Yes, soft washing is safe for your roof. It’s actually the best technique on the market today because it’s safe for all roofing types and there’s no risk of damage. The same is not true of pressure washing.
Using too much force can strip the asphalt waterproofing off shingles and crack tiles. Manufacturers usually recommend soft wash roof cleaning for this reason. If you read the fun print in your warranty, you’re likely to see this.
Soft Wash vs. Pressure Washing
The best way to understand the soft wash vs. pressure washing debate is to view the pros and cons of each method.
Soft Wash Roof Cleaning
Pros:
- Safe for all roofing types
- A versatile technique that can work with gutter cleaning as well
- Doesn’t require a pressure washer
- Can lift stains deep in concrete to the surface
- Gets rid of organic growth and dissolves dirt
- Uses less water than pressure cleaning
- Reduces the risk of damage to your property and landscaping
Cons:
- Soft wash cleaning takes longer than pressure washing
- Slightly more expensive
Pressure Washing
Before we look at the pros and cons, we’ll preface this by saying that professional roof cleaners won’t usually use a pressure washer on a roof.
Pros:
- Effective at removing tough stains
- Can cover many square feet of surface in a short amount of time
- Can be eco-friendly
Cons:
- You need experience to handle pressure washer properly
- You can damage the surface if you use too much force
- The technicians use a lot of water
- Pressure wash roof cleaning can go wrong easily
Are Soft Washing Chemicals Safe?
Soft washing chemicals are generally safe if you’re dealing with a reputable contractor. However, like anything else, there are cheap options that contain nasty chemicals.
If you hire someone for soft wash roof cleaning, be sure to ask for proof that their process is environmentally friendly. You can even go so far as to ask them the name of the roof cleaning agent they use.
Many contractors today choose to use products with highly diluted bleach. This protects them and their clients.
Even when they’re using these products, you should take some precautions. It’s advisable to protect fragile landscaping from the water. You should also keep your pets and children inside.
What’s in the Mix? Demystifying Soft Wash Roof Cleaning Chemicals
The typical mixture is one part sodium hypochlorite to fifteen parts of water. So, how is this not harmful to the environment?
Sodium hypochlorite is a type of bleach. However, diluting it makes it least potent. It’s still effective enough to kill algae and moss, though.
Next, manufacturers add surfactants. The molecules of these compounds have special properties that allow them to suspend other molecules they come into contact with. What this means in simple terms is that it makes the solution more sluggish.
Without surfactants, the bleach solution would simply run off the roof immediately. Instead, it sits in place, killing the algae or moss. The byproducts of this process are biodegradable.
The final part of the equation is the soft wash roof cleaning technique itself. We pre-wet the surface to allow for even application. We then rinse thoroughly afterward. The result is that whatever by-products are left over are rendered harmless.Â
Why Choose Soft Wash Roof Cleaning?
You should choose soft wash roof cleaning because the Cleveland climate delivers a double whammy. The first blow occurs due to the lake’s effect on weather and humidity. This allows algae and moss to flourish.
The second blow lands in winter when the snow falls. The weight of the snow compresses dirt and debris, driving them further into the roof’s surface. The thawing and refreezing cycles shift the dirt, abrading the roof.
DIY or Hire a Pro? Navigating Soft Wash Roof Cleaning in Cleveland
You should usually hire a soft wash roof cleaning pro rather than attempting DIY. This is not a learning project as there’s too much that can go wrong. If you make a mistake mixing the cleaning agents, it may be ineffective or too strong.
What’s more, you need a good head for heights because you’ll be walking on your roof. The danger here is that it’s easy to slip and fall. It’s also easy to step on the wrong section of roofing and fall through.
That said, hiring professionals will cost a few hundred dollars. If you can do the job yourself, you can save yourself labor charges. However, it’s important to critically assess your experience level and consider what might go wrong.
Selecting a Reputable Soft Wash Roof Cleaning Company in Cleveland
When selecting a reputable soft wash roof cleaning company in Cleveland, you should ask the prospective candidates these questions:
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Can I see proof that your insurance is current?
- What is your experience when it comes to roof cleaning?
- How long have you been in this industry?
- Do you use soft washing or pressure cleaning for roofs?
- Do you have a gallery I can look at before and after pictures?
- Alternatively, can you refer me to previous clients?
- What safety precautions does your team use?
- What cleaning agent do you use, and is it environmentally friendly?
Go beyond merely what they say and check for yourself. Look at third-party review sites and see what the general consensus is. There are bound to be negative comments with every company, but they should be the exception, not the rule.
Get a Free Soft Wash Roof Cleaning Quote Today!
Soft washing is a highly effective technique that’s safe for roofing types. However, it’s a method you should leave to professionals. If you’d like to see us in action, hire us for software roof cleaning in Cleveland, OH.
Call Devins Powerwash at 440-429-1282 to get your free estimate. Alternatively, contact us to discuss the long-term benefits of choosing soft washing for your home. See how much money you can save by using the best technique for the job.Â
