Maintaining the appearance and longevity of your home's roof is essential, especially in a humid and warm climate like Savannah, Georgia. Softwashing is a safe and effective method to remove dirt, algae, and mold from your roof without causing damage. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of soft washing your roof to keep it looking pristine and well-maintained.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials and Safety Gear: Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary materials and safety gear. You'll need an organic-killing, soft washing solution,, a means to apply the solution to the roof, safety goggles, gloves, and protective clothing to shield yourself from any potential splashes or fumes. You are going to be using a pretty harsh chemical to actually kill the algae so be careful!
Step 2: Choose the Right Soft washing Solution: Opt for a soft washing solution that is specifically designed for roofs and safe for the environment. This will not be purchased at a store, you will need to mix your own using a 50/50 bleach and water mix, which I will cover in Step 4. Because you are using a bleach-based solutions, the chances of causing damage and even killing surrounding vegetation.
Step 3: Prepare the Area: Cover any nearby plants, shrubs, or outdoor furniture with plastic sheeting to protect them from the soft washing solution. It is also VERY important to wet down ALL the vegetation surrounding the home which helps dilute any solution that drips off the roof.
Step 4: Dilute the Soft washing Solution: Depending on how bad the roof is, you will need to adjust the mix. Usually, a ratio of 1 part bleach and 1 part water is recommended. Mix the solution in a large bucket or container.
Step 5: Safety First: Put on your safety gear, including goggles and gloves, to protect yourself from the solution. It's also a good idea to wear old clothing that you don't mind getting wet or bleached out and ruined.
Step 6: Wet the Roof: Using a hose, wet the entire roof with water. This helps to loosen dirt and debris and prevents the solution from drying too quickly.
Step 7: Apply the Soft washing Solution: Using a pump sprayer, apply the diluted soft washing solution to your roof. Start from the bottom and work your way up to ensure even coverage. Avoid spraying the solution directly onto shingles; instead, let it run down from the top. Do not over apply, you want to avoid excessive runoff as this can kill the plants below.
Step 8: Let It Dwell: Allow the soft wash mix to sit on the roof for 20-30 minutes, longer in the winter. This gives the solution enough time to break down dirt, algae, and mold.
Step 9: Reapply If Needed: After the solution has had time to work, if you see any areas that are still black, reapply the solution. When it turns brown, you have killed it.
Step 10: Rinse Thoroughly: Its now time to rinse the roof thoroughly. Start from the top and work your way down, ensuring all the solution is removed. Pay special attention to any areas with stubborn stains - you might need to reapply again.
Step 11: Clean Up: Remove the plastic sheeting from your plants and outdoor furniture. Rinse the surrounding area with water to dilute any residual softwashing solution that might have dripped onto the ground.
Step 12: Regular Maintenance: To prolong the effects of softwashing, consider scheduling regular maintenance every couple of years or as needed. Keeping your roof clean will not only improve its appearance but also extend its lifespan.
Softwashing your roof is an effective way to maintain its appearance and durability in Savannah's humid climate. By following these step-by-step instructions and taking necessary safety precautions, you can achieve a clean and vibrant roof that adds to the overall curb appeal of your home. If you choose to hire a professional, give All American Pressure Washing a call - 912-308-8544. www.CleanSavannah.com