Roof washing is the procedure for cleaning roofs of algae, mold, mildew, lichen, and moss. Cleaning or washing a roof can extend its usefulness. Algae and other types of buildup commonly grow on the north and west sides of roofs that are sheltered or receive less sun, reducing the life expectancy of the roof. The presence of soot, dirt, or biomass can affect the amount of sunlight that a roof receives and, consequently, the amount of heat that a building absorbs. In this piece, we’ll look at the cost of soft roof washing as well as companies, services, and chemicals. Let’s get started!
Soft Roof Washing
Dirt, mold, mildew, and lichen can all be removed off the surface of your roof with soft roof cleaning. Other cleaning procedures may harm shingles or gutters, but this method will not.
What is soft roof washing?
Soft roof washing is a cost effective and safe technique to clean your roof without causing damage. The biodegradable liquid soap used in the soft wash system loosens dirt accumulation and allows it to be easily washed away.
Soft roof washing is a cost-effective way to clean your roof. Some people use a powerful sprayer to spray a soapy solution into your roof’s drain spouts, which gravity then pulls back down the building’s exterior, loosening and removing dirt and debris.
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Because the mixture used simply comprises soap and water, it is a safer option for pressure cleaning because it has no negative effects on your shingles or gutters. It’s risk-free for you, your family, and your landscaping!
Steps for Soft Roof Washing
- Firstly, ensure that you are wearing suitable safety equipment when cleaning roofs. Long-sleeved shirts, rubber gloves, eye protection, and shoe covers are all examples of this.
- Prepare the roof: It’s critical not to merely splatter chemicals all over the roof. The best way to ensure that the chemicals stay in place is to take them slowly and methodically.
- Apply the chemicals with a spray sprayer or a high-pressure washer equipped with a brush nozzle to offer scrubbing strength for stubborn spots.
- 15 minutes later—Soft roof washing necessitates patience because the chemicals need time to work. The chemicals will not function as well if they are administered when it is too hot outside.
- Rinse thoroughly with water. Once the old filth has been broken down, it must be properly rinsed away with fresh water. This ensures that no residue is left on the roof, preventing algae and mold from regrowing.
There are a variety of chemicals available for soft roof washing, but choosing the correct ones to avoid damage or harm is critical.
Roof Washing Cost
Roof washing, like other roofing projects, is a job best left to the pros. Expect to pay between $374 and $606 for a roof-washing professional, with a national average cost of $490.
What is the size of your roof? What is the material of your roof? These and other factors will determine your actual roof washing cost. The typical price per square foot ranges from $0.15 to $0.68.
- National average roof washing cost: $490
- Typical price range: $374 – $606
- Extreme low end: $200
- Extreme high end: $1,000
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You should expect to pay anything from $374 to $606 for a normal roof cleaning job. However, keep in mind that some roof cleaning methods require more time and effort, which means they are more expensive.
You could pay up to $1,000 depending on the needs of your roof. If your roof is small, straightforward, and doesn’t require extensive cleaning, you can expect to save money and spend less than $200.
Roof washing Cost by Home Size
The size of your roof is the most important factor in determining your roof cleaning expense. The larger the roof, the longer it will take to clean, and the more you’ll owe in hourly labor rates to a professional roof cleaning.
Don’t know the size of your roof? Based on the square footage of your home, you may get a reasonably good estimate. The following formula can be used to estimate the size of a roof:
- 1.5 x square footage of home = Square footage of the roof
You can determine the total cost of roof washing by using the common range of $0.15 to $0.68 per square foot or the average rate of $0.41 per square foot once you have a rough idea of the size of your roof.
Roof Washing Companies and Services
What to look for when selecting the best roof power washing companies and services
When researching roof power washing companies, take into account a few factors, such as the company’s service region, the expertise level of its technicians, and any additional services they provide. It’s also beneficial for the customer to have a basic understanding of how roof power washing works and which surfaces are suited for this form of cleaning.
Area of service and scheduling
Finding roof washing companies in the customer’s area is the first step in restoring a home’s exterior to its former glory. Most national roof power washing companies, fortunately, have features on their websites that allow users to search for franchise locations by ZIP code.
