Soft washing is a cleaning method that uses warm water and chemicals to remove dirt and grime. As opposed to pressure washing, it is gentle on any surface. Applying this technique on different kinds of roofing ensure they are cleaned without removing aggregates, puncturing holes, or denting their material, which pressure washing tends to do.
So, how exactly do we do a soft wash? Check out this step-by-step guide to understand how it works.
Remove Any Large Debris
Leaves, twigs, and even small rocks and pebbles tend to accumulate on the roof over time. You need to remove them before the soft washing process so the chemicals can work directly on the surface of your roof. You can use a broom or a leaf blower to do the job.
Chemical Application and Treatment
After removing the debris, your roof is ready for the next step—applying chemical solutions diluted in water. After application, the solution is left to sit for a few minutes before rinsing off. This is called the treatment process. It allows your roofing to absorb the chemicals, removing the grime and killing off microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae. Here are some chemicals used for washing your roof:
- Trisodium phosphate (TSP): For general cleaning, mix a solution of 15g TSP per liter of water. Using a brush, scrub the mixture onto the roof and leave it for 10 minutes for the treatment process. And then, use a low-pressure washer with a wide nozzle to properly rinse your roof.
- Sodium hypochlorite: Dilute the chemical with water in a 3:1 ratio. Pour the solution into a spray pump, and start spraying on the roof. Wait until the biological growth changes color, and then rinse.
Rinsing and Washing
After application and treatment, it is time to wash your roof. Rinse the solution off using warm water at low pressure. Soft washing roofs only uses 500 psi to remove the chemicals applied. This amount of pressure is light on surfaces, ensuring the roof will not be damaged during this process.
Adopt a Regular Maintenance Schedule
Soft washing roofs can extend their lifespan by around 5 to 10 years. So, it is encouraged to do it at least once a year to ensure it is always in tip-top condition. Since it is not needed as often as other house maintenance procedures, it won’t be that heavy on the budget.
Don’t want to go through the hassle of doing it yourself? You can always turn to the experts for soft washing services! For professional cleaning services you can trust, our skilled staff at Lambert Cleaning will be more than glad to help you. Feel free to give us a call today.