When things go wrong, you can always say to yourself, “At least I have a roof over my head.” However, what you might not have realized is that having a roof can cause problems, too. In fact, if you want your home or business to be in the best possible condition, you’ll need to learn how to soft wash a roof. But what makes this necessary? And how exactly does soft washing work? Discover the answers with us below!
We are Redline Exterior Cleaners, and we are proud to be Vineland, NJ’s first choice for roof cleaning services. Need your roof cleaned by a team you can trust? Reach out to us—it would be our pleasure to serve you.
Why Roof Cleaning Is Necessary
Why is it so important to learn how to soft wash a roof? Over time, your roof will gather debris, and there’s no real way to prevent this from happening. Whether you like it or not, expect to see messes on your roof, including the following:
- Dirt and Pollen
- Leaves and Twigs
- Moss, Mold, and Algae
- Bird Droppings
It’s only common sense that your roof will look worse whenever it becomes dirty. In addition to this, it will also be at greater risk of damage. That’s because particles of debris will rub against your roof and slowly erode it. The longer this erosion is allowed to happen, the more obvious the harmful effects will become. We highly recommend that your roof be washed once per year to avoid this. So, is your roof already overdue for service?
Considerations Before Choosing DIY Roof Cleaning
So, you want to learn how to soft wash a roof. However, before you leap into the process of DIY roof cleaning, you should ask yourself a few questions. First of all, do you have enough time in your schedule to clean your own roof? Are you prepared for the physical labor, and are you comfortable with climbing a ladder repeatedly? If you answered no to any of these questions, perhaps DIY roof cleaning isn’t for you.
On the other hand, if you answered yes to all these questions, keep reading below. We’ll discuss how to soft wash a roof so you can make your roof look its best again!
What Will I Need For Roof Cleaning?
If you want to learn how to soft wash a roof, you’ll need to purchase the correct equipment. First and foremost, you’ll have to buy a pressure washer. This specialized machine connects to a water source and pressurizes water so it is strong enough to remove debris from surfaces. Pressure washers also let you select how much water pressure (PSI) is used.
In addition to a pressure washer, you will also need the following:
- Hose and Nozzle. These allow you to spray pressurized water at surfaces with pinpoint accuracy, making them necessary for all roof soft washing projects.
- Cleaning Solutions. We recommend sodium hypochlorite because it breaks down debris fast without damaging your roof.
- Ladder. You will have to climb a ladder to reach and clean your roof. Be sure the ladder is sturdy and standing on a flat surface.
- Safety Equipment. Don’t forget to protect yourself from pressurized water by wearing goggles, gloves, pants, and closed-toe shoes.
Preparing For Roof Soft Washing
Before soft washing your roof, make sure you have enough time for the project. A typical roof cleaning project takes anywhere between three and six hours, so plan your day accordingly. We also recommend covering any gardens or flower beds surrounding your property. This protects them from overspray and ensures their safety. Just place tarps or drop cloths as needed; you can just pick them up and put them away later.
You’ll also need to choose an appropriate amount of water pressure for your project. The best choice depends on the material your roof is made of. See the list below:
- Slate Roofs: <1000 PSI
- Tile Roofs (Clay/Concrete): 800–1200 PSI
- Asphalt Shingles: 1000–1500 PSI
- Metal Roofs: 1500–2500 PSI
How Roof Soft Washing Works
Now that you’ve finished preparing, it’s time to learn how to soft wash a roof. First, set your ladder up in a level area where it won’t tip over. Next, inspect your roof and look for any pre-existing damage. If you find any, you will need to avoid it during your work because roof soft washing can actually make that damage worse. Now, apply a thin layer of sodium hypochlorite to the entire roof. This cleaning solution will break down debris so it can be more easily removed. It only takes fifteen minutes before all grime is weak enough to be rinsed away.
Next, begin spraying the roof so you can remove this debris. We recommend working in a top-to-bottom pattern; overlap each pass to ensure all grime is eliminated. By the time you have washed the entire roof, it should be spotless. Do a final review to ensure that all debris has been removed before putting your equipment away and calling it a day.
Need Professional Roof Soft Washing?
Figuring out how to soft wash a roof is easier said than done. The process is time-consuming, physically demanding, and requires a very specific set of tools. Additionally, a fear of heights is incompatible with DIY roof soft washing. If you feel discouraged and don’t want to do the work for any reason, reach out to Redline Exterior Cleaners. It would be our pleasure to clean your roof for you, and for a fair price that you will appreciate, too.
What will you pay when you choose our roof soft washing services? That depends on the size of your roof. At the beginning of your appointment, we will inspect your roof; then, we will provide you with an upfront quote. There are never hidden fees. Contact us online for a free cost estimate today! We look forward to hearing from you, seeing you on your appointment day, and making your home or business’s roof spotless.