I recently called AC for advice about cleaning my first Masonite Fiber Roof. He requested that I share with the BB.
The past 3 weeks I have been working in one of Oahu's wetter, private neighborhoods. One of the jobs I landed was a Masonite Fiber Roof. I remembered covering these in the SWS Training Modules, though I've never cleaned one, nor had I cleaned a roof with thick moss growth. I quoted high based off the 5% solution required. However, I failed to remember they require multiple treatments.
First treatment was Oct. 26, two weeks ago. Per AC'S phone advice, I pre wet the roof with Green Wash. A few copper gutters ended awkwardly, deep in the flowerbed soil, diverting the outlet was not possible so the downspouts were plugged at top and gutters were flushing constantly to one downspout at side of property. Before spraying bleach, my ground guy saturated all flower beds with water and Plant Wash. Zero plant damage is visible today, except on the roof. While I was spraying bleach, a fast moving downpour soaked everything, I thought the day was over. We were able to begin spraying 30 min later. Before the rain, the Green Wash had dried out, maybe the rain was somewhat beneficial even though it diluted what was already sprayed. Like the wet sponge wicking better? I lost bleach strength but at least the day was not wasted. All moss appears to be dead and easily breaks off. Shingles themselves didn't seem to lighten much. I did not do any rinsing on the roof, did one more round of Plant Wash, cleaned up and packed out.
What do you guys do when heavy rain intervenes? Hawaiian rains are usually light, frequent and quick to pass. In this case it was quick but heavy!
Also, I feel like I overused water to flush gutters. Happy there is no plant damage, but don't want to be wasteful.
I have one serious concern and looking for advice, maybe in a different thread?
I have always felt confident walking roofs and at heights, until adding bleach and detergents to the surface. I have little experience with rope and harness. I am taking AC's Roof Safety Training seriously in preparation for training employees. My challenge is that once I add rope and harness to the picture I become tangled and inefficient. Due to my fathers business, I have been dealing with hoses since I was a sprout, hose management is no issue. I wouldn't want a customer watching me fumble around in my ropes, locating tie off points. I feel sloppy in that department. Looking for additional training.
I will follow up with this post after the second treatment.
Photos attached.
In Hawaii, A hui hou, means "til we meet again"
Darryl Freeman
Owner/Operator
Hawaiian Property Detailing
hawaiianpropertydetailing.biz
-- Edited by Darryl Freeman on Wednesday 9th of November 2016 09:52:42 PM
Not sure if you did, but i would never, ever, walk on any part of that roof. To me it looks like American Cemwood- although a bit hard to tell from the pics. It's in the 'fiber cement' roof category for sure. Red flag warning times 100!!
These roofs are inherently brittle and although you may be able to anchor yourself to keep from falling, the chances of breaking these products is extremely high. Most times you won't hear an audible breaking sound under foot, but you are cracking them. Repairs are almost impossible to make, and most of these products are obsolete today.
In my opinion, roofs like these should only be cleaned from the ground or roof edge, and it should be made very clear with the owner, that's what you're doing.
Darryl Freeman said
Nov 11, 2016
Aloha Steve, Thank you for your response and advice. There are many cracked or repaired tiles, I did notice one fresh crack from me. I was hoping to figure out what was used to repair these in the past. Originally, it was my plan to clean this roof from the edge, and avoid walking it. Once I began to set up ladders I made the judgment call that it would be safer to walk. The back side of the property is a steep, sloping, wet, grass hill. I had metal tent stakes to secure ladder legs but still did not feel secure. Photo attached. I will take your advice and avoid walking this roof on the next service. Thank you! Darryl Freeman
-- Edited by Darryl Freeman on Friday 11th of November 2016 03:01:38 PM
You're welcome Darryl. My concern is that you end up being blamed for roof damage that would be almost impossible to deny/defend yourself against, if you walked on it. Replacing that roof could easily be $25,000.
Sitting here in So. Cal, I can say with 100% confidence that every single one of these 'fiber cement' roofs (that still exist), have broken or damaged pieces. Don't get roped into being responsible for their replacement.
Darryl Freeman said
Nov 11, 2016
Steve,
Copy that.
Thank you!
