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Probably clean the asphalt shingles first and rinse it or return later to make it safer to walk on. The asphalt roof will get wet while working on the cedar and wet algae can be a killer to walk on. That could be a beautiful job when complete. I am concerned with the age of the asphalt and of it has bad sections that may become leaks after roof cleaning then walking on it. A close inspection oradditional charge for repairs may be required. From your description that little bit of cedar can be saved, so I will call you in a couple hours and try to help you out.

I thought the shingles should be done first, thanks for the advice on that aspect of the project. The reason for my first thought on whether the cedar could not be done with pressure is all the wind that we have had blew many of the old cedar shakes off the roof.

I went over today late this afternoon and climbed on the roof to check it out, the asphalt is in good condition not brittle. The last person that she hired to fix the cedar, did not use proper nails (used finishing nails), hence the reason for the loose cedar shakes, getting blown off with the gusty winds.

In a closer inspection when up on the roof today, I think I can use low pressure on the shakes 300-500 psi, taking it slow so not to cause any additional damage to them. I don't mind if it takes longer I have been on this compound almost daily since October 09, fixing, installing, plumbing, painting, moving, always something for her in one of her 7 houses (cottages) as she calls them.

Bill, if you called earlier today I apologize, if I missed the call I had a fishing charter (paying customer) good day caught lots of fish, finally getting better after the cold we had this year.

Your right Roofie, however the lady's comment to me is "No One is able to take care of Cedar like we do in Canada", you see she is from there, comes here 6 months a year. I would like to make it right as it is a really good lead to multiple jobs. No to weather naturally (doesn't like the grey color), stain close to natural and seal so it stays bright for more than 4 months. I am researching the products to stain and seal.

-- Edited by Redfisherman on Saturday 3rd of April 2010 09:16:37 PM

From my chair the asphalt doesn't look very steep, and could probably be done in either order. With that being said, I would not use the same roof mix for both shingle types. The thing to use on cedar shingles is Sodium Percarbonate mixed at about 1 cup per gallon of warm water. Then neutralize with oxalic acid mixed at 1 cup per gallon. It will give the cedar a much more natural look as opposed to the use of Sodium Hypochlorite,..which will make it look washed out and unnatural.

I will sometimes add Hydroxide to the Percarbonate for extra kick,...but taking the asphalt roof into consideration on this job, I would pass on the Hydroxide.

Jeff

You guys got back to this before me that's great!! Thanks for helping Fred out, he is going to love this job after it is done.

So to answer some more of your questions I would price it as such:
.55sq. ft to clean the cedar
your normal shingle prices for the asphalt
1.25-1.55 per sq. ft to seal the cedar with one coat (sealant included) We like the Wolman's
add .35 for a second wet coat or .95 for a second dry coat depending on your product.
(Some products are two coated while wet and therefor just gone over again while still working the same spot, some need to dry meaning you will coat the whole thing and at the end start were you first started and coat it all again.
Plus your materials cost for shingles and nails.

The Cedar cleaner will not harm the asphalt shingles but the sealant may.

Here is how we would do the job
Day 1 clean the asphalt shingles on all 7 roofs.
Day 2 clean the cedar with sodium precarb or restore from envirospec then use an oxalic acid rinse for ph balance and color. (or on day one if you have time)

You will want to make a mixture that is not to strong as it will fir the wood badly if it is too strong or sits on it too long, so run a test area starting with a weak mix and add strength as needed. After your mixture sits on the cedar shingles for about 10 minutes (do not let it dry) power wash them at the lowest PSI your washer will give and still work. I have actually scene cedar cleaned with just the soap nozzle before on a 6gpm machine. Work a small area (Maybe half of a side) at a time as the longer the cleaner sits on the wood the more the wood will fir (and it will fir a little regardless). Also be aware that your cedar cleaners do not mix with SH it will foam and make both products inert. Carefully pressure wash the small area insuring that you get all exposed sides of the shakes. I like to clean a couple feet then rinse the algae and wood firs off the asphalt roof. Then clean the next area. When it is all clean ph balance with the brightening solution. Then let it dry for at least 3 solid days of sunshine before sealing. Any moisture in the wood will cause mold to grow under the sealant ruining the cedar shake. Someone here claimed in another thread that they have used a wet on wet sealant. If that really works than more power to you.

Day 3 Sealant. At APW Inc. we always paint by hand. Any manufacturer of sealants will tell you that this penetrates the wood the best. Even if you spray it you usually have to back roll/brush it anyway so whats the point of the sprayer?? We tell customers this and they hire us over the guys that spray all the time. Lay some cardboard under each working area to ensure keeping it off the asphalt and flashing. Painting by hand will generally be fairly clean and controlled anyway. In most cases you are supposed to apply sealers in weather under 80 deg F, and not in direct sunlight. That can be the hardest part.

I prefer to throw 2-3 $10hr helpers at painting and sealing for a quick job done. I would not touch a brush myself. Plenty of unemployed professional painters out there looking for some side jobs.

This is how we would do it, I am sure there are other ways. i hope this helps and sorry I missed you when I called. I hope you caught a lot of fish on your charter. Happy Easter.

I wrote this quickly before Easter brunch so If I missed anything important please point it out to help out Fred.

We always collect payment as follows
Cleaning portion @ completion of cleaning plus sealant deposit.
Sealing portion @ completion of sealant.

If you have never cleaned wood brother, try your deck first.  Cedar is not generally the best first wood experience, but your a smart cookie so do what you feel comfortable with.

-- Edited by Baltimore MD Roof Cleaning 410-482-4367 on Sunday 4th of April 2010 10:52:26 AM

Very informative post. thanks for sharing.

cbanuva wrote:

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Very informative post. thanks for sharing.

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