not others.  The pooled water can potentially leak into your home, causing damage to your ceiling, walls, and insulation.  Obviously this is something that you want to prevent if at all possible.  Unfortunately, there are some misconceptions regarding ice dam prevention and removal.  The following are things you should avoid.

  • Don’t assume a large snow fall is necessary for an ice dam to occur.  In the right conditions, ice accumulation can occur even in a very light snowstorm.
  • Don’t assume your gutter is at fault for creating the ice dam.  An ice dam can still accumulate on the edge of your roof even if you don’t have a gutter there to reinforce it.  If you do have a gutter, keep in mind an ice dam is a good indication your gutter is frozen solid and in need of attention as well.
  • Don’t assume installing more insulation in your attic will prevent ice dams from forming.  Insulation will not prevent heat from escaping through your roof if you still have air leaks.
  • Don’t assume a small ice dam does not need to be removed.  On a roof with a lower pitch, even a thin ice dam can cause problems.
  • Don’t try to melt an ice dam on your own using salt or other ice-melting compounds.  If you do this, you are risking corrosion to your gutter and roof flashings, discoloration of your roof, and potential damage to the plants below.

If you find yourself with an ice dam this winter, your safest course of action is to call in a professional.  The experts at Roof to Deck Restoration are ready to assist you with this urgent and important matter.  We will use steam to remove the ice dam safely, without damaging your roof or gutters.  You can reach us at 1-877-687-3639.

Why Ice Dam Removal is Important

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Although it’s not yet officially winter, we have already encountered freezing temperatures and snowfall.  With forecasters calling for an even colder and snowier winter than usual, it is time to think about the repercussions of such weather.  An ice dam can be one of these consequences, and it can happen to any home.

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the end of your roof.  It effectively blocks melting snow from draining, causing the water to collect and back up behind it.  Ice dams are the result of a combination of heat loss from the roof of your home, snow cover on the roof, and outside temperatures.  For the ice dam to occur, the top of your roof must be above freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit), which causes the snow to melt, and the bottom of your roof must be below freezing, which causes the ice to build up.  The cause of certain portions of the roof being warmer than others is mainly heat loss from your home through your roof.

As melted snow pools behind the ice dam, the water tends to find cracks in your roof that will allow it to leak into your attic.  From there it can move into the interior of your house, damaging walls, ceilings, and insulation.   It also leads to the growth of mold and mildew inside your home, which is potentially damaging to your family’s lungs.  For these reasons, it is absolutely critical to have an ice dam removed as soon as possible.

If you need an ice dam removed quickly and professionally, call Roof to Deck Restoration at 1-877-687-3639.  We use steam to gently remove the ice without harming your roof or gutters.  Understanding the seriousness of the situation, we pride ourselves in our quick response to your call for assistance.

Ice Dam Prevention

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With winter coming, it is prudent to think about ice dam prevention.  If you are unfamiliar with the term, an ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the end of your roof, blocking the melting snow from draining, and causing water to collect and back up behind it.  The primary cause of ice dams is heat loss from your home through your roof, which makes snow melt on some parts of your roof but not others.  The pooled water can potentially leak into your home, causing damage to your ceiling, walls, and insulation.

An ice dam can form on any home, so preventative maintenance is critical, even if you have never experienced this phenomenon.  First and foremost, you should verify that your roof is in good condition.  Any damaged or rotting plywood and shingles should be replaced in preparation for winter.

Once that is done, the next thing is to check the air tightness between your ceiling and your roof.  The U.S. Department of Energy recommends that on a windy day, you carefully hold a lit incense stick or smoke pen next to your ceiling fixtures, recessed lights, skylights, heating ducts, attic hatches, and other places you think air may leak.  If the smoke stream travels horizontally, you have located an air leak that needs caulking, sealing, or weatherstripping.  They also recommend you check for dirty spots on your ceiling paint and carpet, which may indicate air leaks at interior wall/ceiling joints and wall/floor joists, and caulk them.

Next, you should consider purchasing a roof rake, which can help you remove snow from your roof while standing safely on the ground.  Roof rakes are typically made of lightweight aluminum, making them easy to handle.  Just make sure to find one that specifically states it is designed to not harm your roof shingles.

If despite your best efforts you do find yourself with an ice dam this winter, it is important to have it removed as soon as possible.  For fast and professional service, call Roof to Deck Restoration at 1-877-687-3639.  We will use steam to gently remove the ice without damaging your roof or gutters, and pride ourselves in our speedy response to your call for assistance for this serious matter.