Costs for soft wash roof cleaning generally range from approximately $250 to nearly $600 per square foot, depending on the building and size of the roof itself and level of debris covering its surface. There are several methods that can be used to clean a roof, including gutter cleaning, shingle cleaning, and painting. For those who are considering building a new home, the most affordable and easiest method is to hire a reputable company that can perform the job professionally and for a reasonable price. It is important to find a cleaning service that is familiar with all types of climates in your area and has a variety of tools on hand to complete the job. Be aware that different methods will require different amounts of work, so be sure to discuss which type of cleaning you would prefer.
Before beginning any cleaning procedure, be sure to inspect the roof thoroughly for any signs of an infestation. An infestation should be noted on a scale drawing with one inch being the maximum height of an infestation and one inch being the minimum. When inspecting for possible infestations, look carefully at the fascia board under the eaves. Does it have any rotted areas, cracks, or signs of distress? Rotted areas and cracks can allow soil to leak into the attic which can lead to water damage in the long run. If you find signs of an infestation, your cleaning service should advise you to remove the offending vegetation and plants and treat the affected areas with a soft wash treatment.
Before cleaning, you should thoroughly inspect the roof to make sure there are no broken or missing shingles or other signs of an infestation. Next, check the gutters to make sure they are clear of any obstructions. Gutters should be inspected both at the front and back of the house, as they can collect runoff from surrounding streets and carry debris from the roof to other areas of your home. After you have located and inspected the roof, clean the dirt away from the gutters using a chain-and-dagger approach. Take particular care to clean around the edge of the gutters and along the edges of the fascia boards. Remove all debris, which will prevent soil from collecting there.
For any suspected soft-toes or toes of soft wood, an infestation may be confirmed by looking for white spots resembling mold or mildew. Black streaks may indicate the presence of leaf litter or the growth of fungi or protozoa. Such streaks may also indicate the presence of soft wood rot such as septic system or a leaky roof.
For a soft-toed or toed moss infestation, treatment is a little more involved than a soft-shelled mold infestation. For a soft-toed moss infestation, you must first identify exactly where the moisture is coming from. Moisture can penetrate through a variety of objects, including siding, shakes, concrete, and even asphalt. If the source of the moisture is a leaky roof, then the problem is likely confined to the attic. If it is on your shingles, then the problem will probably be limited to the loose tiles.
If you detect an infestation on your roof, then the next step is to find the source of the moisture. It may be that the leak is being caused by condensation building up in the attic, or it may be caused by your hot water heater or by your washing machine hose. In these cases, you will need to conduct your own soft washing or pressure washing alone to remove the mildew and moss from the structure.
For your pressure washing job, you will need: soft wash equipment, old soft wash sheets, garden hose, rubber mallet, steel wool and baking soda. Soft wash sheets will be used for the topmost surfaces that will be exposed to the elements (the attic and roof). Baking soda is going to be used for the rest of the surfaces. The steel wool and rubber mallet are going to help with dirt and soil penetration. For the roof surfaces, a wire brush and hot soapy water are needed. You are also going to want to wear gloves, safety glasses and a mask for this job.
When conducting the cleaning job, follow all manufacturer’s instructions for chemical cleaning. Use only quality disinfectant and make sure all surfaces are thoroughly wet when you start cleaning. Wipe away any excess water with a rag and then rinse with clean water. When you’re finished, apply your disinfectant with a garden hose, making sure you get all surfaces wet to ensure complete coverage.
