Category Archives: Roof Cleaning Seattle

Seattle-Bellevue Roof Cleaning Photos

Seattle-Bellevue Roofs Need Cleaning

Most people seeking a Seattle-Bellevue roof cleaning,cedar roof restoration or deck restore do some research on a business before actually calling. Seattle is home to the most tech savvy consumers in the nation. Bellevue is home to many professionals who are accustomed to diligently checking references and using friends and family as their source for home improvement recommendations.

DECK RESTORATION BELLEVUE

Here the power of experience comes into play. The use of per-carbonate cleaner before a power-wash was the only way to effectively remove the deep stains. A light coat of sodium hypo helped kill moss. The restoration of this wood deck that had very little maintenance took 4 different chemicals and 6 hours.

Seattle-Bellevue Roof Cleaning

Composition roofing is an inviting environment for moss growth in Seattle. We are Seattle-Bellevue roof cleaning experts. We NEVER use power washing on asphalt/composition roofs.

Using the soft wash roof cleaning method can clean a composition roof without destroying it. The difference in the pictures couldn’t be any more stark. All our roof cleanings come with a one year no moss warranty. Trust us with your Seattle-Bellevue roof cleaning needs!

CEDAR ROOF RESTORATION BELLEVUE

Cedar roofs are some of the trickiest projects to undertake for a roof cleaner. Safety and using theright chemicals are serious concerns. The roof above was suffering from severe weathering and the photo above was snapped mid way during the cleaning process.

Oiling a cedar roof deflects the harsh winter months we face in the pacific northwest. Choosing the right products and adhering to a maintenance schedule can lengthen the life of your cedar roof in Bellevue, Washington.

CONCLUSION

Trusting recommendations can go a long way in choosing the right contractor . We hope the photos above served as a reference to what we do. We have serviced over 200 clients in the last year and have many referrals upon request. We are Seattle-Bellevue Roof Cleaning profesionals and we look forward to serving you.

Black Streaks on Roof

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Chemical Cleaning to Remove Black Streaking from Roofing

Gloeocapsa Magma is the scientific name for those black streaks on your roofing. Gloeocapsa is a form of algae that lives in wet humid climates. These streaks of black are not as evident in the Seattle-Tacoma region due to the majority of roofing material being of dark coloring. If your roofing substrate is light colored, it’s very probable that these stains will be found on your home.

Although, Gloeocapsa Magma is not harmful to roofing, the appearance of a home suffers tremendously. When selling a home the algae stains should be an issue that is dealt with before the home is placed up on the market. These stains are a red flag to potential home owners who may not know exactly what that black stuff is and whether or not it’s harmful to the roofing.

Soft wash roof cleaning with chemicals is a superior method of removing Gloeocapsa. This method of roof cleaning gets rid of these unsightly black streaks while keeping the integrity of the roofing intact. Power washing is not as effective at eliminating Gloeocapsa. It is also very damaging to roofing shingles. Read more here………….

In the picture to the left, a chemical solution is sprayed on the roof. Each chemical in the mix does a certain job. Within 25 minutes, the picture to the right shows the roof stains are almost completely gone. The mix continues to work on the stains and streaks until the next day of rain. After the roofs first shower, the roof is looking its best.

Going from being a white roof covered in black to being a white roof again has strong selling value for a home. Soft Washing is a great way to safely and effectively remove black streaks from your roof in Seattle. Whether your home is up on the market or you just don’t like coming home to a dirty roof, consider chemical cleaning when hiring a roof cleaning contractor.

Cedar Roof Oiling is it Necessary?

Why Should I Oil My Roof?

There is a big debate on the benefits of oiling a cedar roof. A comprehensive and great research paper was written by OSU students, referenced in EC1271, September 1988. Their exhaustive research neither discounted nor encouraged oiling of cedar roofs. As stated in EC1271, originally Cedars mass only contained 3% of its weight in oil. With such a small percentage of its weight to begin with being oil, the debate on replenishing is faulty.

We are not stating that the oils should be replenished. We are advocating oiling a roof in Seattle to prevent rapid expansion and contraction caused by UV rays and rainwater. The stress of shrinking and enlarging cause wood to crack, it is our belief, that oiling a roof stops the expansion and contraction from causing damage to the shingle. The oil allows natural contraction to happen without stressing the wood it is applied to.

