Soft Washing – What it IS and What it is NOT

Soft Washing. It is the NEW Exterior Cleaning BUZZWORD. It’s a term that essentially is becoming the STANDARD of the roof cleaning and pressure washing service industries.

Simply, it means to clean any exterior surface by using a much lower, gentler amount of pressure than traditionally would be associated with a high pressure, power washing company.

In the new millennia however, procedures and methods are changing. There are many reasons for this. Some of these OLD METHODS and routines and chemicals are being reviewed as to their effectiveness and ultimate safety; other methods are now outdated for the surfaces being cleaned, and still others reasons are that new chemical cleaning agent formulations have been developed in recent years that were not available when the pressure cleaning industry first evolved. Still other reasons include change for the sake of liability to the contractor cleaning those surfaces and finally, for the sake of the customer getting the best, most effective, safe, “Bang for their hard earned dollar”.

Today, most of the exterior cleaning services performed by today’s experienced professional power washers and non pressure roof cleaners would fall under the soft washing category.

The reasoning is that old habits and ways of traditional thinking that the term pressure washing are still so widely used in the residential and commercial segments of the markets and  has more to do with its industry term recognition than anything else. Frankly, old habits and old mindsets die hard. My personal definition of the term soft washing is to clean an exterior using 50-to-400 pounds per square inch (psi) or less.

Less Pressure = Less Chance for Damage

Our Motto is to “LET THE CLEANING AGENTS DO THE DIRTY WORK”

Different surfaces require different levels or amounts of “soft washing” techniques and pressure. For example, the proper way the clean a roof is to use low, or what many refer to as “non pressure roof cleaning”. Well, if water is coming out of the hose, or wand, there is OBVIOUSLY some pressure, but the non pressure terminology is used more to stress the point (common sense) that the surface is receiving almost no agitated disruption that could damage the surface of the shingle or remove important UV granules from the asphalt shingle surface during the soft wash or non pressure roof cleaning process. In Actuality, this is still technically classified as soft washing.

As mentioned previously, today’s pressure washing markets are evolving, and so just about anybody who does this type of work on a professional level and has the skills, equipment, and know how, will be cleaning most surfaces using a soft washing method or approach.

There are, however, exceptions to the rule, where using a bit more pressure is acceptable. Mainly these exceptions or occurrences are limited to brickwork, masonry or concrete type surfaces, but even then the pressure is just part of the equation; the cleaning agents or “chemicals” are the real story.

The evolution of pressure or power washing to the modern standard today of Soft washing is all possible via the extraordinary power of today’s advanced chemistry.

Now, in this day and age, there are many high quality, cost effective, cleaning compounds that are available to aid the commercial soft washing contractor in cleaning just about any surface. A true, modern, educated, quality exterior cleaning professional in the pressure washing or roof cleaning trades will have a good working knowledge  and an arsenal of many different kinds of cleaning solutions and ways and particular methods to safely and effectively use them in the soft washing process in a multitude of environments and circumstances.

Word of Caution; If you are a homeowner and you do hire someone to clean an exterior surface around your house or business and they do not plan to use any cleaning solution to aid in the cleaning process, this a sure fire sign that you may be hiring someone that is either very inexperienced and hasn’t learned how to clean exterior surfaces correctly, or possibly someone that simply doesn’t care to learn and educate themselves on the current standards of how to clean things correctly, using the most modern, effective and safe methods. Personally, we at Roof Clean USA, are always willing to recommend another qualified pressure washing, power washing and non pressure roof cleaning, or soft washing contractors to customers that are out of our service area.

By David Westerman –Roof Clean USA tm Copyright 2009-2010 All Rights Reserved

Homeowners Insider Info! Roof Cleaners Certified White Paper. NO Pressure = NO Damage!

