Cedar Shake Cleaning - Certified SoftWash Roof Cleaning

Dan Dykstra · Senior Member

Cedar Shake Cleaning

Tim Teed · SoftWash Systems 5-Star Professional

I would clean. Just emphasize that you are not a roof inspector. The most cost effective way is to clean and then recommend to the homeowner that they contact a cedar roof repair person to do a thorough check and make recommendations. At some point they will need that person to do shake repairs. I[ve cleaned worse.

Zach Maynard · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

I would clean it, just be gentle rinsing it because the butts look pretty fragile.

Jesse Bracken · Junior Member

This is a tough one. I deal with insurance companies alot in the petroleum business. Here is my opinion... sure you can clean that roof BUT
I'm seeing a lot of damaged shake. If it isn't leaking today will be next month. Its in bad shape. Offer to clean but recommend the repair/replacement route.

You may loose this roof cleaning but you open the door to all of this insurance companies client base. Remember they came to you as the professional. Sell a special rate to the insurance company; they can promote you to their clients. At no cost to you...

It has worked for me in the past. Matter of fact I have gained a ton of business through insurance companies.

Just my thoughts...

Doug G · Junior Member

Dan,

It's kinda hard to evaluate from a single pick taken from the ground but looking at what I can see I'd go with Jesse on this one. The odds are the insurance guy wants it replaced anyhow or to stick the liability on someone. If you say the roof is good......do you then become liable?

From my point of view the roof just looks too bad.....not meaning the build up. Look at the shakes. Many look so rotted they will be a problem soon if not already. I would rather tell them "I can clean it BUT.....I think it should be replaced......" and let them make the call.

I've inspected nearly 1000 roofs, probably only 50 were wood shake......but that's what I see.

Bob Riddick · SoftWash Systems 5-Star Professional

Dan, my opinion as a roofing contractor is this shake roof is done. Look at the number of shakes with multiple splits in them, usually a sign of too brittle a shake and too much foot traffic.

Think of the long term relationship with the insurance company, like Jesse said, vs. cleaning one roof that really should be replaced. Just my opinion.

BTW, I was told by State Farm yesterday that they no longer provide coverage on cedar shake roofs. Could be your agent is hoping for a roof replacement on this house.

Jason Mariano · SoftWash Systems Authorized Professional

Dan,

I cleaned a roof like this before it was not fun. I would pass on it myself.

Jesse Bracken · Junior Member

If I were you I would put myself in front of that insurance agent and the rest of his or her team and give them a presentation. I think you will be surprised at how much work may come out of this.