What Product to use when Oiling a Cedar Roof in Seattle?

Chevron shingle oil is a superior product for oiling cedar roofs it is of low velocity and transparent. The application doesn’t change the appearance of wood; instead it gives the wood a wet look. Although higher in price then other cedar oils, the history and its long established reputation amongst wood restoration experts make it possibly, the best choice for oiling a cedar roof or fence. There are many benefits of Chevron Shingle Oil such as:

Its established reputation.
Its ability to mix well with solvents.
Its lasts when applied: many homeowners have said their oil treatment lasts 5 years or longer.
It’s easy to apply. A backpack sprayer with a round tip or flat headed tip work great. There is no need for paint sprayers.
Its ability to be mixed with stain.

5 gallon pails of Chevron Shingle Oil

Why Chevron Shingle Oil?

Its long established reputation is a major factor on why this is our product of choice. We have used other oil products but they don’t lay down as well as Chevron. When mixed with a solvent at 1 to 5 gallons of shingle oil the flow of the oil is even. The vast majority of a roof can be covered in one solid, thin application. A major problem when oiling a cedar roof is over application that clogs the pores of the wood. The oiling needs to be laid down evenly and uniformly in a thin manner. Chevron in our experience, when mixed correctly, accomplishes this.

When deciding to oil your roof, it should be done from the day it was installed. The ability to repair a cedar roof once the damage has been done is nonexistent. Maintenance is major issue for wood roofs. There are ways to treat cedar for moss that differ greatly from the way we would treat a composition roof. On average a 1200 square foot roof area costs from $16,000-25,000 dollars, according to homewyse. Yearly maintenance can run you about $400. When deciding to purchase a home with a cedar roof or having it installed, budgeting for maintenance should be the first thing you do. The unexpected consequence of not maintaining your roof, can seriously hinder your economic circumstances.

Cost to Clean a Cedar Roof in Seattle

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Cedar Roof Cleaning Cost in Seattle

The cost to clean a cedar roof in Seattle for a : 3000 square foot , 2 story, medium roof pitch home, averages between 800-1300 dollars. There are many expenses to cleaning a cedar roof, these expenses contribute to the cost of the intial cleaning cost:

Labor
Gas for Power washer: 75-85 dollars worth for a 3000 square foot home.
Insurance costs
Chemicals [oxygen bleach and a revitalizer]

The cost to clean a cedar in Seattle quickly add up, for the company performing the task. Cedar roof cleanings require meticulous attention to detail. Every square inch is cleaned for the product to turn out right. The job is very labor intensive and requires a set of skilled eyes and hands.

Safety When Cleaning Cedar Roofs

Cedar roofs are like ice when there is moisture and moss growing on them. A good tool to have is a pair of Korkers©. These shoes with spikes are essential to a cedar roof cleaner in Seattle. The spikes allow the wearer to grab a footing while cleaning the shakes. They do not replace other safety measures such as:

Lanyard
Chicken ladders
Harness
Rope

Cedar Roof Cleaning Not for the Faint of Heart

There is a lot to pressure washing a cedar roof and the right equipment and experience are necessary when deciding to tackle on the task. Many roof cleaners in Seattle won’t even touch a cedar roof as the liability for something going wrong is too high. Slips-Falls and improper use of a power washer can have serious consequences for the roof cleaner and the roofing substrate.

If you are considering hiring someone to clean your cedar roof and would like to know the cost to clean a cedar in Seattle , we offer free estimates and an initial survey to get the best deal available for you. Don’t replace your cedar roof before making sure restoration is not an option, the difference in price is in the tens of thousands of dollars!! Cedar roof cleaning is a task that requires many years to master and some of the best roof cleaners won’t try their hands at it.

