Soft wash roof cleaning chemicals are a game-changer for homeowners who want to keep their roofs looking their best without damaging them.
One of the main benefits of soft wash roof cleaning chemicals is that they are gentle on the roof, using low-pressure water and mild detergents to remove dirt and debris.
Soft wash roof cleaning chemicals can be made from a variety of ingredients, including sodium hydroxide, which is a common ingredient in many cleaning products.
Regular roof cleaning with soft wash chemicals can help extend the lifespan of your roof by preventing dirt and debris from accumulating and causing damage.
Chemical Options
Sodium percarbonate is a safer and more environmentally friendly option for cleaning your roof shingles.
It's less likely to damage sensitive plants below the roof line, as long as they are rinsed well afterwards. Japanese maple trees and rose bushes are good examples of plants that can benefit from this option.
You can buy OxiClean and dissolve the powder in warm water, then add a couple ounces of laundry detergent per gallon of cleaning solution made. This combination is a good alternative to bleach.
Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach)
Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach) is the most widely used roof cleaning chemical in North America.
Household bleach is bought in large 55 gallon drums and millions of gallons are used every year by pressure washing companies to clean building exteriors.
For homeowners, a 20-25 gallon allotment of household bleach is recommended to be stocked up shortly before cleaning the roof.
To apply bleach, pour a gallon into a pump sprayer and add 2 ounces of laundry detergent to help it stick to the roof shingles.
A light coat of the bleach mixture should be applied to all areas of the roof, and if black streaks remain, reapply in about 30 minutes.
After applying the chemical, black streaks should turn from black to brown or white.
Sodium Percarbonate (Oxygen Bleach)
Sodium percarbonate is a safer and more environmentally friendly option for cleaning your roof shingles.
It's less effective overall, but a great choice if you have sensitive plants directly below your roof line, such as Japanese maple trees or rose bushes.
You can buy OxiClean and dissolve the powder as instructed on the container in warm water.
Add a couple ounces of laundry detergent per gallon of cleaning solution made.
This combination may take more applications than using bleach, but it's less likely to cause collateral damage to your landscaping.
Tsp or Sodium Hydroxide as an Additive
Adding a degreaser to your roof cleaning mix can be a great way to thicken the solution and cut through thick layers of dirt, algae, and moss. This can be achieved by using trisodium phosphate (TSP) or sodium hydroxide.
TSP is a type of degreaser that can be used to clean up food grease and has paint stripping abilities. It's recommended to buy TSP at a chemical supply store or big box store, and to mix 4-8 ounces of powder per gallon of solution, depending on the pitch of your roof.
Sodium hydroxide is another type of degreaser that can be used to cut through thick layers of dirt and grime. It's recommended to mix 1 liquid ounce per gallon of cleaning solution.
Make sure to rinse any other house surfaces that the solution touches, as degreasers have mild paint stripping abilities.
How Often Should I Clean
You'll want to clean your roof every 2-5 years in moisture-heavy climates. In drier climates, you can go much longer.
If you have a lot of tree coverage over your roof or accumulate a lot of debris, you'll likely need to clean it every 2-3 years. Darker colored roofs, like dark grey, hide dirtiness better and can get by with minor staining for longer.
It's worth noting that a roof being decayed by limestone-eating algae isn't something you can ignore, even if it's a dark colored roof.
Professional Services
If your roof is too steep to walk safely, consider hiring a professional for roof cleaning.
They will have top-of-the-line roof cleaning machines and years of experience to get the job done right.
A professional roof cleaning service can save you an entire weekend of cleaning, and potentially thousands of dollars in premature roofing damage.
You can also hire them if you simply don't feel comfortable on your roof.
Their team will be professionally trained and provide exceptional customer service, ensuring a spectacular-looking roof free of black streaks.
Their methods will also be gentle on plant life, so you don't have to worry about damaging your landscaping.
Understanding the Process
Soft wash roof cleaning is a gentle way to clean your roof, removing organic waste like moss, germs, and algae that can damage your roof in the long term.
Low-pressure washing is a key aspect of soft wash roof cleaning, using chemicals to clean the roof surface without causing damage. This is in contrast to pressure washing, which uses high-pressure water to clean the roof.
