Soft Wash Roof Cleaning: Effective Solution for Roof Stains

Soft wash roof cleaning is a game-changer for homeowners with stained roofs. This gentle yet effective method can remove unsightly stains and restore your roof's original appearance.

Soft wash roof cleaning uses a combination of water and a mild detergent to clean the roof, rather than harsh chemicals or high-pressure washes. This approach is gentler on the roof and surrounding surfaces.

The soft wash method is particularly effective for removing algae, mold, and mildew stains that can damage your roof over time. These types of stains can cause your roof to become brittle and prone to cracking.

Regular soft wash roof cleanings can help extend the lifespan of your roof and prevent costly repairs.

When choosing a softwash treatment system, it's essential to consider the nature and materials of the roof.

The type of roof you're working with will determine the best system to use.

For example, if the roof is made of a delicate material like wood or slate, you'll want to opt for a system that's gentle and non-abrasive.

There are three softwash treatment systems to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics.

We advocate for these systems because they're effective and safe for a variety of roof types and materials.

For another approach, see: Common Roof Materials

We have three softwash treatment systems to clean a roof, and the right choice depends on the nature and materials of the roof, as well as the customer's requirements.

Bio Cleanze is a highly effective treatment that gets deep under the laps and doesn't require rinsing, making it ideal for most roofing materials, including non-porous natural and man-made slate.

Benz Lightning Cleanze can be used for a more rapid clean, especially on smooth, non-porous roof surfaces like natural and man-made slate, but it can take considerable time to rinse thoroughly on porous surfaces.

To use Lightning Cleanze effectively, set your pump flow rate to minimize run-off into the gutter, and treat sections of the roof at a time, allowing the product to dry on one section before moving on to the next.

Gently power wash the roof using a low pressure setting, and/or use a fan jet, keeping the nozzle at a safe distance from the surface.

Discover more: Unusual Roof Materials

Block downpipes before pressure washing to prevent damage and ensure a safe cleaning process.

The key to successful power washing is to work from the apex down, never from the gutters up, to avoid the pressurized water spray getting under the tiles.

After power washing, post-treating with Bio Cleanze is essential to kill the spores that remain on the roof.

Here's a quick reference guide to the recommended treatment ratios:

Treating yellow lichen and moss requires patience, as it can take 7-12 months for yellow lichen to fully disappear from porous roof tiles. This timeframe may be shorter depending on the local environment and how long the yellow lichen has been allowed to grow into the surface.

The first step in treating yellow lichen is to scrape it off the roof, especially if it's in the form of moss balls. Moss balls over 10mm should be scraped if possible, while small ones will die after treatment with Bio Cleanze and fall into the gutter.

Take a look at this: Moss Removal Roof Cleaning

To effectively treat yellow lichen and moss, use a soft-wash system like Bio Cleanze, diluted 20-25:1, and spray it up towards the apex of the roof. This will allow the chemical to flow under the lap joints, where spores like to hide.

The gaps between the slates should also be thoroughly saturated with the chemical, as this is another place where spores and live moss/lichen/algae often remain. Brushing the chemical into the roof surface will help it soak deeply into any remaining moss, lichen, and algae.

The type of roof you have will also affect the treatment process. For example, asphalt shingle roofs can be susceptible to trapping moisture and buildup, while slate roofs benefit from occasional cleaning of moss, dirt, and contaminants.

Here are some common roofing materials that can be safely cleaned with a soft-wash system:

It's essential to note that treating yellow lichen and moss requires the careful attention of experienced professionals, as they can account for all safety and thoroughness concerns.

Preparation is key when it comes to soft wash roof cleaning. Remove the worst of moss, lichen, and liverworts with Benz Roof Moss Scrapers, especially from low-pitched roofs in sheltered or shady locations.

To prepare your roof for soft washing, manually scrape moss and lichen from the surface, as this minimises the possibility of recolonisation. You can also use a tennis ball to block the downpipes.

Here's a step-by-step guide to preparing your roof:

Remember to scrape moss and lichen from the underside of the lap joints and gaps between the slates, as these areas are prone to recolonisation.

Soft washing is a gentler alternative to pressure washing that doesn't damage exterior surfaces or harm plants.

The process involves mixing water with a biodegradable chemical solution that's specifically designed to break down dirt and other unwanted substances on your roof.

This solution is sprayed over the roof, allowing it to soak into the dirt and start breaking it down from the inside out.

The biodegradable solution will sit on the roof for a while, killing mold, mildew, bacteria, moss, fungus, and more before being rinsed off.

Soft washing is a safe and effective way to clean your roof, and it's a great option if you're looking for a gentler cleaning method that still gets the job done.

To prepare a roof for softwashing, it's essential to remove the worst of moss, lichen, and liverworts with Benz Roof Moss Scrapers, especially from low-pitched roofs in sheltered or shady locations.

You should watch the video on Benz roof moss scrapers to learn more about removing moss from roofs prior to soft washing with Benz Bio Cleanze.

Before softwashing, you'll need to choose the right softwash system for your roof, depending on its nature and materials. There are three systems to consider: the first, second, and third softwash systems.

The first softwash system is recommended for most softwash roof treatment contracts. It involves blocking downpipes, manually scraping moss and lichen from the roof surface, removing debris, and spraying Bio Cleanze diluted 20-25:1 up towards the apex of the roof.

To determine how to access the roof, check if all elevations can be sprayed from the ground. If not, use a podium ladder, lightweight scaffold tower, cherry picker, or scissors lift.

Walking on roofs is no longer standard practice due to health and safety concerns. Instead, use a roofing ladder and scaffolding to access the roof safely.

The type of roofing material you have will also impact your preparation process. For example, asphalt shingle roofs require a soft wash technique to remove stains and moss, while slate roofs benefit from occasional cleaning of moss, dirt, and contaminants.

Here are some general guidelines for preparing different types of roofs:

Remember to always consider the safety and thoroughness concerns when preparing your roof for softwashing.

When spraying up from the eves, make sure to get good penetration into the lap of the tile or slate, paying particular attention to features like dormer back gutters, valleys, and so on.

Spray the whole roof up to the apex, then follow with one final treatment down from the apex to ensure complete coverage of the roof.

To effectively clean a roof, it's essential to start from the bottom and work your way up, as recommended by experts.

With a drone, you can drastically improve your team's productivity and efficiency. Soft wash roof cleaning with drones can clean large areas of the roof in a very small amount of time.

You can clean up to 300 square feet in under a minute with a drone like the Lucid Bots cleaning drone. This means you can clean a 1,500 square-foot roof in about five minutes.

Using drones eliminates the need for your workers to climb ladders or bother with safety harnesses and lifeline ropes. This helps guarantee your workers' safety and minimizes your liability rates.

The Lucid Bots cleaning drones are industry-recognized and built exclusively to make cleaning jobs easy, safe, and cost-efficient. With reliable and consistent customer support, you can have your team flying the drones in no time.

Algae can thrive on your roof in hot and humid conditions, causing significant damage. It's a common issue that can be prevented with regular cleaning.

Black streaks on your shingles are often a sign of algae infestation, which can lead to rotting shingles. Soft washing is an effective way to remove algae without damaging your shingles.

A roof infested with algae loses its ability to reflect UV light, causing further damage. This can lead to costly repairs or premature replacement of your roof.

Soft washing preserves the roof's structural integrity, making it a safe and effective cleaning method. It's a great way to extend the life of your roof.