We provide cedar roof cleaning and oiling to the following cities:

Alderwood- Ames Lake- Arlington -Auburn- Ballard- Bellevue-Belltown-Bothell-Bridle Trails-Brier-Burien-Covington Crossroads -Des Moines-Edgewood-Edmonds-Everett-Evergreen-Fall City-Federal Way-Ferndale-Granite Falls-Hunts Point-Issaquah-Issaquah Highlands-Juanita-Kenmore-Kent-Kingsgate-Kirkland-La Conner-Lake City-Lake Forest Park-Lake Goodwin-Lake Stevens-Lynnwood Madison Park-Magnolia-Maltby-Maple Valley-Marysville-Medina-Mercer Island-Mill Creek-Monroe-Mountlake Terrace-Mukilteo Newcastle-North Bend-Overlake-Parkland-Puyallup-Rainier Valley-Redmond-Renton-Rose Hill-Sammamish-Sand Point-SeaTac Seattle-Sedro-Woolley-Shoreline-Smokey Point-Snohomish-Snoqualmie-Spanaway-Stanwood-Tacoma-Totem Lake-Tukwila -University Place-White Center-Woodinville-Yarrow Point

Soft Wash Roof Cleaning Seattle

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Chemical Roof Cleaning

Soft-washing roof cleaning Seattle involves the use of chemicals to clean roofs. This method is employed to lessen the amount of damage caused by power-washing. Power-washing on average removes 3-4 layers of granules per cleaning . A roof is known by its years of life:

A 20 year roof has 20 layers of granules.
A 50 year roof has 50 layers of granules.

ARMA Recommends Soft Wash Roof Cleaning Seattle

The Soft-washing roof cleaning Seattle method when used properly is far more beneficial to roofing substrate then power-washing. No granule loss happens when chemicals are sprayed on your roofing. Additional benefits include:

The elimination of all moss spores that cause moss to grow in the first place.
A much longer lasting finished product; on average the process lasts 2-3 years

ARMA [Asphalt Roof Manufacturers Association] recommends soft-wash cleaning for proper roof maintenance. ARMA is the association that governs the making of asphalt shingle roofing. They are the leaders in the industry in the production and proper cleaning methods of roofing materials.

Power-washing Versus Chemical Cleaning

The difference in the finished look of the product : power-washing versus Soft-washing roof cleaning Seattle is nearly indistinguishable, when the proper chemicals are used.

A soft wash roof cleaning company generally use a few standard chemical products:

TSP [trisodium phosphate]. Known for its ability to remove algae and rust stains
Sodium Hydrochloride 10% or higher: known for its ability to kill moss and clean shingle.
Borax Lo: A soap like product known to aggressively kill weeds, spores and moss residual.
Isopropyl Alcohol: used when aggressive moss has been growing for long periods of time.
Surfactant: used to slow the mixtures path down to the gutter line.

Using a Pro

When mixed properly these chemicals generate a long lasting safe products to roofing material. These chemicals are not readily available to the average consumer and the mixtures of this chemical call for exact amounts for a strong enough product. The procedure of soft wash roof cleaning in Seattle is best left to a professional roof cleaning company.

Cedar Roof Cleaning Seattle

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Cedar Roof Cleaning Seattle

Why Cedar Shakes Turn Grey

When wood is exposed to the effects of sunlight and moisture, its surface begins to change. This change is commonly called weathering. The initial change from reddish brown to silvery gray is the result of the ultraviolet rays from sun exposure.This usually happens within the first year of installation. Eventually the roof will take on a darker gray color. This indicates that your roof is being colonized by micro fungi. PWNG specializes in cedar roof cleaning Seattle.

Should I oil my roof?

Originally your cedar shingle had only 3% of its weight as oil.[1] The effects of oiling a roof are temporary. UV rays break down the oils applied to cedar shakes in most instances within 3 years. Maintaining the oil on your roof should be a tri-yearly occurrence. The oils allow natural contraction and expansion that the cedar shake experiences, due to changes in weather such as:

Rain
Snow
UV exposure

These stresses to the wood cause micro-cracks. As an example, a butchers block , needs to be dried and should never be put away wet. When it is left out wet and the heat in the home is turned up or it is near a stove, it warps and cups like in the picture below. The warping is caused by:

Expansion
Contraction
Lack of Oil

Every butchers block made of wood, instructs the buyer on oiling with mineral oil. The exact procedure should be applied to cedar shakes.