Soft wash roof cleaning can prevent the growth of invasive plants and buildup on your roof, potentially saving your roof from deterioration and costly repairs. A new roof can cost a lot of money, so this is good news for homeowners.
What Is?
Soft wash roof cleaning is a gentle way to clean your roof that can help it last longer. This method gets rid of organic waste like moss, germs, and algae that can damage your roof over time.
A new roof can cost a lot of money, so preventing deterioration is a good thing. Soft wash roof cleaning is a low-pressure washing procedure that combines chemicals to clean the roof surface. Soft wash roof cleaning is a safe and efficient form of cleaning that can be done with the help of a drone.
Unlike using a pressure washer, soft wash roof cleaning relies on low pressure to get rid of organic growth on the roof. This method is designed to prevent the growth of invasive plants and buildup on your roof.
What to Expect
As you prepare for the SoftClean process, it's essential to know what to expect. Our skilled roofers will arrive at your home to begin the cleaning process.
First, they'll use an eco-friendly product to clean your roof, which gets rid of spots and kills any living things growing on your roof. This is a crucial step in restoring your roof's appearance.
The cleaner will be left on the roof for a few days to allow it to penetrate and effectively remove the unwanted growth. This allows for a thorough cleaning without damaging the roof.
After the cleaner has done its job, the roofers will carefully sweep and brush off the dead moss to get rid of the cleaner. This ensures that your roof is free of any remaining debris.
If there are still unwanted things on the roof, like mildew, dirt, or broken pieces, a low-pressure wash will be used to get rid of them without hurting the roof.
It's Safe
Soft wash roof cleaning is an effective way to clean and remove mold, mildew, and moss without causing damage. It uses a mixture of surfactants, bleach, algaecides, and water at low pressure to penetrate the nooks and crannies of the roof and kill all the organisms that may degrade your shingles or cause other problems.
This non-hazardous mixture also won’t harm plants and shrubs below the surface of your roof. It’s recommended by the American Roofing Manufacturers Association and will extend the life of your roof.
A professional roof washer has the proper equipment, knowledge, and training to safely clean surfaces. They’ll know how much pressure to use and will be able to assess the condition of your roof before cleaning it.
They can also make necessary repairs before the soft wash process begins, preventing further deterioration and protecting your investment in a new roof.
Here are some benefits of hiring a professional for soft wash roof cleaning:
- They have the proper equipment to safely clean surfaces.
- They know how much pressure to use.
- They can assess the condition of your roof before cleaning it.
- They can make necessary repairs before the soft wash process begins.
It's Effective
Soft wash roof cleaning is an effective solution for removing dirt, moss, and algae from your roof. It uses a low-pressure washing system that prevents damage to the roof or the surrounding environment.
A clean and healthy roof not only makes your home look great, it also protects it from costly repairs. The cost of soft wash roof cleaning is between $0.30 and $0.75 per square foot.
The cleaning solution used during soft wash roof cleaning is professional-grade 12.5% sodium hypochlorite or bleach mixed with water. This solution kills the organic matter that's growing on the roof and siding of your home.
Soft wash roof cleaning uses environmentally friendly, biodegradable cleaners that work to remove dirt and moss from your shingles without damaging them. Regular soft wash roof cleanings prevent the accumulation of harmful substances that can cause health issues.
The cleaners used by soft wash roof cleaning services sanitize and penetrate the surface to eliminate the root of the problem. This makes it a cost-effective option for keeping your shingles in good shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mixture for softwash roof?
For effective softwash roof cleaning, a 50/50 mixture of laundry strength liquid chlorine bleach and water is recommended. This solution helps remove algae and moss without damaging the roof.
What is the best chemical mix for soft wash?
The best chemical mix for soft wash typically consists of sodium hypochlorite (bleach), water, and a surfactant. This combination effectively kills mold, mildew, and algae, making it a powerful and efficient solution for cleaning and removal.
Sources
- https://www.washmtpleasant.com/what-chemicals-you-can-use-to-clean-your-roof-shingles/
- https://www.gutteritup.com/softwash-roof-cleaning-how-to-soft-wash-a-roof/
- https://lucidbots.com/blog/soft-wash-roof-cleaning-how-to
- https://www.roofshampoo.com/roof-cleaning-methods
- https://thepowerwashingkings.com/soft-wash-roof-cleaning/
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