Roof cleaning is an essential aspect of maintaining the appearance and longevity of your home or building. One method that has gained popularity in recent years is soft wash roof cleaning. Unlike traditional pressure washing, which uses high-pressure water to blast away dirt and debris, soft wash uses a gentle approach to clean and sanitize your roof without causing damage.
In this article, we will explain what soft wash roof cleaning is and how it differs from other roof cleaning methods. We will also discuss the benefits of softwash roof cleaning.
What Is No Pressure/Soft Wash Roof Cleaning?
No pressure/soft wash cleaning is a method of cleaning roofs using low pressure and a specialized cleaning solution. This method removes dirt, stains, and other debris from the roof surface. It is less aggressive than a traditional pressure washing, as it uses less water pressure and does not cause damage to the roofing materials.
Soft washing is also more eco-friendly as it reduces water usage and runoff. The soft washing solution is typically applied using a low-pressure sprayer and garden hose. Then the solution will remain on the roof shingles for some time before rinsing. This method is commonly used for cleaning roofs made of asphalt shingles, clay tiles, and other roofing materials.
What Are The Benefits Of Soft Wash Roof Cleaning?
There are several benefits of soft wash cleaning:
1. Enhances The Longevity of Your Roof
Soft washing can result in longer-lasting results than traditional pressure washing. This is because the cleaning solutions used in soft washing roofs can remove thick dirt, prevent the growth of algae, mold, and mildew for several months.
2. Eco-Friendly Chemicals
Soft washing is an eco-friendly procedure that involves applying a cleaning solution to the roof's surface. Using non-hazardous, eco-friendly chemicals is the ideal way for soft wash roof washing. They are suitable for your family, plants, and pet around. This is because they are biodegradable, unscented, and free of petroleum distillates or hazardous solvents.
In addition, since a soft wash system uses low-pressure washing technique, it helps to prevent excessive runoff into streams or dams around your home.
3. It saves Time And Money
Since soft wash system uses specialized roof cleaner and less pressure to clean roofs, the results last longer than the traditional power washing. Also, you will save time and money since you won't need to wash frequently. In the end, maintaining your roof prevents repairs and damages.
4. Prevents Pest
Pests may be a great nuisance. But soft washing may help in keeping them away. To keep bugs away from your home, gently wash your entire roof to remove any built-up nests and other such debris.
Roof Soft Washing Equipment
1. Protective Gloves
Rubber gloves are vital to protect your hands from any threats that may develop when cleaning. Debris like twigs and prickly vines, insects like spiders, and any sharp or rusty roofs might endanger your hands.
2. Soft Wash System or Pressure Washer
A working soft wash system is required to begin soft washing. At its most basic, soft wash systems consists of a tank for storing cleaning solutions. Also, it has a pump and garden hose for transferring chemicals, a trigger gun for regulating flow, and a spray nozzle for low-pressure rinsing.
If you don't have access to a gentle wash system, you might use a pressure washer instead. However, you should make a few changes to make it appropriate for mild washing.
3. Ladder
A strong ladder should be available to roof cleaners. Without it, climbing onto the roof poses a major danger to your safety. Before trusting a ladder's safety, consider its setup, construction, and height.
4. Footwear
Despite the numerous materials used to make roofing shoes, a thick rubber sole works best for the tread. Rubber's durability and malleability enable the treads to cling to the roof shingles and avoid slipping.
5. Safety Goggle
Consider using protective glasses while working to avoid accidents. When cleaning the roofing shingles, you risk getting chemical splashes and flying debris in your eyes. But safety eyewear will shield your eyes from such a situation.
6. Lifeline Rope
A safety belt and a lifeline rope keep you safe if you fall from a great height. This protection tools enable you to fasten yourself to a stationary object, such as the T-bar. And it ensures you won't strike the ground if you stumble or fall from the roof.
Soft Wash Chemicals
There are several types of chemicals commonly used for soft washing. Some of the most common include:
1. Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach)
Most soft wash cleaning solutions use bleach, or sodium hypochlorite, as the main ingredient. This chemical is effective in eliminating mold and mildew spores, algae, moss, and other contaminants growing on the roof. It also destroys any root systems to prevent further damage to the tiles and prevent regrowth.
It is applied in low concentrations to prevent damage to other surfaces of the roof. Neutralizing agents are often used with bleach to mitigate its environmental impact.
2. Surfactants (Detergents)
Surfactants play a crucial role in achieving a successful soft wash. They are chemicals that help remove dirt, grime, and other debris from surfaces by getting between the surface and the substances clinging to it. This improves the ability of water to wash away these unwanted substances.
In addition, surfactants help reduce run-off, allowing the cleaning solution to stay on the roof longer.