Pressure washing vs. power washing
Although the terms “pressure washing” and “power washing” are sometimes used interchangeably, they are technically distinct operations. A pressure washer is used by a pressure washing service. Dirt, mold, filth, and other debris can be removed from driveways, signs, sidewalks, patios, building facades, and even vehicles using this device’s high-powered spray.
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Exterior surfaces types
When looking for roof washing services, it’s important to know what surfaces should and shouldn’t be pressure cleaned. Pressure washing is good for driveways and concrete patios. These surfaces are tough enough to resist high-pressure water spray without being harmed. Decks and some types of siding, for example, are also suitable candidates for a power wash. Wood, on the other hand, requires extra caution because it might be harmed by too much water pressure.
Power washing companies that offer roof washing.
Learn about some of the best roof power washing services in the country and how to identify trusted local power washing companies in the following sections.
Men in Kilts
Men in Kilts is the gold standard in power washing services, with excellent cleaning standards and a 48-hour re-clean guarantee. Furthermore, Men in Kilts technicians, as the name implies, work in kilts, a marketing technique devised by the company’s astute Scotsman founder to set the company apart from the competitors. While the company’s power cleaning services may appear gimmicky at first, they are anything but. Men in Kilts, which has locations in 11 states and Canada, uses filtered water in its power washers to ensure that streaks and residue are not left on the siding.
Window Gang
Window Gang offers savings for cleaning services that are purchased in bulk, as well as fast online booking. Despite the nefarious caricature that serves as the company’s emblem, Window Gang guarantees that its services will “All Shine, No Shakedown.” In fact, the firm backs up its work with a guarantee and conducts criminal background checks on all of its personnel. Window Gang also provides one of the most cost-effective power washing services available.
Customers that combine its power washing service with other cleaning services, such as gutters, windows, roofs, chimneys, and dryer vents, receive a discount. While Window Gang does need consumers to order a minimum of $125 in services, those who take advantage of one of these packages should have no trouble meeting that requirement.
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Window Gang is active in 14 states, mostly in the southeast, as well as Washington, D.C. Customers can book service by contacting the company’s toll-free number or using Window Gang’s user-friendly online scheduling system.
Window Genie
Window Genie has a presence in 31 states, which gives it a large geographical area and offers discounts for packaged services. Customers who sign up for numerous services receive discounts from Window Genie, which sets it apart from the competitors. In addition to power washing, the company provides services that are popular among power washers, such as window cleaning and gutter clearing. It also includes services like window tinting and concrete sealing, which aren’t as widespread. Customers who invest money in power cleaning their concrete driveways can extend the life of the results with this sealing treatment.
Window Genie is also one of the more widely available services in the United States. The company is part of the Neighborly family of service companies, and the price varies by location.
Angi
Angi is the ideal place to look for reliable power washing services in your area. Furthermore, Angi may not provide direct power washing or other maintenance services, but it can assist homeowners in finding the best ones. Angi has established a national reputation as one of the top websites for finding local experienced individuals to perform a variety of household tasks, including power washing.
The company’s website features a number of filters that allow customers to specify specific projects and pick from a list of local professionals. Users can evaluate each company directly on the site thanks to a ranking system. Customers will need to provide personal information in order to search the ads, but they will undoubtedly find a power washing master who can handle any cleaning problem.
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Roof Washing Chemicals
Soft roof washing involves the use of chemicals. Roof cleaning is a science, and science necessitates chemistry. The precise chemicals used in roof washing vary by company, but bleach, vinegar, acids, soaps, biocides, and surfactants are some of the most regularly used chemicals.
Surfactants are utilized to aid in the distribution of the cleaning solution throughout the surface. They’re also good for preventing rust. Cationic and anionic surfactants are the two types of surfactants. Surfactants with a positive charge are cationic, while those with a negative charge are anionic.
Chemical adhesion is improved by using different types of surfactants depending on the cleaning application. Roofs are cleaned with roof washing chemicals to remove stains and discoloration. If not handled properly with the right chemicals, stains can be extremely difficult to remove.
