Hello everyone! This is Jake from Wash Docs, and today we’re going to talk about the best way to soft wash a roof. We recently worked on a client’s home in Boca Raton, FL, and they had never seen a soft wash roof cleaning before. They had only ever had their roof cleaned with high pressure, which is not the method we recommend. So, let’s dive into how we transformed their roof and why our method is superior.
Table of Contents
What Is Soft Wash Roof Cleaning?
Soft wash roof cleaning is a method of cleaning roofs that uses low-pressure and specialized solutions (typically bleach, water, and sometimes a surfactant) to safely remove mildew, bacteria, algae, and other organic stains from roofs. It’s called “soft” washing because it utilizes significantly less pressure than traditional power washing or pressure washing.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the process:
- Preparation: Before the soft wash cleaning process begins, the surrounding area is prepared. This usually involves covering plants and other sensitive areas to prevent damage from the cleaning solutions.
- Application of Cleaning Solution: A cleaning solution, typically a mix of bleach, water, and a surfactant, is applied to the roof. The solution is sprayed onto the roof using a low-pressure pump. The pressure is similar to what you might find in a garden sprayer, so it’s gentle on the roof materials.
- Dwell Time: The cleaning solution is left on the roof for a period of time to allow it to penetrate and break down the algae, moss, lichen, and other dirt or organic material.
- Rinsing: After the dwell time, the roof is gently rinsed with water to remove the cleaning solution and dislodged dirt and organic material. The pressure used for rinsing is low to prevent damage to the roof.
- Post-Cleaning: After the cleaning process, the surrounding area is cleaned and any protective coverings are removed.
The main advantage of soft washing is that it provides a deep clean without the potential for damage that can be caused by high-pressure washing methods. It’s particularly effective for delicate roof materials like asphalt shingles, tiles, or metal roofs. It also kills the organisms that cause staining, so results may last longer than with other cleaning methods.
The Problem: Dirty Roofs With Mildew And Algae
As you can see in the before pictures, the roof was very dirty, full of a lot of mildew and algae. This is a common issue in South Florida due to the high humidity. The previous cleaning methods used on this roof were not effective in dealing with this problem.
Our Solution: Soft Wash Roof Cleaning
Our approach to roof cleaning is quite different. We like to start at the bottom and work our way up. This method helps us protect the plants around the house as much as possible. Some cleaning solution does get on them, but we make sure to rinse them thoroughly.
We have a system on our trailer that mixes sodium hypochlorite, a surfactant, and water. It pulls from three different tanks into one hose. Then, we use a Comet P40 chemical pump that allows us to spray the cleaning solution on the roof.
As we apply this solution, you can see it cleaning the roof instantly. While I’m working on the roof, the rest of the team is on the ground, watering everything down and ensuring that the plants are protected.
We treat the entire roof with one good coat of our cleaning solution. Then, we come back to see if we need to do any touch-ups. But as you can see from the after pictures, the results are impressive. The roof is cleaner than it has ever been!
Soft Washing Guarantee
We guarantee our cleanings for 18 to 24 months. Your roof will look better than it ever has after a soft wash cleaning from Wash Docs. Regular pressure washing will not get your roof this clean. It will fade the color of the stones and is generally not good for your roof.
Soft wash roof cleaning is the way everyone should be cleaning their tile roofs, metal roofs, and shingle roofs. This is what we specialize in at Wash Docs. So, if you need any soft wash roof cleaning or pressure cleaning services, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Thanks, everybody!
Originally posted on Wash Docs YouTube Channel