Bob Riddick said
Nov 14, 2016
Ditto what Steve said about walking tile, slate, Masonite, roofs. Too much opportunity for breakage.
Ropes and harnesses are nearly obsolete, with most everyone cleaning roofs from ladders at the gutters. I understand your struggle with the slope on the rear of the house, however.
The before and after pics look great! Job well done!
Darryl Freeman said
Nov 14, 2016
Bob,
Thank you for your input.
Most homes in Hawaii are on a slope, many are hillside and steep.
With sandblasting and power washing, I adhere to a strict policy of never working from a ladder.
I will have to change my school of thinking or avoid roofs with excessive risk or access issues.
Aloha,
Darryl
AC Lockyer said
Nov 15, 2016
Can't water to see the after pix. These roofs can be monsters. Remember,
1. Pre moisten with water.
2. Apply solution at 5%. Yes high but it will blend in on pre moistened roof.
3. Two coats and go to lunch. Let it dwell.
4. Last coat and let the rain do the rest.
Thanks,
AC
Darryl Freeman said
Nov 15, 2016
AC, Thank you for tuning in. The above workflow differs from the advice you gave me over the phone. I scheduled this job based off the original info. > 4-5% >Pre Wet with GW >2 to 3 treatments one month apart. If 3 coats are necessary, I have 2 more visits, and 2 more months before collecting final payment.
Should I apply multiple coats on the same day or each a month apart? Now I am confused... That's a major difference in job duration. Thank you! Darryl Freeman
AC Lockyer said
Nov 15, 2016
No I am sorry. Misunderstanding. I meant you will likely need to go back after a month and do touch ups.
AC
Darryl Freeman said
Nov 15, 2016
Copy that AC,
I will spray two coats on next date in 2 weeks.
Thank you,
Darryl
Troy Layman said
Dec 8, 2016
Hey Darryl,
How did the after photos look when you went back to touch up?
Darryl Freeman said
Dec 9, 2016
Aloha Troy,
Thank you for asking.
I had to postpone due to heavy wind and rain, the 7day weather forecast has yet to clear so we have yet to reschedule.
The timing was good, I have been working an interior detail of a large, empty, move out and playing General Contractor.
Also, recovering from emergency wisdom tooth extraction and skin cancer cut off my temple, two extra holes in my head put a stop to this weeks action.
I will surely post a follow up with photos.
Thanks again for all the input from the BB!
A hui hou,
Darryl Freeman said
Jan 9, 2017
Aloha, Here is my update on this Masonite Shingle Roof. In mid December I sprayed second and third applications, I returned last week to inspect and take after photos. First, I want to say the heavy rain I experienced during my first application absolutely ruined the effectiveness. In my after photos from that day the moss still had green color. The day of the second and third application was cloudy but dry. the second application of 5% SH instantly turned all moss grey, a drastic difference from the first treatment. After the third application (same day) it was clear that all spores were devastated. Attached are photos from last weeks inspection. I rinsed an area where roof is missed by trade winds and rain. Thick dead chunks of Moss easily washed away. The rest of the roof is well on it's way to "clean."
Thank you all, for input and assistance with this Masonite fiber roof, all went very smooth considering it was my first roof to clean using ONLY soft washing techniques and at a 5% mixture. I do have one fiber tile to glue. Customer broke 10+ installing Xmas decorations. There was zero plant damage. I do think we are using too much Plant Wash though. I agreed to inspect progress again in 3 months.
Great pics and results. Way to get that one under you belt.
Darryl Freeman said
Jan 12, 2017
Thank you John!
Troy Layman said
Jan 14, 2017
Nice results Darryl! And thanks for the follow up!
Do you guys have many Masonite roofs there? I don't think I've seen any in my area that I'm aware of, at least that I've been out to measure/quote. -Aloha-
Darryl Freeman said
Jan 14, 2017
Thank you Troy!
That particular neighborhood does have many. Since working on this one I notice them more and more.
I have a local roofing family as mentors. Father had a biz, sons started another, now one split off to manage for a different friends roof coating company.
They say local roofers have agreed to avoid these roofs to phase them out. Nobody wants to work on them. Now that I have completed one, I will likely avoid as well.
