How to softwash man-made fibre cement roof tiles (Part Two)
A customer asked us for advice on the best way to clean moss from a roof tiled with man-made fibre cement slates.
The problem is that fibre cement slates usually have a surface coating, which can break down over time though natural weathering, or as a result of a poor manufacturing process.Quick Tip: When the coating begins to break down the tiles become more vulnerable and require greater care when cleaning them.
We recommend treating man-made roof slates with Benz Bio Cleanze, after manually removing the worst of the moss and lichen.
Bio Cleanze will "creep" up inside the laps better than other cleaning products, ensuring the growths and spores are killed. In our experience this is the best way to clean man-made roof slates.
Inspect the roof before softwashing man-made slates
It is essential that before softwashing a roof, softwashing contractors inspect the man-made roof slates, and look for existing damage to the coating, during the quotation stage.
It is important to make your customers aware that, through cleaning and treating the roof, the damaged coating underneath, which may have been hidden by the algae/moss, may be exposed.
It's then up to your customer to decide if they would like the moss removed.
Remember to inform them that moss falling from roofs leads to rapid colonisation of algae on paths and patios, and that leaving the moss to grow could potentially damage their roof.
And then even if they don't like the look of their roof after you've cleaned it, you can rest safe in the knowledge that you did all you could to help them make the best decision. And you cannot be blamed for poor workmanship or malpractice.
We hope this information is helpful.
Cheers,
Ben, Leo & Fiona
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