Soft Washing Your Roof in Naples, Florida

Regardless of location, you have dirt, dust, and mold growing on and inside of your roof. Biodegradable material like leaves get packed in the crevices of your roof. While traditional power washing uses a high psi to treat the surface of the mold and algae, it does not get rid of the underlying problem. If you’ve ever sprayed your plants for bugs and weeds, you already understand how the soft wash works! We utilize an eco-friendly, gentle cleaning solution that eradicates unwanted mold and algae that are hiding in your roof. Even better, our chemical solution also includes a growth inhibitor to the annoying mold and algae which means that your roof will stay cleaner even longer! Where traditional pressure washing will damage your roof and fail to treat the entire problem, soft washing shines as a quick and effective treatment to clean and protect your home.

Power washing can damage your roof in a few ways. One way is that it may strip the paint or coatings that protect your roof from rain and other elements. Some common roof types have what is known as “roof sand” which are ceramic shavings that deflect heat from the sun and are particularly vulnerable to pressure washing. Check to make sure that the manufacturer of your roof does not explicitly warn against aggressive cleaning of the surface as this is usually in reference to power washing and compressed air cleanings. Failure to heed the manufacturer advice can result in a voided warranty or a damaged roof.

Those dark streaks on your roof aren’t only dirt. Those are most likely a bacteria known as Gleocapsa Magma and are the leading cause of roof stains in the United States. Organisms that live on your rooftop cause damage to your roofing materials by breaking down and decomposing them. In states like Florida, soft washing has seen a rise in popularity due to the hot and humid climates – where annoying rooftop mold and algae like to thrive. Many of these organisms are able to feed on the material that your roofing is made out of. In fact, a typical shingle contains limestone, which contains nutrients that mildew and bacteria are able to eat and use to multiply. There is some good news, these annoying bacteria can be removed safely with the use of the soft wash!

Besides the staining of shingles and other roofing materials, these harmful fungus and molds can do more damage to your roof. The bacteria known as Gloecapsa Magma can thrive on surfaces like wood, concrete, and even unexpected ones like aluminum! It is a homeowner’s responsibility to know exactly what fungus and bacteria are capable of doing to your roof. Gloecapsa Magma will create a small ecosystem for itself and will produce an acidic waste that is powerful enough to erode the roof around it, further allowing the bacteria to flourish.

Another common contaminant that can live on your roof is a blue-green algae. Some of these are known as “nitrogen fixing algae.” What this means is that they are able to survive in environments that would otherwise be unable to support life. This blue-green lifeform creates a root system for itself and once attached to your roof, the root system will begin to break down the area by creating cracks and fissures.

Despite the efficacy of soft washing, there are still some instances wherein pressure washing your roof is the appropriate option. There are several different roof types that actually benefit from a pressure wash.

Cedar Shake roofs need to be periodically power washed by a professional for a few reasons. Cedar shake roofs should be oiled after a fresh cleaning as the oil is a natural rain repellant and conditions the wood so it will hold its shape.

Tile rooftops should regularly have their tiling lifted so the spaces under them can be properly and carefully cleaned. Often tile roofing will begin to leak if these areas are neglected. Be sure to trust a professional with this cleaning as improper pressure washing will strip the tiles of their smooth finish, allowing for bacteria and fungus to grow faster than before.

In every instance it is necessary to power wash your roof, you should always consult with a professional before doing so. Contractors in your area have the knowledge to protect and preserve the life of your roof.