Cement board - Certified SoftWash Roof Cleaning

Brian Deamer · Freshmen Member

Cement board

John Aloisio · SoftWash Systems 5-Star Professional

Brian,

i have seen them before. Maxitile makes one type that looks like a cedar shake, and a few others. They are a lightweight cementious fiber shingle that should clean up pretty much the same as Hardi board. Just with a roof mix.

Just make sure they are not asbestos shakes. These will take a lot more chemical and time.

put up a few pics so we can all take a look.

Tim Teed · SoftWash Systems 5-Star Professional

We did one similar this year. It simulated a slate shingle look. Its almost like cleaning concrete/stucco in that it holds the dead organics longer, but it will come off with the rain. We added 2 cups of roof snot/50 gallons to get a better cling because the mix runs off quicker that a standard shingle roof. You should charge more than an asphalt roof because more run off and you have to do multiple light coats.

Mike Wedge · SoftWash Systems Master Certified Applicator

BEWARE!!!!! Hey guys just a heads up on this. I think you are referring to whats called Hardi Shake. It is a roof shake made by the hardi board company. Unfortunately they are trash. Do not touch them. They are out of business due to a huge class action law suit. The people who did not get in on the lawsuit are basically S.O.L and maybe looking for some roof cleaner, solar guy or anyone to crack a shingle so they can have a free roof replacement courtesy of you.They are basically paper machete and once that top coat is gone they absorb everything and begin to swell and blow out like drywall would. I just did an estimate on Tuesday and having never seen this before called Certainteed one of the largest roofing manufacturers around and was given this information from their District manager as well as another large roofing company that does coatings.

Guys, they were both very serious about this!

Ray Burke · Community Member

I've done them. Do not walk, very thin and brittle. Huge PITA, took twice as much chemical and three times as log for rain to wash off the dead stuff. Must have had three call backs to one if the houses.

AC Lockyer · Administrator

The funk gets real deep in them and it takes harsh 4% and a few coats to clean them. DO NOT WALK they get soft and can be damaged. WE ARE THE ONLY PROCESS THAT CAN CLEAN THESE! So get a GOOD price and take your time. Watch the plants and follow the Three Ds of Plant Protection.

AC

Brian Deamer · Freshmen Member

I decided to let that job go. The customer was very concerned about damage anyway and after reading Mike Wedge's warning I decided it wasn't worth possibly being blamed for any damage that may be on the roof just to get one small job. I explained the reason to the customer and she was very happy that I was up front with her. Thanks to all for your advice.