Frequently Asked Questions About Pressure Washing
Pressure washing generally uses between 2500-4000 psi of water to blast dirt and algae off of a surface. This force of water is abrasive and destructive for many building materials. When used improperly, pressure washing will damage roof shingles, siding materials, window screens, window glass seals, and even strip paint right off a surface.
Our pressure washing company uses a soft washing process to clean exteriors. This method uses gentle water pressure, usually less than 100 psi, with a special detergent solution to clean grime and kill algae. It also kills other microorganisms like bacteria, lichen, mold, and mildew.
HIGH-POWER PRESSURE WASHING SHOULD NEVER BE USED TO CLEAN AN ASPHALT SHINGLE ROOF! Pressure washing removes the fiberglass granules and can void your shingle warranty.
Soft washing covers every nook and cranny of your roof. The cleaning detergent we professionally mix contains a biodegradable solution with an algaecide. This soft wash formula deters new algae growth for months at a time.
While in some cases, black roof stains are caused by defective or decaying roof underlayment material, most often it is the byproduct of algae growth left on the shingles. Algae growth is a big problem because of the humidity in our Massachusetts climate.
Algae loves to feed on the limestone filler that is used to make asphalt shingles. The roof stains are the byproduct that algae leaves on the shingles after feeding. Algae destroys the roof shingles if given enough time. The shingles age prematurely and roof leaks start.
Cleaning the algae roof stains away with blasts of high-pressure water only causes more damage! The only real roof cleaning method which is safe to use is soft washing. It kills the algae and keeps it from growing back. This method is the only roof cleaning method which is approved by the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association.
Call us to schedule a free on-site estimate. We can even perform a demonstration of our Soft Wash cleaning process!
For roof cleaning and other house washing services, we use professional truck mounted equipment which operates quietly and includes both our soft wash system and state-of-the-art chemical mixing system. In most cases we can park at the street, but with homes that sit back on the property, we may need access to the driveway for your roof cleaning service.
We also have commercial pressure washers and surface cleaners that do a GREAT job on concrete and some other flat surfaces. Whether we're cleaning your driveway, patio, pavers, or concrete sidewalks, we can brighten the concrete to make it look new again! We’ll leave your driveway or other concrete surfaces looking great!
