What’s the difference between soft wash vs. pressure wash for roofs? SmartWash, a long-serving exterior cleaning company in Knoxville, lends some insight in a recent blog post to help homeowners make sound decisions on roofing care.
Evolving Roof Maintenance Needs
Various home styles grace Knoxville’s neighborhoods, from timeless American four-squares to charming Victorians and Dutch Colonial Revivals. The roofing materials used also reflect this diversity, which includes:
- Composite and asphalt shingles: Shingles are aesthetically versatile and affordable but require specific care.
- Wood shakes: Even properly sealed wooden roofs can sustain moisture damage when neglected.
- Slate and clay tiles: Quality tiles are durable and last for decades. Their porous nature makes them a bit more prone to staining, though.
- Painted or polymer-coated metal: The metal itself is durable and low-maintenance, but its coating needs to stay intact.
Knoxville roof cleaning methods that are obsolete can, unfortunately, hurt the longevity of these structures. More and more homeowners are looking for sustainable alternatives that give a safe yet thorough refresh.
Pressure Washing vs. Soft Washing
As the name suggests, traditional pressure washing harnesses intensified water jets to remove surface contaminants. This technique produces quick results, yes, but the sheer force can degrade asphalt, dislodge or crack tiles, and force water into unwanted areas.
Soft washing is gentler. It relies on a pre-cleaning biodegradable detergent application to loosen deep-seated grime. A low-pressure rinse lifts everything without compromising a roof’s integrity.
SmartWash’s crew shares that whenever clients ask about soft wash vs. pressure wash for roofs, they always recommend the former. It requires a bit more time and effort but produces an immaculate finish that lasts.
SmartWash Shares Key Advice for Homeowners
“Many homeowners also forget about roofing warranties when choosing cleaning services,” a SmartWash representative mentions. “Our goal is to educate Knoxville residents on safe roof cleaning solutions like soft washing, which not only does the job effectively but also preserves the structure’s warranty.”
SmartWash also advises homeowners to consult their roofing manufacturer first. They can provide guidance on gentle roof wash techniques.
Knoxville’s Unique Roofing Challenges
Roof soft washing benefits Knoxville homes in another important way. The area’s persistently humid climate creates the perfect breeding ground for algae colonies. Once they take root, they can quickly spread and cover entire surfaces.
The biodegradable solutions used in soft washing kill organic growth at the root without harming the surrounding environment. When applied thoroughly and correctly, they also help prevent it from returning for a while.
Most importantly, unlike pressure washing, these products are safe on delicate asphalt structures.
Learn More About Roof Cleaning Techniques
Soft wash vs pressure wash for roofs remains a fairly new topic. Knoxville homeowners who want a deeper dive should visit SmartWash's website. It covers everything from how long soft washing lasts to the average cost of a session.
