How Soft Washing Can Extend the Lifespan of Your Roof

Regularly cleaning your roof by soft washing keeps it in good shape and protects it from damage. It also improves the curb appeal of your home.

Soft washing involves applying a cleaning solution with low pressure that is only slightly stronger than what comes out of your garden hose. The solution contains bleach, which kills mold, mildew, fungi, moss, algae, and plants.

Eliminates Algae and Moss

It’s not uncommon to see a roof covered in moss or algae. This organic growth detracts from your home’s curb appeal but can cause severe damage to the shingles.

Soft washing removes unwanted debris from your roof without harming it using a gentle cleaning agent and moderate pressure. The procedure starts with pre-treating it to help remove trash, moss, lichen, and mildew from the surface. After the surface has been prepared, the roof cleaning solution is applied and let sit for 15-20 minutes. This time allows the chemical to break down moss and algae while killing microorganisms, mildew, and mold.

Often misdiagnosed as mildew or mold, the black streaks and discoloration on many roofs are caused by gloeocapsa magma (algae). This algae can be found in coastal areas or humid climates where it thrives and feeds off the limestone filler in asphalt shingle roofing. The soft wash uses a specially formulated cleaning solution, low pressure, and “dwell time” to remove algae without damaging shingles or voiding your warranty.

Prevents Water Damage

Your roof’s state can have a significant impact on the health and beauty of your house. Dirt and grime accumulation can damage moisture, harming shingles and creating leaks. Regular soft washing can fend off these problems and prolong the life of your roof.

Soft washing uses cleaning solutions and low pressure to clean surfaces. It allows the solution to penetrate the surface and break down moss, mildew, mold, and algae. It prevents water damage by eliminating these contaminants before they can cause any problems.

Soft washing can be used on various surfaces, including siding, brick, and concrete. It can also be used on roofs, lanais, enclosures, wood panel siding, and screens. Usually, a sprayer is used to apply the cleaning solution to the surface. A fungicidal treatment is then added to the surface, killing any left spores and stopping them from growing back.

Reduces Mold and Mildew

A filthy roof can encourage the development of fungi and bacteria, which could harm your roofing material over time. Mold and mildew spores can also cause respiratory problems in your family.

When these organisms grow on your roof, they absorb the sun’s heat to preserve their nutrients and rot away your tiles and shingles. It can result in higher cooling bills.

Soft washing uses less pressure than power washing and uses specialized detergents to clean your exterior surfaces. These cleaning solutions can penetrate cracks and crevices to kill algae and moss at the source. They are also safe for older tiles and shingles. Soft wash is also safe for wood siding and fences. This method works best on surfaces that are difficult to clean with power washers or those that high-pressure levels would damage.

Enhances Curb Appeal

Your roof is one of the most critical components of your home. It protects you from rain, harsh rays of sunlight and keeps your house insulated. It also impacts your curb appeal. If your roof is stained and dingy, it can make your home look unkempt. Soft washing eliminates this buildup and makes your roof look new again.

A clean, pristine roof will improve curb appeal and increase property value. A professional soft wash using specialized cleaning solutions and low-pressure water can remove algae, moss, mold, mildew, and other organic growth without damaging the surface of your roof or other exterior surfaces.

Other ways to improve your curb appeal include painting your front door with eye-catching colors and adding a colorful welcome mat or front yard plants. It is crucial if you are thinking of selling your home. Curb appeal is a potential buyer’s first impression of your home, so it is essential to make a great impression.