Keeping the Appearance Up

You can periodically clean your cedar roof in Seattle with a power washer. The top grey layer of exposed cedar is removed and you’re left with a fresh new layer. This should only be done for maintenance. On average ¼-^3/16 inch of cedar is removed per cleaning. When deciding to apply stains and oils, keep in mind that, the sun will break down any coating or stain applied, eventually. In summary, cedars appearance if left outside in any sunlight: is grey. This is its natural color and there is no product on the market today, which can withstand 365 days of rain and sun a year.

Why You Should Very Rarely Power Wash Your Roof

Losing ^1/5 of your roofs life in one cedar roof cleaning Seattle , should only be done in extreme circumstances .When excessive moss and fungi have been left untreated on your roofing, it is time to power wash. You should go in knowing that you are power washing to remove debris and moss that’s accumulated. Yes your roof will look great. This is only temporary though. There is no way short of trapping your entire roof off; to prevent the weathering caused by UV exposure. We are there to remove debris and moss and apply a moss control agent. This should be done at most once every 5-7 years.

Moss Control

Our process for cedar roof cleaning Seattle is to use a safe organic compound known as Potassium Salts of Fatty Acids.[2]Mixed with some simple household detergent to make it stick, this chemical blend naturally kills all moss spores.

Periodic Maintenance for Cedar Roof Cleaning Seattle

PWNG can’t stress enough that cedar shake roof restoration in Seattle is a maintenance issue .Applying our chemical blend once a year is fairly inexpensive, under $400 in most instances. The local average of replacing a shake roof is. between $350-550 a square [10x10 feet] .Budgeting this as a yearly maintenance cost is a lot less expensive then replacing your entire roof

[1] Oregon State University Extension Service (Publication EC1271)

[2] http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/psfagen.pdf

Roof Moss Removal Seattle

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Removing Moss from Roof

The moss on your roof has been introduced to your substrate by airborne spores that periodically pollinate their surroundings. In high winds these spores travel. Regardless of where it came from we are going to be discussing how it spreads, what damages it causes to roofing materials and the proper way to remove it. We remove moss from roof.

How Moss Grows

Moss spreads thru its spores, it has no vascular system. It is of the plant family Bryophytes. Bryophytes absorb water through their leaves. It receives nutrients by absorbing it through photosynthesis. Since it has no vascular system it must find a damp place to live. Roofing makes a very great abode, as it is one of the dampest places on a home. Seattle has an average of 150-days of rain a year, making Seattle one of the rainiest places in America. The combination of location and environment make roof moss in Seattle, a normal occurrence.

Damage to Roofing

Moss grows in mats 1-3 inches tall. These mats act as a dam and do not allow water to flow freely down your roofing into your gutters. Water begins to pool at portions of your roof affected with moss growth. The shingles underneath aren’t allowed to naturally repel water or breathe. In a very short amount of time, when left untreated, moss will completely destroy a roof.

Methods of Removal

There are several methods of removal that are practiced by roof cleaning contractors in Seattle:

Power washing
Manual Scrubbing with a stiff bristle brush
Chemical Treatment

Chemicals to Kill Moss

No method is complete without the use of a biocide after the cleaning has been done. The preferred chemicals to kill moss are:

Zinc Powder
Copper Powder
Sodium Hypochlorite

Roof cleaning contractors in Seattle know that cleaning a roof, without administering of moss inhibiting chemicals is likely to cause moss to return very rapidly.

When applying chemicals the manufacturer’s directions for proper application should be observe
d. Improper application or insufficient use of chemicals when mixing will cause damage to the roofing material or dilution to potency not suitable for killing moss.

Conclusion

Moss is a very destructive force to roofing materials. Proper application of moss killing chemicals can only be administered by an experienced roof cleaner in Seattle. There are several methods of roof cleaning but all must end with the application of moss killing chemicals.

We provide roof moss removal services to the following cities in Washington State:

Methods of Seattle Roof Moss Removal

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Seattle Roof Moss Removal Methods and Means

Over 10,000 roofs are replaced per year due to water intrusion, in the Seattle area.Lack of Seattle Roof Moss Removal is a major contributing factor to the number of roof replacements. Moss grows in patches 1-3 inches wide. Homes with infrequent sunlight or under foliage are the most prone to moss growth. Large patches of moss trapping moisture in 1-3 inch mats create water dams that then begin pushing water underneath roofing substrate. The roofing material is never left to dry out.The consequences of not performing a Seattle Roof Moss Removal are:

Rot.
Mildew
Buckling

What is Roof Mold?