It was absolutely a great learning experience!
Aloha,
Darryl Freeman
AC Lockyer said
Jan 17, 2017
Glad it went well. WIN!
AC
Tim Teed said
Jan 17, 2017
I would go after those roofs. Now that you know what is involved, raise you prices to make a nice profit. Try to be the expert and find niche opportunities. Cedar roofs take a lot of practice, but we have done over 100 and we are experts at this point and it is our most profitable service because the competition doesn't want to take the time to learn. Although we clean roofs, we are experts in cedar roofs, slate roofs and stucco.
Aloha SWS Community,
I recently called AC for advice about cleaning my first Masonite Fiber Roof. He requested that I share with the BB.
The past 3 weeks I have been working in one of Oahu's wetter, private neighborhoods. One of the jobs I landed was a Masonite Fiber Roof. I remembered covering these in the SWS Training Modules, though I've never cleaned one, nor had I cleaned a roof with thick moss growth. I quoted high based off the 5% solution required. However, I failed to remember they require multiple treatments.
First treatment was Oct. 26, two weeks ago. Per AC'S phone advice, I pre wet the roof with Green Wash. A few copper gutters ended awkwardly, deep in the flowerbed soil, diverting the outlet was not possible so the downspouts were plugged at top and gutters were flushing constantly to one downspout at side of property. Before spraying bleach, my ground guy saturated all flower beds with water and Plant Wash. Zero plant damage is visible today, except on the roof. While I was spraying bleach, a fast moving downpour soaked everything, I thought the day was over. We were able to begin spraying 30 min later. Before the rain, the Green Wash had dried out, maybe the rain was somewhat beneficial even though it diluted what was already sprayed. Like the wet sponge wicking better? I lost bleach strength but at least the day was not wasted. All moss appears to be dead and easily breaks off. Shingles themselves didn't seem to lighten much.
I did not do any rinsing on the roof, did one more round of Plant Wash, cleaned up and packed out.
What do you guys do when heavy rain intervenes? Hawaiian rains are usually light, frequent and quick to pass. In this case it was quick but heavy!
Also, I feel like I overused water to flush gutters. Happy there is no plant damage, but don't want to be wasteful.
I have one serious concern and looking for advice, maybe in a different thread?
I have always felt confident walking roofs and at heights, until adding bleach and detergents to the surface. I have little experience with rope and harness. I am taking AC's Roof Safety Training seriously in preparation for training employees. My challenge is that once I add rope and harness to the picture I become tangled and inefficient. Due to my fathers business, I have been dealing with hoses since I was a sprout, hose management is no issue. I wouldn't want a customer watching me fumble around in my ropes, locating tie off points. I feel sloppy in that department. Looking for additional training.
I will follow up with this post after the second treatment.
Photos attached.
In Hawaii, A hui hou, means "til we meet again"
Darryl Freeman
Owner/Operator
Hawaiian Property Detailing
hawaiianpropertydetailing.biz
-- Edited by Darryl Freeman on Wednesday 9th of November 2016 09:52:42 PM
Not sure if you did, but i would never, ever, walk on any part of that roof. To me it looks like American Cemwood- although a bit hard to tell from the pics. It's in the 'fiber cement' roof category for sure. Red flag warning times 100!!
These roofs are inherently brittle and although you may be able to anchor yourself to keep from falling, the chances of breaking these products is extremely high. Most times you won't hear an audible breaking sound under foot, but you are cracking them. Repairs are almost impossible to make, and most of these products are obsolete today.
In my opinion, roofs like these should only be cleaned from the ground or roof edge, and it should be made very clear with the owner, that's what you're doing.
Aloha Steve,
Thank you for your response and advice. There are many cracked or repaired tiles, I did notice one fresh crack from me. I was hoping to figure out what was used to repair these in the past.
Originally, it was my plan to clean this roof from the edge, and avoid walking it. Once I began to set up ladders I made the judgment call that it would be safer to walk. The back side of the property is a steep, sloping, wet, grass hill. I had metal tent stakes to secure ladder legs but still did not feel secure. Photo attached.
I will take your advice and avoid walking this roof on the next service.
Thank you!
