Can You Pressure Wash A Roof?
Removing moss, algae, and streaks from your roof is extremely important in extending its lifespan, but you should always proceed with caution. Using a high pressure to wash your roof can cause structural damage to the shingles, so it is never advised to pressure wash a standard roof. In this post, we will give you all the information you need to make the best decision for treating your roof.
Why You Should Not Pressure Wash a Roof
Pressure washing your roof is dangerous for several reasons. While you want to make sure that you are keeping your roof protected, you should always be keeping your own safety in mind as well. As previously stated, using a higher pressure when washing a roof can cause structural damage. With structural damage comes premature replacement, which is precisely what you are trying to avoid when washing the roof.
Additionally, attempting to pressure wash a roof can be very risky. Whether you are going to attempt to wash it from a ladder or walk around on the roof, using high-powered machinery on heights is extremely dangerous and not advisable. Simply put, do not pressure wash your roof.
Why You Should Soft Wash a Roof
The best method for removing moss, algae, and black streaks (Gloeocapsa magma) from your roof is a soft wash method. Soft washing relies on an application of cleansers to remove these contaminants and is followed by a very light rinse. With this process, moss will take some time to fall off since the roots need to release themselves from the shingles naturally.
Soft washing your roof is also great for making sure that everything remains structurally sound. By removing the surface contaminants and making sure the shingles are left completely intact, you will extend your roof’s lifespan.
Things to Consider Before Soft Washing
Here are some things to look at before moving forward with having your roof soft washed:
-Soft washing is best for standard roofs with asphalt shingles. Slate roofs can be soft washed as well, but keep in mind that cleansers may cause discoloration to copper gutters.
-Since soft washing is very different from pressure washing, you should hire a professional company to take care of it. Making sure that everything is done safely and effectively is crucial when treating the roof.
-Soft washing will certainly treat growths and surface contaminants on the roof, but any debris that is removed is coincidental. Since almost no pressure is being used, debris like leaves and sticks will very likely remain on the roof. The good news is that debris is not eating away at the shingles and causing damage like moss or black streaking.
How Perfect Power Wash Can Help
At Perfect Power Wash, we use the safest and most effective soft wash treatment for roofs. Our highly trained staff follows a tried and true process to make sure that your roof remains protected from contaminants that can cause long-term damage. Black streaks and algae will go away immediately. Any moss will become neutralized, which is signified by its change in color. Over time, the moss will fall off the roof once the roots naturally release themselves from the shingles.
When you are protecting your largest investment, you should rely on the professionals to ensure you are in good hands. For the past 20 years, we have been protecting the roofs of homeowners using our trusted process. For a free estimate on a roof treatment, simply click here!