What is Roof Soft Washing?

Soft washing is a great way to keep your roof clean. By cleaning it regularly, you can help prevent lichen, moss and other fungus from forming. In addition, it can also improve the appearance of your roof. However, before you decide to soft wash your roof, it is important to know how to do it correctly.

Cleansing surfactant

Soft washing is a process of cleaning roofs using special mild surfactants and chemicals. Its main advantage is that it’s safe, eco-friendly and doesn’t harm the protective coatings of your roofing material.

Soft wash system consists of specialized detergents, surfactants and low pressure rinsing to eliminate dirt, mold and algae from your roof. This is different from pressure washing which uses higher water pressure.

Soft wash roof cleaners use mild surfactants to dissolve thick residues. They also have biodegradable components to kill bacteria, mold and fungus. These cleaning solutions remove algae and moss.

For more thorough cleaning, you may need to mix multiple chemicals to get rid of tough stains. There are various types of chemicals you can use for soft wash, including soaps, bleach, acid, caustics and chlorine. You should always follow the instructions of the manufacturer.

Bleach

Bleach roof soft washing is a surprisingly effective way to remove moss, algae, and even more stubborn stains. However, it can be dangerous if used improperly, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions.

First, you should use a ladder to climb up your roof. Next, apply a light coat of bleach and water to the entire surface of your roof. If possible, protect nearby plants and shrubs by placing tarps or plastic over them.

After applying the bleach and water solution, wait about 30 minutes for the chemistry to do its job. Then rinse away the mixture using water.

While the bleach method is effective, it is also time consuming. This is because the mixture needs to be rinsed repeatedly to get it to work. Additionally, it can cause damage to your asphalt roof, so be careful.

Sodium hypochlorite

Sodium hypochlorite is a bleaching agent used for roof soft washing. It is effective for killing algae and mold. This chemical can be mixed with other surfactants to remove dirt. However, you should avoid using too much bleach. Too much bleach can cause damage to surfaces and plants.

To use sodium hypochlorite, mix a 50:50 solution of household bleach with water. This should be enough to remove moss and algae. You can also add trisodium phosphate to the mix.

The mixture should settle for at least 30 minutes before being rinsed off. If you are using this method, it is recommended to keep a bucket of water nearby. Once the dilution has settled, you can then spray the solution on the roof.

The chlorine bleach mixture will leave a strong odor for days. Therefore, you should wear goggles and a mask.

Lichen and moss removal

If you have a moss or lichen problem, then a roof soft washing service is a good solution. It can prevent further damage to your roof and prolong the lifespan of your shingles. In fact, the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturer’s Association recommends it.

Moss and lichen are two common types of algae that can affect your roof. Both have the same characteristics – they’re spores that can be carried by wind, animals, and other sources. They can spread rapidly between rooftops.

Moss and lichen are not only unsightly, but they can also cause leaking and can even harm your roofing materials. By removing these fungi, you can extend the life of your shingles and avoid unnecessary property damage claims.

Moss and lichen can also lead to wood rot. Moisture promotes the growth of these harmful microbes. This causes black streaks to appear on your roof.

Power washing vs soft wash

If you’re wondering what is the difference between power washing and roof soft wash, you’re not alone. While they both remove grime from your home’s exterior, they do so in very different ways.

Power washing uses pressurized water to clean your house’s exterior. It can be useful on a variety of surfaces, but it can also be a very dangerous technique. This is because the high pressure can tear loose shingles. As a result, your roof can suffer major damage if it isn’t handled properly.

On the other hand, soft washing uses less water to achieve the same results. You can also save money with a soft wash system. The equipment used to perform soft washing is similar to power washers.

Soft washing is a safer and more efficient way to get your house looking like new. With a power washer, you could end up with marks on your walls and a very expensive utility bill. A soft wash system uses cleaners that are applied through a hose.