What you should know about roof cleaning  “NON-PRESSURE = NO DAMAGE”

Roof-Cleaning-Recommendations – A Technical Roof Cleaning WHITE PAPER Based on Safe, Non Pressure Roof Cleaning Techniques APPROVED By: American Roof Cleaners Association and according to roof cleaning guidelines suggested by the Asphalt Roof Manufacturers Association  Roof Clean USA - SAFE, NON PRESSURE ROOF CLEANING – Thomasville, Georgia 31757 and 31759 (229)227-0000  www.roofcleanusa.com

TECHNICAL BULLETIN – What you should know about Cleaning your roof- First and foremost you should know that…. Most Roofs, EVEN 10, 15, 20 + year old roofs can be SAFELY RESTORED to similar to like NEW LOOKING condition, without unnecessary spending to replace shingles that really just need to be properly cleaned.

Yes. Your read this statement correctly…. As long as most ANY asphalt or fiberglass shingle roof is not leaking, in other words, it is WATER TIGHT, has all of its shingles intact, is not excessively moss or algae covered and has not exceeded its normal manufacturer recommended service life and is not excessively curling or brittle, typically the roof can be saved and salvaged and brought back to useful life and a beautified appearance.

In other words, most any roof can be safely cleaned and restored to a similar to new condition within reason and using a common sense approach and specialized non pressure cleaning tool, techniques and properly adhering to certified safe standard roof cleaning methods. UGLY Algae Stains, Black Streaks, Moss, Mildew, Mold, Lichen and Fungus can be removed safely, with NO DAMAGING high pressures, NO scrubbing, and no aggressive cleaning needed. There are proper methods and standards and a strict set of procedures to adhere to but cleaning a roof safely and completely and then applying an annual anti-algae type roof treatment can keep a roof looking its very best and performing in its teenage years and beyond if properly maintained.

One major key FACTOR to remember is: NON-PRESSURE or NO Pressure = NO DAMAGE to Shingles

As long as damaging high pressure, washing methods are not used and soft washing standards and non abrasive cleaning methodology is employed the outcome should be a restored roof with a youthful appearance and additional roof life.

This positive prognosis can be expected if performed early enough before the algae, moss, mildew or other plant material has a chance to cause irreversible damage which can only be resolved with a complete roofing system tear off and replacement.

As long as these guidelines are followed, Home and Commercial Property Owners may be able to SAVE THOUSANDS, over the cost of an expensive asphalt or fiberglass roof tear off and replacement!!

Roofing Industry studies have indicated that MOST roofs are replaced, according to a national poll, due in LARGE PART to the unattractive LOOK of the roof surface, NOT BECAUSE the roof is damaged or leaking.

In FACT, most homeowners don’t know of the roof cleaning OPTION or have ever been given another choice to replacement until….NOW!

Now you don’t have to WASTE hard earned money to replace a roof that can be EASILY cleaned for 1/10th the cost of replacement and in a much quicker time frame with no waste to fill up overburdened land fills, plus no lengthy construction inconvenience. Roof Cleaning can usually be performed and completed in LESS than ONE DAY!

The CHOICE is CLEAR and OBVIOUS……. DON’T REPLACE IT.CLEAN IT and $$$ SAVE MONEY $$$ !!

As you well know, your house is most likely your biggest investment and your roof is one of the most expensive parts of your house. It is extremely important to have the utmost in confidence in your decision before hiring a qualified roof cleaning contractor.

Certified Roof Cleaning Institute of America roof cleaning contractors only use chemicals approved by the ARMA* Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association and do not use pressure on your shingles.

A-R-C-A CERTIFIED roof cleaning contractors also provide our customers with technical bulletins directly from www.AsphaltRoofing.org and shingle manufacturers to prove that our procedures and chemicals are properly formulated for roof cleaning.

Our chemicals provide enough cleaning power to remove all mold, mildew, and streaks…without pressure washing or heavy rinsing.

In MOST Cases, AFTER CLEANING, we guarantee your roof will LOOK very close to, if not, 100% BRAND NEW!

Pressure washing is never recommended because it will remove a large amount of the ceramic coated granules from your shingles, which will void the warranty. Even low pressure will cause granule loss and shorten the life of your shingles. If you have ever cleaned out the inside of your gutters you will notice granules in them just from the rain taking them off.