Darryl Freeman
-- Edited by Darryl Freeman on Friday 11th of November 2016 03:01:38 PM
Sitting here in So. Cal, I can say with 100% confidence that every single one of these 'fiber cement' roofs (that still exist), have broken or damaged pieces. Don't get roped into being responsible for their replacement.
Copy that.
Thank you!
Ditto what Steve said about walking tile, slate, Masonite, roofs. Too much opportunity for breakage.
Ropes and harnesses are nearly obsolete, with most everyone cleaning roofs from ladders at the gutters. I understand your struggle with the slope on the rear of the house, however.
The before and after pics look great! Job well done!
Thank you for your input.
Most homes in Hawaii are on a slope, many are hillside and steep.
With sandblasting and power washing, I adhere to a strict policy of never working from a ladder.
I will have to change my school of thinking or avoid roofs with excessive risk or access issues.
Aloha,
Darryl
1. Pre moisten with water.
2. Apply solution at 5%. Yes high but it will blend in on pre moistened roof.
3. Two coats and go to lunch. Let it dwell.
4. Last coat and let the rain do the rest.
Thanks,
AC
AC, Thank you for tuning in.
The above workflow differs from the advice you gave me over the phone.
I scheduled this job based off the original info.
> 4-5%
>Pre Wet with GW
>2 to 3 treatments one month apart.
If 3 coats are necessary, I have 2 more visits, and 2 more months before collecting final payment.
Should I apply multiple coats on the same day or each a month apart?
Now I am confused...
That's a major difference in job duration.
Thank you!
Darryl Freeman
AC
Copy that AC,
I will spray two coats on next date in 2 weeks.
Thank you,
Darryl
How did the after photos look when you went back to touch up?
Thank you for asking.
I had to postpone due to heavy wind and rain, the 7day weather forecast has yet to clear so we have yet to reschedule.
The timing was good, I have been working an interior detail of a large, empty, move out and playing General Contractor.
Also, recovering from emergency wisdom tooth extraction and skin cancer cut off my temple, two extra holes in my head put a stop to this weeks action.
I will surely post a follow up with photos.
Thanks again for all the input from the BB!
A hui hou,
Aloha,
Here is my update on this Masonite Shingle Roof.
In mid December I sprayed second and third applications, I returned last week to inspect and take after photos.
First, I want to say the heavy rain I experienced during my first application absolutely ruined the effectiveness. In my after photos from that day the moss still had green color.
The day of the second and third application was cloudy but dry. the second application of 5% SH instantly turned all moss grey, a drastic difference from the first treatment.
After the third application (same day) it was clear that all spores were devastated.
Attached are photos from last weeks inspection. I rinsed an area where roof is missed by trade winds and rain. Thick dead chunks of Moss easily washed away. The rest of the roof is well on it's way to "clean."
Thank you all, for input and assistance with this Masonite fiber roof, all went very smooth considering it was my first roof to clean using ONLY soft washing techniques and at a 5% mixture. I do have one fiber tile to glue. Customer broke 10+ installing Xmas decorations. There was zero plant damage. I do think we are using too much Plant Wash though.
I agreed to inspect progress again in 3 months.
Great pics and results. Way to get that one under you belt.
Thank you John!
Do you guys have many Masonite roofs there? I don't think I've seen any in my area that I'm aware of, at least that I've been out to measure/quote. -Aloha-
Thank you Troy!
That particular neighborhood does have many. Since working on this one I notice them more and more.
I have a local roofing family as mentors. Father had a biz, sons started another, now one split off to manage for a different friends roof coating company.
They say local roofers have agreed to avoid these roofs to phase them out. Nobody wants to work on them. Now that I have completed one, I will likely avoid as well.
It was absolutely a great learning experience!
Aloha,
Darryl Freeman
AC
I would go after those roofs. Now that you know what is involved, raise you prices to make a nice profit. Try to be the expert and find niche opportunities. Cedar roofs take a lot of practice, but we have done over 100 and we are experts at this point and it is our most profitable service because the competition doesn't want to take the time to learn. Although we clean roofs, we are experts in cedar roofs, slate roofs and stucco.
Nice Tim,
All good advise! Thank you