3. Odor Maskers
While bleach is efficient in eliminating organic matter, it can leave behind an unpleasant smell. To combat this bleach smell, odor maskers are often added to the cleaning solution to mask the smell of bleach with a more pleasant scent, such as citrus or another scent of your choice.
4. Plant Protectors
Certain chemicals used in soft washing can be harmful to plants. Therefore chemical plant protectors help to neutralize the solution and safeguard the plants. In addition, these agents can nourish the plants by leaving behind vital nutrients that aid in their growth.
5. Biocides
Biocides are chemicals that eliminate living organisms, including mold spores, algae cells, and other microorganisms that can develop on roofs. Besides sodium hypochlorite, which also acts as a biocide, manufacturers of soft wash cleaners often include other biocides designed to combat microbial growth on roofs.
6. Sodium Hydroxide
Caustic is a strong chemical used as an alternative cleaning solution. Because of its potency, it should be handled by only professionals. It can cause skin irritation or burn when it comes in contact with the skin, so it should be handled with care.
7. Water
Water is an essential component in the soft-washing cleaning process. It serves several purposes, including diluting chemicals and being a delivery mechanism for the chemicals during cleaning. Water is crucial in rinsing off the roof's cleaning solution and other debris.
8. Soap
Soft roof washing solutions may include the use of soaps as an additional surfactant to aid in removing dirt and other contaminants. Likewise, it acts as a natural source of biodegradable enzymes, and to aid in the killing of algae cells.
Tired of having a mossy or debris-covered roof? Contact us to restore your roof's appearance and increase its curb appeal right away.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Soft Wash Systems
Several common mistakes should be avoided when undertaking a soft wash of your home's roof. One is to let the solution dry before rinsing it off, and this is because it can leave behind unsightly streaks, marks, and other such residues that attract more dirt.
Another mistake to avoid is washing the roof upwards or spraying water underneath tiles and shingles. Doing this may loosen them and cause them to be lost during a storm. To remove mold, algae and other debris between shingles and tiles, use more cleaning agent and conduct regular washing of the area instead of using more pressure.
Lastly, avoid trying to clean the roof too fast. This may result in splashing and splattering of water on the roof, home's exterior walls, windows, and landscaping. Work slowly, and allow the water to run off into the gutters to ensure a thorough job and a beautifully clean roof.
FAQs
Is There A Disadvantage Of Soft Roof Washing?
There are a few potential disadvantages of this roof washing. One drawback is that it may take longer to clean a roof using the cleaning methods compared to using a pressure washer. Moreover, if you do not use the proper techniques and best chemicals, the soft washing method may not be as effective at removing thick dirt or debris. Soft wash roof cleaning may be more expensive than a pressure washing, as it typically needs specialized equipment and chemicals.
Another disadvantage is that not all roofing types, specifically new roofing systems, are compatible with soft wash cleaning. Some roofing manufacturers recommend not to use it on their roofs. Also, if the technician is not well trained, some damage may occur to the roof itself.
It is always important to consult with a professional roof washer to know if your roof is safe using by Soft washing method. We have crafted our expertise and ensure we use the best chemicals to wash and keep your roof clean.
Can You Rent a Soft Wash Power Washer?
Yes, it is possible to rent a soft wash power washer. Many equipment rental companies and home improvement stores offer various power washing equipment for rent, and they also include those designed for soft washing roofs.
Can You Soft Wash With a Pressure Washer?
Yes, it is ok to use a pressure washer for soft washing. Soft washing is a method of cleaning that uses a mild pressure spray of water mixed with cleaning agents clean the roof safely. While traditional pressure washing uses high pressure and a high volume of water to blast away dirt, Soft washing uses a low-pressure nozzle and a mixture of detergent and water to clean the roof's exterior surfaces.
A powerful pressure washer can switch between high and low-pressure settings. Thus allowing them to be used for both traditional pressure washing and soft washing. It is essential to use the correct nozzle and to follow the instruction of the machine to avoid damaging your home's roof surface.
What Is the Difference Between Soft Wash Roof Cleaning and Pressure Washing?
Soft wash roof cleaning is different from pressure washing in that it does not depend on high-pressure water. Instead, the process works by using specially formulated cleaning solutions applied to the roofing shingles with a low-pressure spray or a robot.
This means that the cleaning is more targeted and effective than a traditional pressure wash while also being gentler on the roof. In contrast, traditional pressure washing typically uses very high-pressure water sprays that can damage the roofing materials, particularly if aimed incorrectly.
Contact us now if you have any more questions regarding the chemicals used to soft wash a roof if pressure wash is suitable for your home's roof, or anything else! Also, we will be pleased to offer a FREE quotation for pressure washing your home's gutters, exterior walls, home's roof, windows, and other surfaces.
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