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Some roof stains, such as algae, are truly living creatures. An acid or an algaecide can be used to eliminate these. Algae is not hazardous to humans, but if left unchecked, it can cause difficulties for roofs.
Common chemicals used for soft roof washing
The following are the most commonly used chemicals in residential soft wash roof cleaning:
#1. Corrosive (sodium hydroxide)
This is the most powerful of the chemicals, and only experienced professionals should use it. Caustic can burn the skin if it comes into contact with it, so use caution when applying it.
#2. Surfactants (detergents)
This substance aids in the breakdown of grime and stains, making them easier to remove with water. Surfactants also aid in the cleaning of roofs by reducing the formation of new stains. Surfactants can be anionic, non-ionic, or cationic.
#3. Bleach
For many soft roof washers, this is a popular option. The powerful oxidizing qualities of bleach aid in the removal of stubborn stains caused by algae, fungi, and lichens that form on roofs if left untreated. Bleach also kills mold spores and algae cells, which helps to prevent fresh stains from forming on roofs.
#4. Water
Although a hard scrubbing brush and water will remove most stains, some stains will require further assistance. Multiple chemicals are sometimes blended to make a powerful cleaning solution capable of removing tough stains.
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#5. Vinegar
This is a popular choice because it is less expensive than bleach and acids, yet it is still efficient at removing algae and fungal stains off roofs. Vinegar is also non-toxic to most green plants and trees, which is useful when working with them.
#6. Hydrochloride acid
Soft wash roof washers who want to utilize acids have another alternative. Water can be used to dilute hydrochloric acid, but it’s crucial to make sure the solution isn’t too powerful. This acid must be used with caution because it can burn skin and ruin clothing if it comes into touch with it.
#7. Biocides
Mold spores, algae cells, and other microorganisms that develop on roofs can all be killed by biocides, which are chemicals meant to kill live creatures. Some biocides are found in nature, while others are manufactured in a laboratory.
#8. Soaps
Soap is used in soft wash roof cleaners for three reasons: 1) to add extra surfactant to assist in breaking down stains; 2) to provide a natural source of biodegradable enzymes, and 3) to help destroy algal cells.
#9. Algaecides
Algaecides are chemicals that are used to assist and inhibit the growth of algae on roofs, as their name implies. Copper sulfate salts are used in these roof cleaning chemicals to keep fresh algae from forming on the roof.
#10. Trisodium phosphate (TSP)
This is a powerful chemical that can quickly erase even the toughest stains. TSP must be diluted before use. However, one of its advantages is that it has no residual characteristics.
#11. Sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate (SCPH)
SCPH is likewise an algaecide, although it’s more typically used for roof washing than other chemicals because it’s less corrosive.
Conclusion
Soft roof washing is the most effective and safest method for removing dirt and stains from any roof. Soft roof washing is done with chemicals, which have a variety of advantages. Some may need to be mixed or diluted before being sprayed on the roof, but this is a reasonably simple operation as long as everyone wears the appropriate safety gear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to clean a roof?
Don’t: Use a pressure washer to clean your roof since it might loosen shingles and cause major damage. Do: fill up a sprayer with equal parts of the liquid chlorine bleach (laundry strength) and water, and attach it to a garden hose. If you have asphalt shingles on your roof, this is the easiest technique to clean it.
Does a roof need to be washed?
One reason for cleaning your roof is to make your shingles or other roofing material last longer. According to ARMA, algae is not detrimental to asphalt shingles, but moss is. In high winds, moss can cause the shingles’ edges to curl upward, making them more vulnerable to blowing off the roof.
Can I clean my roof myself?
While it is technically possible to clean your own roof, it is not advised. There are numerous compelling reasons to leave roof cleaning to the pros, ranging from personal danger to property damage. Consider why cleaning your own roof might not be a good idea before grabbing your ladder and heading out on the roof.
Is it OK to power wash a roof?
Never use a pressure washer to clean the roof, since this might cause water to leak through the shingles. Spraying water under your shingles can cause the shingles to break off as well as force water beneath them and into your home.
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