Hello World! Welcome Friends! At first glance, pressure washing your roof may seem like a simple enough task. However, there are a few things you need to know before you start spraying away. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about pressure washing your roof—including whether or not it’s safe and the best way to go about it. We will also discuss soft washing and how it applies to roof cleaning. So, if you’re thinking about pressure washing your roof, read on for everything you need to know!
The Main Methods For Pressure Cleaning
There are three main methods for pressure washing various surfaces: soft washing, pressure washing, and power washing. Let’s take a closer look at each of these methods so you can decide which one is right for you:
- Soft Washing: Soft washing is a low-pressure cleaning method that uses environmentally friendly solutions instead of high-powered water jets. The solution adheres to the stains on the roof and dissolves the build-up. This method is ideal for delicate roofs requiring special care, such as roofs made of asphalt shingles or metal.
- Power Washing: A power washer uses a high-pressure beam of extremely hot water to remove dirt and debris from outside surfaces. The high pressure combined with the water’s temperature makes it superior at removing all those truly entrenched particles from surfaces. It’s ideal for removing salt residue, mildew, and mold from outdoor patios, decks, driveways, and other similar places. Power washing is terrific for grease stains on driveways and garage floors because of the added heat. It’s also excellent at removing substances like chewing gum from sidewalks.
- Pressure Washing: Pressure washing is a high-pressure water blast most people use in their homes. It doesn’t use heated water like power washing but can still effectively remove dirt. However, it’s not as effective against moss or mold and might be unable to get rid of tough stains on concrete.
Whichever method you choose, cleaning your roof can help extend its lifespan significantly! Regular cleanings will also improve your home’s curb appeal and make it look its best.
Is Pressure Washing My Roof Safe?
This is one of the most common questions we get. The truth is that it depends. You can check pressure washing at sunsetpressurewash.com to see if your roof is suitable for pressure washing. If it’s made of delicate materials such as clay, slate, or ceramic tiles, pressure washing may not be the best option. In these cases, we usually recommend soft washing as a safer alternative. Pressure washing may be perfectly safe if you have a metal or tile roof; however, if you have an asphalt shingle roof, pressure washing can cause damage. That’s because high-pressure water can dislodge the granules on the shingles that protect them from UV rays. Other damage from pressure washing could be:
Pressure washing may be perfectly safe if you have a metal or tile roof; however, if you have an asphalt shingle roof, pressure washing can cause damage. That’s because high-pressure water can dislodge the granules on the shingles that protect them from UV rays. Other damage from pressure washing could be:
- Cracks in the shingles
- Penetrate the shingle and damage the adhesive backing
- Cause leaks
Your shingles will become less effective at protecting your home and need to be replaced sooner. What should you do if you have an asphalt shingle roof? The best solution is to hire a professional roof cleaning service. More on that below!
Pressure Washing vs. Soft-Washing: Which is Best For Your Roof?
We’ve already discussed the main pressure washing methods above, and because of that, you already know that Power Washing is not the route you should take for roof cleaning. However, you may have heard of soft washing and wondered how it differs from pressure washing. As we mentioned, soft-washing is a low-pressure roof cleaning method that uses a gentle solution of soap and water to clean your roof.
This method is safe for all types of roofs—including asphalt shingle roofs—and does an excellent job of removing dirt, grime, and moss build-up. Plus, it won’t damage your gutters or landscaping like pressure washing. That’s why we recommend soft washing for all types of roofs! However, if you plan to DIY your roof cleaning job, you’ll want to steer clear of pressure washing as it takes practice to use one correctly.
Safety First: Tips For Washing Your Roof Safely
When it comes to soft washing your roof, safety should always be your top priority. To help you stay safe while soft washing your roof, we’ve compiled a few helpful tips:
- Make sure you’re using a tall and sturdy ladder to support you while working safely.
- Wear shoes with good traction to help prevent slips and falls.
- Wear gloves and long sleeves to protect your hands and arms from the cleaning solution.
- Never wash your roof in direct sunlight, as this can cause the cleaning solution to dry too quickly and damage your roof.
- If you plan to wash your gutters, ensure they’re properly secured before starting.
Following these safety tips can help ensure that your roof washing experience is safe and pleasant!
How Much Does Roof Cleaning Cost?
The cost of roof cleaning will vary depending on the size and type of roof you have and the company you hire. As a general rule of thumb, you can expect to pay about $400 for a professional roof cleaning job. Pressure washing companies may also offer preventative moss and mildew treatments to prolong the cleanliness of your roof; this will cost about $200 extra overall.
Regular roof cleaning can help increase the lifespan of your roof by about ten years. So, if you consider the cost of a new roof (which can start at around $5,000), hiring a professional to clean your roof every few years is a wise investment!
The Top 3 Benefits of Regular Roof Cleaning
Aside from prolonging the lifespan of your roof, there are many other benefits to keeping your roof clean. Some of the top benefits of regular roof cleaning include:
- A cleaner roof can help improve your home’s curb appeal and increase its value.
- A clean roof will also be more effective at protecting your home from the elements, as dirt and grime can cause premature aging.
- Regular roof cleaning can help prevent moss and algae from damaging your roof and gutters.
Let a Pressure Washing Company Help You Maintain Your Florida Home
New Again Pressure Washing is a professional pressure washing company specializing in roof cleaning. We use the soft washing method to clean all types of roofs safely and effectively. They’ll be able to assess your situation and come up with the best plan for getting your roof sparkling clean! Contact us today to schedule a free roof cleaning estimate!
We don’t just clean roofs; if you need general pressure washing services for your property, we can help. As the name says, we can make your home look “New Again” with our high-quality pressure washing services! We clean everything from driveways and sidewalks to patios and decks; let us help you maintain your beautiful Flordia home today.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
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How a Well Done Roof Completes Your Dream House
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Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day/night depending on where you are in the world! Go with God and remember to be kind to one another!
Toodles,
Jared Seitz says
i learned something new today thankyou so much for showing me there was more then one option for power washing my home and the risk and benefits of each method on it intended focus area of the home. i look forward to discovering your next article and maybe i learn even more.
Roof Cleaning Mackay says
Thank you for providing excellent information on roof cleaning methods and safety. While pressure washing might seem simple, soft washing proves a safer and more effective option for most roofs. The breakdown of costs and benefits makes a strong case for regular cleaning, and the call to action for professional services is clear and enticing.