Think what any additional pressure would do to your roof. For instance, you see someone cleaning a roof with pressure and it appears they have done a good job just because the streaks and discoloration are gone, but guess what?

So is a large amount of the protective ceramic coated granules which insure your shingle’s warranty. Nobody wants to replace a prematurely failed roof due to an incompetent roof cleaning contractor, and you shouldn’t have to.

We offer a conditional 2 year warranty against any streaks reappearing on your shingles.

With our “Roof ALWAYS Clean” Treatment and Maintenance PROGRAM your roof will never be STAINED or streaked again.

As a property owner, it is in your best interest to always use a “cleaning AGENT, chemical only” cleaning process for your roof.

Roof cleaning is a completely different trade from pressure washing requiring different pumps, plumbing, hoses, nozzles, valves, chemicals, caution, knowledge, experience, skill, and insurance. The certified RCIA roof cleaners have all of the necessary tools, and have learned from the best roof cleaning professionals in the country.

Make sure you know what kinds of chemicals are being applied on your property.

Do not accept “it’s biodegradable” for an answer. Even uranium is biodegradable over 50,000 years or so.

Because many “competitors” lack our roof cleaning equipment, knowledge, training, and experience, they sometimes apply a dangerously strong chemical solution. Sodium Hydroxide and Potassium Hydroxide will dissolve the asphalt and tar on your roof, shortening the life of your shingles and voiding the roof’s warranty. Even sodium metasilicate is too corrosive.

Our chemicals do all of the work to remove streaks and discoloration from your roof and require no pressure or heavy rinsing. Because we do not have to rinse, your roof will stay cleaner longer than our competitors. Leaving the chemicals on the roof creates a roof treatment or a hostile environment for future algae growth. Each time it rains, a small amount of chemical is washed off to help re-clean your roof over and over again. Are you concerned about your plants, pets, and landscaping? Don’t be. We have two decades of pressure cleaning and roof cleaning experience and can gladly provide references, if needed.

We only spray the roof, not your plants. We always bag the ends of your downspouts; collect all the chemical run-off from the roof and dispose of them away from your landscaping.

If the roof does not have gutters we will thoroughly dilute the roof cleaning chemical down to safe levels by spraying the landscaping with water before, during, and after applying chemical.

After the chemical biodegrades and evaporates from the roof, the dried crystals and surfactant act as a roof treatment to keep the roof cleaner longer as it rains.

We have had to go behind many competitors who pressure wash or rinse their customer’s roofs, which start growing mold and streaks after only 1 year. Our average non pressure roof cleaning remains streak free on typical architechural asphalt shingle roofs  for a minum o 1 yer but we typically see at least 2 – 3 years betwen cleanings. We guarantee our roof cleaning will outlast our competitors! On average the price of cleaning your roof vs. replacing it, averages 1/10 the cost!

IT DOESN’T COST, IT PAYS TO CLEAN YOUR ROOF! SAVE YOURSELF $ THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS $!! Visit our website for more detailed info at Roof Clean USA

Go to these manufacturers websites to get the truth about cleaning asphalt shingles properly

ARMA Technical bulletin – http://www.asphaltroofing.org/pdf/tb_217.pdf

GAF Technical bulletin – http://www.gaf.com/Content/Documents/111115.pdf

ROOF CLEAN USA is CERTIFIED by  A-R-C-A and the RCIA

Copyright 2009-2010 – Roof Clean USA tm – All Rights Reserved

Visit our OTHER informative blogs at:

http://www.roof-cleaning-georgia.blogspot.com/

http://www.garoofcleaning.blogspot.com/

http://roof-cleaning-ga.blogspot.com/

http://roofcleanusa.blogspot.com/

You may also go to the “RCIA activeboard” online if you have more DETAILED questions.

http://roof-cleaning-institute.activeboard.com/index.spark

For information on Roof Cleaning Guidelines for recommended safe roof cleaning visit:

NO DAMAGE to SHINGLES

NO PRESSURE, SAFE ROOF CLEANING by Roof Clean USA tm

The Roof Cleaning Institute Of America

 

Roof And Exterior Cleaning Pictures-Thomasville, GA

Roof Clean USA also Cleans Concrete, Tile and Stone!

