Frequently Asked Questions
Soft washing uses low-pressure and specialized solutions (typically sodium hypo-chloride, surfactant, and water) to safely remove mildew, bacteria, algae, and other organic stains from roofs and other buildings’ exteriors. It is so named to differentiate the method from power/pressure washing techniques.
Soft washing solutions are biodegradable and eco-friendly, and safe to use on your home. And because of the low-pressure delivery of soft washing, it is the preferred method of house washing, ensuring the safety of your home’s exterior.
The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) is an association committed to the long-term sustainability of the asphalt roofing industry and to advocate and advance the interests of the asphalt roofing industry by leveraging the collective expertise of its members. Click this link for more info.
No. Generally, we can Soft Wash your roof from a ladder or even from the ground. We use a truck-mounted agricultural-type sprayer to supply enough pressure to cast our solution onto your roof.
Gloeocapsa Magma (algae) is standard on roofs and often leaves signature black streaks all over your shingles. This substance thrives in humidity and hot temperatures and spreads out, destroying your roof. It feeds off the moisture that certain types of shingles hold onto. While the roof is affected, it loses the ability to reflect the UV rays and eventually rots the shingles. This has been said to affect roofs severely and can take up to 10 years off the life of a roof. Soft washing is the only way to effectively remove the algae without damaging the shingles and voiding any warranty. The Soft Wash technique eliminates all plant, fungi, dirt, grime, and bacterial life from the roof, safely restoring it to its original color with no risk of damage to the roofing materials.
The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association recommends low-pressure detergent and bleach-assisted washing as the preferred method for cleaning asphalt roofs to prevent damage to the shingles.
No. We would never recommend voiding your warranty! Using high pressure on roofing materials can easily cause damage, so many roofing manufacturers will void the warranty if you use pressure to clean your roof. In fact, soft washing is recommended by ARMA (Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association).
Approximately every two to three years, depending on your yearly weather conditions. The more rain you receive, the higher the growth rate for algae and bacteria.
YES! The biodegradable and eco-friendly solutions and bleach will not harm your plants because they are highly diluted with water. However, the process may raise the pH level of your soil because of its alkalinity. That’s why we spray a bleach neutralizer after every soft washing project. Our “BLEACH NEUTRALIZER’ does just as it says; it neutralizes your home and any remaining residue on your shrubs and soil.
Yes, not only will you turn the heads of your neighbors and passersby, but soft washing your roof and home is one of the little-known simple and affordable home improvements that make a huge impact on the curb appeal and market value of your home. Roof cleaning not only extends the life of your roof but also leaves it looking shiny and brand new to anyone appraising your house.
Soft washing will not remove deck paint. If you want to remove deck paint/stain, we recommend “Pressure Washing.” We can give you the option.
We stand behind our work and will always do our best to ensure that you are satisfied with the completed work ordered. If, for any reason, your home is not as clean as you would like, give us a call, and we will be happy to come back and re-clean any areas of concern at no additional charge.
Soft washing is more effective in cleaning away algae and bacteria growth than a pressure washer, and it does more than just cleaning. Soft washing penetrates the growth, sanitizes, and removes the issue at the root by using a mix of safe, biodegradable chemicals guaranteed to eliminate the bacteria that creates buildup entirely.
Soft Washing
You may need to become more familiar with the term. Still, it’s quickly overtaking pressure and power washing as America’s favorite exterior cleaning method - perfect for roof cleaning, fence and deck cleaning, driveway and walkway cleaning, and more.
Soft washing is more effective in cleaning away algae and bacteria growth than a pressure washing, and it does more than just cleaning. Soft washing penetrates the growth, sanitizes, and completely removes the issue at the root by using a mixture of safe, biodegradable chemicals guaranteed to eliminate the bacteria that creates buildup entirely.
Biodegradable, Eco-Friendly Chemicals in Soft Wash
Apart from its efficiency and long-lasting results, the success of soft washing can also be attributed to ensuring that the biocide and application process is environmentally friendly.
People often hesitate when the word “chemicals” is brought up, but having chemicals doesn’t always mean it’s terrible for the environment. In reality, everything is a chemical, even water (Hydrogen dioxide).
The chemicals used in soft washing help break down contaminants and infestations so they can be easily rinsed away. They do all the work without all the (potentially damaging) pressure. The chemicals are water-based, non-hazardous, and biodegradable, meaning they break down into carbon and water within 20 days of their introduction into the environment, leaving no contaminants behind.
Eco-Friendly Application Process
Our application process works on the same principle; calculated chemical ratios and low pressure, localizing the application to the affected area while massively reducing water use. This is another environmental plus.
In fact, power and pressure washers utilize 3 to 8 gallons of water per minute and up to 480 gallons in one hour. Soft washing only uses approximately 60 gallons of cleaning solution, which includes about 40 gallons of water.
Beyond saving on water during the first application, soft washing saves even more water by lasting 4 to 6 times longer than standard pressure or power washing, making it more sustainable for the environment and your wallet.
If you have questions not listed here, please don’t hesitate to contact us.