Washing your roof is one of the hardest things. Not just because it is a laborious task, but because it also requires a keen eye to protect the roof shields. 

It’s vital to consider roof washing frequently. But, what technique to use for roof washing is often a question. 

Today, many people favor the idea of soft washing the roofs - they say it’s an effective and smart way to get rid of dirty roofs and increase its lifespan considerably. However, if you don’t know much about soft washing, here’s that you need to know.

What is a Softwash Home Cleaning?

Soft washing is a unique cleaning method that involves the use of pressure washers at lower PSI or pressure per square inch.

As the name states, soft washing goes easy - it involves less than 500 PSI for cleaning purposes. To serve this application, the tip of the pressure washer is changed with a wider nozzle or spray to drop the pressure point. Furthermore, it makes use of specialized cleaning solutions to clean dirt as well as organisms living on the surfaces. 

The cleaning solutions used in soft washing are eco-friendly and do not harm the protective coatings of your home. It is highly recommended for cedar shake siding, stucco, coquina, outdoor wood furniture, wood panel siding, screens, enclosure, lanais, outdoor rooted plants, vinyl sidings, and so forth. Looking at the benefits, soft washing is mainly preferred for home settings. 

Why Soft cleaning is best for older roofs?

In soft cleaning of the roof, the technician applies special mild surfactants or detergents. These cleansers seep deep into the cracks and splits of a roof, rinsing undersides of roofing tiles and shingles and also around flashing and other roof materials. Surfactants used in the soft wash are mild but effective, it can easily dissolve accumulated thick mud, dust, dirt, soot, and other such residues.

Soft cleaning uses a low-pressure to remove dirt. The pressure is just a little bit stronger than the one created with a spray nozzle of garden hose. This low-pressure rinsing eliminates the risk of loosening or damage to old, brittle roofing tiles; don’t wash away damaged granules from their surfaces. A professional roof washing contractor can suggest if a soft wash cleaning is right for your roof, depending on its age and accumulated dirt on the roof. 

How Softwash could protect your expensive roof?

The unclean roof is not only displeasing to the eyes but can also cause damage to your property. Here is why you should invest in soft wash roof cleaning for your home:

• Powdery and flaky substance from engine exhaust and settles onto roofs. It causes the shingles and tiles to dry out, and make them brittle. These brittle tiles can be easily split, cracked, and come out from a roof; as a result, water can leak into the roof’s surface through them. Cause major damage inside the home.

• Shingles become soft and crumbly when mud, twigs, leaves, and other debris hold moisture against them. These crumbled shingles then easily get soft, loose, decayed, and may fall away from the roof.

• The harsh reaction of bird droppings can damage roofing shingles and tiles, if left unwashed.

• Sharp talons of birds can damage shingles and tiles by walking on the roof. The gathered nests and twigs by birds can also eventually damage shingles and tiles.

• Algae make the asphalt shingles hollow, which then crack and damage them. These damaged shingles can be easily blown away in a storm or shatter apart and fall into pieces.

• Roof with molds is very unhealthy for anyone outside of your property. It has an irritating smell. One cannot enjoy a barbecue on the deck or patio.

• The residents usually don’t realize what a filthy appearance is created by the dirty roof of their property. A clean roof complements your property’s curb charm instantly, creating an overall welcoming image. 

How to avoid any damage to shingles?

The most common complaint about high-pressure washing is that it causes damage to shingles, tiles, and other materials. Yes, often high-pressure washing causes damage to shingles and strips the granules off from the surface. Once these protective granules come out, it is more likely that shingles absorb water and become soft and crumbly.

If the wrong technique is used for pressure washing, it becomes more damaging. As the purpose of shingles and tiles is to survive heavy rainstorms and wind, an incorrect angle or high pressure can loosen the tiles, shingles, flashing, and may also crack the chimney stack bricks. If the wrong cleanser or surfactant is used, it can damage tiles, roofing shingles or other such materials.

While, on the other hand, soft wash roof cleaning doesn't cause such damage to any of your roof material. As it is a low-pressure wash with mild surfactants. 

Which One is Better: Pressure Wash or Soft Wash?

Selecting the type of washing depends on a lot of factors including the materials utilized in construction, the design of your home, and the surroundings. Most of the time you will be needing one or the other unless you are thinking of cleaning from top to bottom. In case you are considering giving your home a clean makeover, you will be needing soft wash for the roof, windows, and sidings. 

You can use pressure washing to clean the hard surfaces but when it comes to cleaning the roof and windows, soft wash home cleaning is to be considered unless you want to break the roof with a pressure wash. 

Get Your Home Cleaned With Us!

Cleaning the roof is a tedious job, and let's face it, you can not handle it alone. Additionally, scorching sun rays or rains can just hinder your cleaning marathon.

Further, handling pressure washing or soft washing is no piece of cake instead it can take a toll on your budget. 

So, why end up being frustrated when you can always count on the experts? 

At North American Exterior Cleaning, we offer the best cleaning services at affordable prices. We are fully insured providers of window cleaning, power washing of driveway, decks, roof cleaning, gutter cleaning, and soft washing solutions for your roofs. Get in touch with us for a free quote and let us handle your cleaning issues.