We get asked whether pressure washing a roof is safe or not, and our answer might seem a bit confusing. “Yes,” pressure washing is safe for roofs but only if it is “soft washing.” Soft washing differs from pressure washing in a couple of critical ways. And it is those differences that make it okay for a company that handles roof washing in Puyallup, Washington, to maintain your roof. What are those differences, and why are they so critical?
The Difference Between Pressure Washing and Soft Washing
Those who are outside the pressure washing industry might think that using the term “pressure washing” is synonymous with “soft washing,” but it is not! Pressure washing uses high-powered water to remove dirt, debris, and algae from hard non-porous exterior surfaces. It is not, however, safe for all exterior surfaces. There are times when the high power is too much and can lead to damage, especially over time. Soft washing, on the other hand, uses a gentler water spray combined with solvents and cleaners to remove dirt build-up. It is a safer method for things like roofs.
Why Do You Need to Use Soft Washing on Roofs?
When it comes to roofing material, the power of a pressure washer is too much. If used, it could lead to moisture getting up underneath the shingles, where it can cause mold and mildew to grow. It can also cause enough force to chip or crack shingles or, in some instances, break away entirely. What’s more, if you power wash a roof, it will wear on the granules of the roofing material and cause excess wear and tear that will hurt the material’s integrity over time. Although the damage is typically not visible at first, pressure washing is not safe to use on roofs. Often, the damage is done long after the company that handles roof washing in Puyallup, Washington is long gone!
Why Soft Washing is Preferred
There is no question that soft washing is a good idea to maintain your roof and extend the life of its materials, but only if it’s done correctly. A soft wash technique will reduce dirt and debris build-up, but is also gentle enough not to harm the surface or chip or break the shingles, unless there was unspotted damage to begin with. Soft washing helps to reduce things like algae, mold, and mildew, all of which are issues in our region. So although pressure washing is not recommended, soft washing is.
Why It is Critical to Ask Which Method the Company You Hire Will Use
As a consumer, it would be great if you could always just rely on the company you hire to do it right. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. Before you hire any company for pressure or soft washing, make sure they understand what the difference is and which method to use where. If they don’t, you could unwittingly be doing way more harm than good.
At Eco Clean Northwest, we know how to use the right technique on your home or office’s exterior for the cleanest results, while ensuring that we aren’t risking damage to your home that can end up costing you. Contact us to schedule your roof washing appointment today!