 

Although Roof Cleaning is our specialty, Concrete is our second favorite thing to clean!

We have HOT Water and Cold Water Pressure Washers along with our non pressure roof cleaning systems to get down to the bottom of ground in grime, grease and dirt that makes concrete hard to get clean.

Roof Clean USA cleans more than just roofs! We can safely remove chewing gum, mildew, mold and moss from most hard surfaces and can whiten and brighten the concrete on driveways, pool decks, walkways, sidewalks, porches and even provide services for commercial concrete cleaning such as storefronts, strip malls and shopping plazas.

We Safely and Professionally Clean more than Just Roofs

Deck Cleaning After Picture

Want to Say Goodbye to Gutter Cleaning?

Roof Cleaning Video! Must See! New on YouTube

Roof Cleaning in Thomasville GA.

Below you can see some terrific roof transformations, view the changes from dirty and unsightly, to clean, fresh and appealing and possibly learn a thing or two in the process.

 Thomasville, GA is a quaint small southern town with a rich and vibrant past and an exciting future. Listed as one of the top places for retirees to put down roots and retire because of its temperate weather and close proximity to many cultural and sports attractions, it is also just over 4 hours away from Orlando Florida, which is home to a myriad of entertainment destinations.

While Thomasville, GA has a lot to offer and is a great retirement haven, it is also very humid at certain times of the year and it is at those times that roof algae has been able to take control of a large number of roofs in the surrounding areas, causing them to discolor and become unsightly, making whole neighborhoods look unattractive while yards and landscape remain well manicured.

Did you know that the roof of a home or business, many times, accounts for up to 60% of the overall view of the home from the curbside making a once beautiful home take on a dingy and unpleasant appearance.

Luckily, Homeowners and businesses have a low-cost, effective solution to a once, unmanageable algae infestation problem on rooftops occurring across Thomasville in Thomas County, Georgia area.

Roof Clean USA is a professional, experienced, trained roof cleaning contractor with main office found locally, in the Thomasville, GA area.

Roof Clean USA uses a specialized, safe, proven, non pressure roof cleaning method that is recommended by major roofing manufacturers, GAF, Owens Corning and Certainteed, along with the ARMA (american roofing manufacturers association).

Roof Clean USA also holds the priviledge, and the responsibility of being, the ONLY DUAL CERTIFIED non pressure, safe Roof Cleaning Contractor in the South Georgia and North Florida areas, holding valid roof cleaning certification with both the American Roof Cleaners Association, and, the Roof Cleaning Institute.

Roof Clean USA is your SOURCE for South Georgia Safe Roof Cleaning.

You may visit their website at www.roofcleanusa.com

Your Roof and Damaging Roof Algae– What Every Property Owner Needs to Know

What's Eating your Asphalt Shingle- Roof Algae

Algae have been around since the dawn of time.

Generally, the Species of Algae forund on rooftops today is not harmful and is a normal part of the ecosystem and our earth’s environment.

Yet, in the scope of things, when deposited on the surface of a clay barrel tiled roof or an asphalt shingle roof,  algae is absolutely not doing residential and commercial property owners any real good and in fact, is causing both an ugly, eyesore and, a potentially damaging situation to grow that can lead to premature roofing shingle replacement.

 

Today, many properties with otherwise nicely landscaped, well-maintained yards and freshly painted home or business exteriors, suffer aethetically from the discolored, staining and streaking of roof algae, lowering property values in both more costly and median valued homes across Georgia and abroad.

This unattractive GROWING occurrence on the ROOFTOPS of property structures such as homes, business, churches, and other structures around our communities, give our towns and cities, and undesirable, rundown overall look, with many homeowners associations making it a REQUIREMENT to have residents of the communities annually clean and or treat their roofs for discoloration, mildew, mold, lichen and moss or face fines and letters of complaint from their neighbors.