Bryophytes are soft plants that grow in mats and clumps. They reproduce through periodic release of airborne spores. They have no vascular system to feed themselves as plants with roots do. Bryophytes therefore grow where moisture is prevalent. The Seattle region with between 72-88 days of sunshine a year is an inviting environment for moss growth. Our lack of sun is the reason moss grows so heavily in the area. With no ability to control our amount of sunshine, we are left to do periodic maintenance.

Differing Methods of Moss Control

You can speak to any 2 roof cleaners in the country and the proper method for roof cleaning and moss control is always up for debate. There are standard methods of moss control practiced around the country these methods are:

Power washing to remove moss.
The use of zinc strips.
Chemical treatment.

Power Washing

Pressure washing without adequate chemical treatment afterwards is the least effective method in killing moss. Without the use of a moss inhibiting chemical you’re left with a roof that will need another cleaning almost immediately.

There have been several studies done on the damage a power washer can do to asphalt granules. ARMA [Asphalt Roofing Manufactures Association] recommends not using a pressure washer on asphalt shingles for roof moss removal. Their primary concern is the loss of granules. Although not as good on asphalt shingles, a power-washing is probably the only effective way of properly cleaning cedar and metal roofs.

Zinc Strips

Zinc Strips are effective means of containing moss growth. Due to the cost and the amount of coverage required to kill moss, many times it is unfeasible to use this method.

For Zinc strips to successfully control moss growth they must be placed every 3 feet from the tip of the roof to the gutter line.

This method is very unsightly and many homeowners do not like the look of Zinc strips going down their entire roof line. The picture above shows CLEARLY, that zinc and metal DO stop moss from growing. Where the metal vents are present; no moss is growing directly beneath them.

To effectively use zinc strips:

Two inches of zinc should protrude the asphalt shingle.
They should start at the ridge cap and end 3 feet above the gutter.

Chemical Treatment for Seattle Roof Moss Removal

Chemical treatment, also called soft wash roof cleaning, in our opinion, is the most effective means of moss control. Using the right chemicals, completely kills all moss spores and prevents new moss from rebuilding.

Most soft wash roof cleaner’s offer warranties of 1-5 years, they are secure in offering these warranties because they know that it took years for this moss to grow on your roof and it will take years for it to grow back, provided the right chemicals are used in strong enough doses. We make Seattle Roof Moss Removal Last!

The decision on what method is the right method for Seattle Roof Moss Removal is always up for debate. PWNG uses the chemical soft washing method to soundly control moss. We stand by our service and offer a 1-year warranty with every Seattle Roof Moss Removal. We look forward to any comments or questions our readers might have and we welcome an open discussion on roof cleaning.

Roof Cleaning Cost Seattle

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Average Prices for Roof Cleaning

Over 10,000 roofs in Western Washington are replaced per year due to neglect. The majority of these roofs are replaced at 40-50% of their life expectancy,according to roofcleaners.org. It’s quite common to see 20 year roofs replaced and needing repairs at 5 years in the Seattle area. All these issues can be avoided with maintenance.The roof cleaning cost Seattle is much lower than the price of replacing a roof.

Roof Cleaning Methods

When you purchased your roof you were given a warranty. In order for it to be valid, your roofing needs maintenance. The American Roofing Manufacturers’ Association gives a step by step guideline on what maintenance is and how it should and should not be done.

ARMA lists [2] cleaning methods that void a warranty for most roofing manufacturers. They cite granule loss as the primary reason these methods should be avoided. These methods are:

Power washing any asphalt shingle roof
Using any form of rough agitation when removing moss.

ARMA recommends chemical treatment as their approved method for cleaning asphalt shingle roofing. They have gone as far as to list the chemical blend and ingredients to use. Seattle Roof Cleaners follows the method and instructions for roof cleaning provided by ARMA to the letter.

