The Difference Between Pressure Wash Vs Soft Wash Roof Cleaning

Does your roof desperately need a good cleaning, but you're on the fence about pressure washing? Homeowners like you have the same concerns.

Will pressure washing damage my roof? Will it harm my landscaping? These are essential questions to ask.

Fortunately, pressure washing isn't scary at all. But you may need a milder washing method for your roof.  

More homeowners are opting for soft wash roof cleaning, which is a type of low-pressure wash. In this article, you'll learn more about the difference between regular pressure wash and soft wash, so you can make the right choice for your roof!

What is Pressure Washing?

Pressure washing and soft washing both use pressure nozzles and pressurized water, but they're quite different.

Pressure washing relies mostly on the force of pressurized water to deep clean. Commercial pressure washers typically feature up to four high-pressure water jets. These jets rotate quickly as water is dispersed, which allows professional pressure washers to clean as quickly as possible.

They don't call it "pressure washing" for nothing. Pressure washers can disperse up to 4,000 pounds of water per square inch!

While you can pressure wash a roof, this method is typically used to deep clean concrete, sidewalks, patios, wood decks, natural stone floors, and brick surfaces. Pressure washers effectively blast way dried gum, dirt, grime, loose paint, and stubborn mold.

If you want to give your roof a much-needed deep cleaning, you may find that soft washing is more up your alley. Here's why.

Soft Wash Roof Cleaning

Pressure washing is excellent for durable, heavy-duty surfaces like your concrete sidewalks or wooden deck. Fortunately, a gentler method exists for your roof. This low-pressure cleaning method is called a soft wash.

Pressurized water is used for soft washing, but not nearly to the degree of regular pressure washing. Instead, soft wash roof cleaning uses safe chemicals to deep clean your roof. Common soft washing chemicals include bleach, Liquid Chlorine, Sodium Hypochlorite, and other biodegradable chemicals.

Soft wash requires a low-pressure nozzle to disperse the solution. However, full pressure is never used in soft washing. Soft washing is designed to gently remove pollen, dirt, algae, mold, and moss.

With soft washing, you don't have to worry about damaging your roof shingles, harming your siding, or covering your backyard in debris.

Most importantly, soft washing doesn't just remove biological elements like algae and mold — it effectively kills them! Regular pressure washing blasts debris away but doesn't stop the growth of mold, moss, and algae.

Since soft washing stops biological elements in their tracks, it's a long-lasting solution for your roof. It also protects your roof from further discoloration.

Deep Clean Your Roof!

Ready to give your roof the deep cleaning it deserves? Think about your needs first. Remember the differences between pressure washing and soft wash roof cleaning, so you can make the right choice for you.

Knowledge is power! Check out our blog to learn more about your options, or talk to a specialist to book an appointment right away.