Soft Wash Roof Cleaning

Soft washing is a cleaning method that uses low-pressure water and specialized solutions to safely remove mildew, bacteria, algae, and other organic stains from roofs and other building exteriors. It's a preferred method for many types of roofs, especially asphalt shingles, because it doesn't damage the roofing material like high-pressure washing can. Here's a general guide on soft wash roof cleaning:

Soft Wash Roof Cleaning Guide

1. Safety First:

• Always use a ladder stabilizer or stand-off to ensure the ladder doesn't damage the gutters.
• Wear non-slip shoes, safety goggles, and gloves.
• Be cautious of the slippery roof when wet.

2. Equipment and Solutions:

• Soft wash system: This typically consists of a low-pressure pump, hose, and spray nozzle.
• Cleaning solution: Typically a mix of water, bleach (sodium hypochlorite), and a surfactant. The surfactant helps the solution adhere to the roof's surface, allowing for a longer dwell time.

3. Preparing the Area:

• Protect plants and vegetation around the home by wetting them with water or covering them with tarps.
• Alert anyone nearby that you'll be cleaning the roof.

4. Applying the Cleaning Solution:

• Start at the bottom and work your way up to prevent the solution from running and streaking.
• Spray the cleaning solution onto the roof, ensuring an even coverage.
• Allow the solution to dwell on the roof for 15-20 minutes. This gives it time to break down the algae, mold, and mildew.

5. Rinsing:

• Using low pressure, rinse the roof starting from the top and working your way down. This ensures that all the cleaning solution and contaminants are washed away.
• Ensure that the runoff doesn't harm plants or the surrounding area. Rinse any plants or vegetation that might have come into contact with the solution.

6. Post-Cleaning:

• Inspect the roof to ensure all areas are clean. If any spots are missed, you may need to reapply the solution to those areas.
• Remove any tarps or protective coverings from plants and give them another rinse with fresh water.

7. Maintenance:

• Consider applying a roof protectant or algaecide to prevent future growth of algae or mold.
• Regularly inspect your roof for signs of organic growth and address them promptly to prolong the life of your roof.

Note: Always check with the roofing material manufacturer or a professional before applying any chemicals to your roof. Some roofs, especially those made of natural materials like cedar shakes, may require a different approach or cleaning solution.

Soft washing is an effective method for roof cleaning, but if you're unsure or uncomfortable doing it yourself, it's always best to hire a professional. They'll have the necessary equipment and expertise to ensure the job is done safely and effectively.

Properly maintaining and cleaning your home’s gutters has a number of benefits for your home. Having your gutters cleaned regularly can go a long way to alleviating expensive long-term costs, such as replacing your roof and guttering, or even property damage.

When your gutters are blocked or clogged, the water which gets trapped and can move upward, causing substantial damage to your home’s roof and interior spaces. When stuck, the standing water will look for any tiny gaps it can find – which in turn can lead it to undermine the integrity of your roof. As your roof ages, the shingles lose their integrity and become more susceptible to cracks and gaps. To ensure your roof remains intact, regularly inspect it to make sure it is in perfect working order and keep gutters free from debris.

Once water has penetrated the roof, it quickly can cause immense interior damage to your home. The first victim of any water penetration into the home is the wooden features of the house. Roof water seepage quickly damages wood components in homes and can accelerate decay – weakening the very structure of your home.

Keep all of your hardscapes clean and pristine with regular pressure washing services from Apple Roof Cleaning of Pasco & Pinellas.

We keep driveways, patios, walkways, retaining walls and landscaping throughout looking great. Whether you're just looking for a spruce up, or you have a much tougher cleaning project, we have the equipment and experience to handle jobs of almost any size. Our processes remove a variety of dirt and foreign matter that can cause your property to look dull or dingy.

We use safe yet effective solvents and solutions to protect your home or business from damage or from harming plants or lawns around your structures.