Roof Cleaning Cost Seattle

The following are reflective prices for roof cleaning. These are not exact estimates but are very close to what companies nationwide charge for composition roof cleaning. These prices were found by using costhelper,homewyse and localprice.com

Square Footage of Home	Number of Stories	Pitch of the Roof	Total Cost
1500-2200	1	Flat	$260-300
	2	Medium	$300-350
	3	Steep	$400-420
Square Footage of Home	Number of Stories	Pitch of the Roof	Total Cost
2200-3500	1	Flat	$300-340
	2	Medium	$340-400
	3	Steep	$420-500

Here are some previous posts on the cost for other services:

Benefits of Hiring Seattle Roof Care

We are licensed and insured and have cleaned more roofs with the soft wash method than any company in the Seattle-Tacoma area. You will also experience the following additional benefits when hiring us:

Professionally trained staff.
A one year no moss warranty.
A 100% track record in reinstating Homeowners Insurance when cancelled.
Keeping your warranty intact by following ARMA guidelines for cleaning.
A close working relationship with most insurance providers in the state.

Your homes protection starts from the top down. Maintaining your roof and gutters is a basic requirement as a homeowner. The average cost to replace a roof is $12,000. The average roof cleaning cost Seattle is 3% of the cost of replacement. If you have further questions contact me at 425-501-3745. I look forward to answering any questions about roof maintenance you may have and helping you keep your home healthy for years to come. For your Roof Cleaning Cost Seattle estimate give us a call.

We provide roof cleaning to the following areas in King County:

Algona, Auburn, Beaux Arts Village, Bellevue, Black Diamond, Bothell, Burien, Carnation, Clyde Hill, Covington, Des Moines, Duvall, Enumclaw, Federal Way, Hunts Point, Issaquah, Kenmore, Kent, Kirkland, Lake Forest Park, Maple Valley, Medina, Mercer Island, Milton, Newcastle,Normandy Park, North Bend, Pacific, Redmond, Renton, Sammamish, Seatac, Seattle, Shoreline, Skykomish, Tukwila, Woodinville, Yarrow Point

Roof Cleaning FAQ

PWNG ROOF CLEANING FAQ

[frequently asked questions]

Why is there still moss on my roof?

Your roof was not power washed, depending on your roof slope we either (a) manually scrubbed large patches with a stiff bristle brush or (b) chemically sprayed your roof and allowed Mother Nature to take its course.

How long does it take for the moss to come off my roof?

Dependent on the weather and sunlight conditions 3 days to 3 weeks. Your roof was sprayed with a mixture similar to weed killer. We live in a very moist climate and at times sunlight is infrequent.[i] After spraying your moss it is left moist and wet on your roofing. Its roots are dead immediately. Sunlight dries your moss out and then rain washes it down your gutters. Hoping to be as cautious as possible to your roofing, our process isn’t immediate[ii].

What was sprayed on my roof?

A mixture known as PSAUCE©[iii]. This is the method your shingle manufacturer recommends for roof cleaning. You can see the PDF by clicking here.[iv] We added Borax-Lo[v] that keeps moss from returning.

Is this bad for my plants?

Yes and No. We’ve taken every precaution to protect your plant life by not over spraying past your gutter line and washing down any plants that were touched with our chemical. Simply put we are at your residence to kill a plant and there is not a green way to do that. If we damage any plant life we will do our best to resolve the situation with you.

How long does the process last?

You are covered for one year from the day you hired us[vi]. Many of our customers have reported no moss growth for 2-3 years and as many as 5! The information we have garnered has helped us create a chemical blend that works. There are over 10,000 roofs a year who fail due to moss in our area. Wet and damp moss locks and holds moisture on your roof. Large patches create a dam and the shingles underneath begin curling and swaying. We have done as much as possible to protect your roof from damage during cleaning and have made moss growth very inhospitable. Thank you for choosing us. We look forward to keeping you as a happy customer for years to come.

References

[i] KOMO NEWS [cites 58 days of Sun a yr.]

[ii] http://www.roofmoss.net/safe-to-pressure-wash-roof.html

[iii] RCIA [Roof Cleaning Institute of America]

[iv] ARMA[American Shingle Manufacturers Association]

[v] http://chemistry.about.com/od/moleculescompounds/f/What-Is-Borax.htm [what is borax?]

[vi] PWNG [refer to your warranty]