Zinc or copper strips nailed at the ridge cap can be used to control moss for a limited number of courses. Reaction between rain and the zinc or copper forms a mild solution that is carried down sections of the roof for two or three feet. The optional use of these strips can be eliminated if you are using Certi-Last® products. Complete care and maintenance recommendations are available in the CSSB's Care & Maintenance Brochure.

Heavy moss can cause water to back up the roof enough to run over the top of the shingles. The buildup should be removed. Moss retains soil and moisture that could harm the wood over time. Yes, it is a good idea to have a professional clean the debris off your roof. Cedar needs to breathe, and therefore any accumulation of needles, branches, leaves and dirt will affect its lifespan. See similar questions...

If the moss build-up is slight, you can leave it. If it is severe, you can apply a solution of zinc sulphate mixed with hot water. Do not pressure wash the roof. See similar questions...

For pre-existing conditions we recommend Shingle Shield Roof Cleaner, which is specifically designed to clean roofs prior to application of the roof protector strips. Other cleaning solutions may not be effective against these organisms, and may harm your roof or plants. See similar questions...

The key to dealing with moss is being proactive. In the Pacific Northwest we are truly blessed by our clean environment (Crucial for moss growth) and beautiful large evergreen trees. And some people say it rains around here once in a while. So what can you do? Depending on your circumstance, and environmental consciousness here are a few suggestions. Remove any foliage or structures that might be shading an area to the point that sun rarely or never hits it. See similar questions...

Yearly maintenance will prolong the life of your roof. Simply sweep or hose off all debris (leaves, needles, twigs ect.) That's all the maintenance your roof needs. Steel, aluminum, plastic and concrete take many times more energy to produce than a cedar roof. 4. Cedar roofing won't pollute the environment. Many alternate products pollute during their production or after their life is over. See similar questions...

A cedar roof makes you look good. Imitation products just don't have the natural warmth and beauty of cedar. See similar questions...

The life span of a cedar shingle roof depends on many factors: product used, thickness, slope, maintenance, application and climatic conditions are the most important. Cedar roofs can last 100 years. Silver Creek's products are warranted to last a minimum of 20 years and Silver Select Heavy's are warranted to last 50 years. (See warranty section.) See similar questions...

The best way to handle algae is to prevent it from occurring. Algae needs light to grow, so keep your reservoir out of light. It should be shade or covered with a lid. You should also take care to shade the input and output pipes and other 'wet' equipment. If you already have an algae problem you should clean out your system thoroughly, using the method discussed below. See similar questions...

Have an annual furnace service performed yearly. In 29 years of working with gas equipment, I have never come across a carbon monoxide accident in properly maintained equipment. See similar questions...

Copper flashing can be used with a cedar roof in most areas, with the exception of areas that are exposed to acid rain areas east of the great lakes. Heating stacks require 1" space. Walls, skylights and windows that are flashed with metal should be closed. Check with your local Building Official regarding this particular application question. See similar questions...

If you have an area between the roof and the sheathing ridge and no other ventilation had been provided, ridge vents are a good idea. See similar questions...

Scale buildup on heat transfer surfaces causes metal fatigue which can result in premature equipment failure. It also acts as an insulator thereby reducing heat transfer efficiency with a resulting increase in energy consumption. The high cost of fuel alone makes it increasingly important to maintain scale free equipment systems. A 1/4" coating of scale on a heat transfer surface can require 55% more energy than normal to attain the same temperature. See similar questions...

Moss does not only grow on the north side of trees, and homes. Moss will grow anywhere that there is an adequate of moisture, and sunlight. (Or lack thereof) Moss likes to grow in shady moist conditions where the temperature is over freezing, and under 70 degrees Fahrenheit. When it gets warmer moss becomes dormant, but may not die. Moss does not have roots so it needs running water to survive. (Like on roofs) Since it does not have roots it can grow on anything. See similar questions...

It is unlikely that the cedar is causing the deterioration of the flashings: any metal will rust if exposed to certain elements in the air. Many tropical areas do not allow any kind of galvanized sheet metal on any type of construction. See similar questions...

Powerwashing, done correctly, is one of the options available in the care and maintenance process. When done incorrectly, however, powerwashing can seriously damage a cedar roof. Check the CSSB's Care & Maintenance Brochure for care and maintenance guidelines. See similar questions...

No. Never seal your cedar roof. Sealing the roof will lock in moisture that would otherwise naturally evaporate during normal weather conditions. Cedar needs to breathe and thus a water repellant type product, rather than a water proofer is the best route to follow. See the CSSB's Care & Maintenance Brochure for complete topical treatment product guidelines available from the CSSB. See similar questions...

There are two types of treatment available. Preservative CCA treatments should be used in areas with high humidity and in areas where debris (needles, leaves etc.) will accumulate on the roof. This treatment comes with warrantees of up to 50 years. The second treatment is for fire resistance. Your cedar roofing is pressure impregnated with fire retardant to last the lifetime of the roof and meet local building codes See similar questions...

The ScaleSafe system prevents scale by acting as a scale inhibitor. It distorts the almost perfect cube like shape of the calcium molecule. This distortion prevents the formation of crystalline calcium carbonate by not allowing the calcium molecules to buildup on each other. To remove scale, ScaleSafe simply combines with the calcium in the precipitated calcium carbonate. See similar questions...

Use a mild solution of chlorine bleach and water or mild detergent gently applied with a sponge or hand-held sprayer and rinse thoroughly. Do not use a power washer or high concentrations of bleach, and do not scrub the shingle surface. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association also offers cleaning recommendations. See similar questions...