Roof Cleaning Thomasville, GA

As the information gets out to more and more property owners that understand that this is actually an invasion or infestation of this offending roof algae that ACTUALLY “Roof Hops” and if one house in a community has this algae left on the roof it will eventually spread back to the other local area homes sooner, rather than later, homeowners are taking the position to perform preventative maintenance now rather than pay for costly and unnecessary premature roof tear off replacement.

As the knowledge spreads by the internet and word of mouth, that the fact is that if all residents in the area take this problem seriously and clean, treat and prevent this problem as a normal matter of course by INCLUDING roof algae treatment and maintenance in their normal annual or bi annual property maintenance regimen this problem can be largely reduced and potentially avoided by the drastic reduction of house to house, rooftop to rooftop infestation. 

This blue-green cyanobacteria, technically called, Gloeocapsa Magma, is a miniature plant with an aggressive root system that deposits itself on rooftops of homes and businesses across the country and aboard, feeding on the limestone filler used in the manufacturing process of the asphalt shingles.

This algae is not only unattractive but also is also dangerous from a slip and fall standpoint to walk on when servicing your roof while annually removing leaves, pine straw and other roof debris during routine fall and spring maintenance cleaning.

Additionally, if the algae is not cleaned using safe, non pressure ARCA (American Roof Cleaners Association) or (RCIA Roof Cleaning Institute) methods following ARMA standards, then, it will gain a rapid foothold with its root system becoming embedded into the important roofing granules that normally provide essential Ultraviolet protection from the harsh and damaging, shingle drying rays of the sun, and soon will spread to other parts of the roof, eventually covering the roof entirely.

One final additional very important reason to develop and maintain an annual roof maintenance program, besides the obvious reasons of additional longevity and increased curb appeal is the fact that this form of algae “blooms” periodically, much like a flower, and sends millions of microscopic spores, airborne that then attach themselves to other nearby structures such as barns, detached garages and neighboring rooftops!

This is a major reason for communities to join together and perform “annual roof treatment days” to have all the roofs in the area to be treated to repel algae and mold and etc.

This way entire neighborhoods roofs, get clean initially and stay clean continually.

As a homeowner myself, it certainly disturbs me that, despite all the countless hours of labor for maintaining the grounds and exterior of the structures on our properties and large sums of money most homeowners and businesses invest in to beautify and add character and unique value to their properties, the addition of staining and algae and dark streaking and discoloration of the roof surfaces due to algae, mold, mildew and other roof dwelling plants turn an otherwise visually well-kept property into a less than attractive, rundown looking structure.

This occurrence is very unfortunate for a residential or commercial property owner who is working so hard to get their property to “POP” and stand out above the other average looking homes in their neighborhood yet despite all their money and energy put into paint and landscape, the algae on their rooftop ROBS them of the final desirable curb appeal they invest in and are looking forward to and deserve to receive.

Mainly, this is because many property owners don’t know that their roof can be restored to a new looking condition without damage to their roof and as easily as picking up the phone and calling a CERTIFIED Non Pressure SAFE Roof Cleaning Contractor locally.

Roof Clean USA -Before and After

Finding a local, professionally trained and CERTIFIED Safe, Roof Cleaning Contractor is easy, wherever a property owner is located.

To find a CERTIFIED Roof Cleaning Contractor in your area you may visit the American Roof Cleaners Association 

Written by David Westerman, Roof Clean USA-Oct. 25, 2009-Copyright 2008-2010 All Rights Reserved. No Copying or unathorized use of this material is allowed unless reprint rights are granted by the author.

Roof Cleaning in Thomasville, GA! RoofCleanUSA provides a much needed and yet often overlooked solution to a GROWING problem in the southern and humid areas of the United States!

Roof Algae is attacking Roofs Everywhere. From Coast to Coast, this humidity loving , North side of roof, Roof Eating Scoundrel is taking over roofs all across America. There is a solution, Roof Clean USA! www.roofcleanusa.com  

Map showing roof algae infestation in the USA

 

Map showing roof algae infestation in the USA