Softwash Roof Cleaning in SWFL

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• Soft wash roof cleaning
• Bio-friendly roof cleaning

If you have struggled with (or neglected) giving your roof a good cleaning, our team at RoofShark can help. For more information on our services and to find the ideal option for your property, contact us at at (239) 220-8861 to set up your free estimate today!

The soft wash process uses a chemical make-up additive that is completely biodegradable. This means there are no phosphates in our chemicals. Phosphates are what is added to most soaps to make them foam/create suds. The chemicals break down into carbon, water and salt within twenty (20) days of their introduction into the environment. Soft Wash can be used to clean mold, mildew, lichen and moss of materials, objects, and surfaces.

Many have heard of pressure washing, a process in which liquid is sprayed at a high pressure to assist in removing debris. Pressure washing is relatively quick with instant gratification, but can also cause further damage. 

Soft Wash allows for time to assist in the process and is kind to the surface it is cleaning. Soft Wash is a process in which liquid is sprayed at a lower pressure. The chemical kills the Mold/Moss/Lichen. The chemical does most of the work. Mold, Moss and Lichen have attached themselves to the surface, usually a roof, and embed their roots deep into the roofing material (asphalt, tile, metal, etc.) causing damage to the roofing system. Mold (black streaks), as well as other bacteria, eats away at the limestone in the roofing material causing erosion. Soft Wash is applied to the roof, killing the mold, Mildew, Lichen and/or Moss. At this stage the organic material (Moss, lichen) slowly releases itself from the shingle. The black stains will bleach and the roof will look clean before we leave the jobsite.  The moss and lichen will be bleached but will remain on the roof structure and slowly break down.  

Do you need to walk on my roof?  The short answer is NO, we prefer not walking on the roof. The number one reason is because it is not safe. We either shoot the soft wash solution from the roots edge while standing on a ladder or we use a very large 60 foot extendable pole. Which covers most two-story houses and some three story. If  the extension pole is not enough we also have the option of using a lift. Roof tiles are also somewhat fragile if walked on  improperly.

Should I cover my plants around my house? Generally the chemical process does not kill matured plants or grass around your home or below the roof line. The chemical used, if diluted, is completely harmless to all plants. We pre-wet vegetation around the house as a precaution and then complete a final rinse when we are finished. Most FL outdoor plants have a strong resilient nature, some annual plants can be more sensitive. We recommend if you feel some of your plants may be of concern, please cover them before we come to clean your roof. 

How long does the process take? The time we spend at your house can vary. There are many factors with how long the application process may take; size of the roof, pitch of roof, level of natural growth etc… After the application process is complete, the roof should look as clean as new. Areas of thick growth (normally on the bottom edge of tile) may still have some debris, this debris will either dry up and fall off or rinse away with rain.

Does weather play a factor? Yes, weather is a key part of the chemical process. The enzyme that makes up the additive ideally needs air temps to be above 50 degrees. Mist or light rain may be an issue to the chemical. When the roof is wet or if it is raining the chemicals are unable to be absorbed by the organic matter. If weather becomes an issue we will ask to reschedule your cleaning.