Why Softwashing Is Better Than Pressure Washing
Commercial pressure washing machines output streams of water that are under high pressure. The pounds of pressure per square inch, or psi, can range anywhere between 1,500 to 40,000. 1,500 pounds of pressure is safe to use on many surfaces but not all.
Since the surface to be pressure washed is exposed to UV light, moisture, and other elements, it is already vulnerable. An inexperienced or badly trained technician can destroy the surface.
Softwashing is a technique used by professionals who have training and experience. They know not to use forceful pressure washing techniques on roofs, gutters, siding, fences, and concrete. Softwashing will just as effectively remove stains and grime, but does it safely.
Forceful Pressure Washing Damages:
- Stucco
- Concrete
- Wood Decks
- Asphalt Shingles
- Tile Shingles
- Brick
- Cinder Block
- All Painted Surfaces
- Vinyl Siding
- Windows
Softwashing Is The Only Method To Use On Wood
The most important thing when it comes to dealing with algae stains on your roofing system is to know what not to do. Above all else, you should not try to clean the surface of your shingle roof with a power washing.
Power washing can severely damage the surface of your roof, blasting away shingles and damaging flashing and seams. If you power wash your roof, you can even lose a warranty that was attached to it.
Soft Washing Your Black Roof Stains
You never want to use high-pressure washing methods on wood surfaces. Many homes have wood siding, decks, and fences. These surfaces age with the weather and are no longer well sealed. Regular methods of pressure washing can remove a layer of the wood surface. If you want to restore your deck, fence, or siding, only hire contractors who use the softwashing method.
What Pressure Washing Does To Concrete
A concrete surface can develop deep pits when pressure washed just one time. This allows moisture to seep further into the concrete structure. The concrete absorbs the moisture and holds it. This causes crumbling.
Unless you want to remove and replace your patio, sidewalks, or driveway in a few years, only choose a contractor who cleans the concrete by softwashing.
Softwashing The Roof
The majority of homeowners choose asphalt shingles for their roof. The shingles are easily damaged by pressure washing. It's also not safe for tile and wood shake roofs.
Softwashing is a technique that involves pre-treating the roof with a safe commercial-grade solution followed by low-pressure washing.
Pressure Washing Is Used To Remove Paint
If pressure washing can be used to take paint off a surface, imagine the damage it can cause. This is why it's so important that the technician knows the machine and all about safe softwashing techniques.
