WHAT IS SOFT WASHING?
Soft washing is a cleaning method utilizing low pressure and specialized solutions vs. potentially higher damaging pressure to safely remove mildew, algae and other organic stains from roofs, siding and other building exteriors without damage to the structure or plant life. Soft washing finds it’s niche being the safest and most efficient cleaning method for roofs and siding.
WHAT ARE THOSE UGLY BLACK STREAKS ON MY ROOF AND WHY ARE THEY THERE?
Homeowners often mistake these stains for mold, moss or mildew. What you’re actually seeing is being caused by tiny bacteria called Gloeocapsa Magma also referred to as Blue-Green Algae. When you finally notice these dark stains, you’re not seeing the algae, but rather the dark, hard coating that it has created to protect itself from the damaging UV rays.
Algae, fungus, mold etc. are decomposers, their job in nature is to break things down. In the last 30 years shingle manufacturers have been decreasing the amount of asphalt and adding limestone as a filler to their products which frightfully is a prime food source for the bacteria. Left untreated the algae literally eat away at the roof ultimately shortening its service life until the only option left is reroofing. Additionally, shingle granules are designed to help deflect UV rays and heat away from the roofs surface. When the granules have deteriorated or are covered in algae, the attic temps rise and so can the AC bills.
Fortunately cleaning utilizing soft wash technology eradicates the algae prolonging the roofs life and potentially lowers the electric bills. The asphalt roofing manufacture association (ARMA) recommends that shingles be cleaned using non-pressure chemical methods, using too high of pressure may remove granules from the shingles, which again will degrade the roofs lifespan. In fact, using high pressure often voids a roofing manufacturers warranty.
So if your roof shingles have turned into a breeding ground for algae, moss and lichen let Spray Away safely soft wash them away and add years to the life of your roof without voiding any warranties. Then you can sidestep costly repairs or a complete replacement of your roof! Spray Away is equipped to clean any type of roofing, including painted metal, tile and wood shake safely and effectively.