What is Soft Washing?
Soft washing is a term used to describe a safe gentle approach to roof and/or house cleaning. Instead of using high pressure, this method uses cleaning agents and low pressure (like that from a typical garden hose) to safely and effectively clean bacteria, algae, mildew and other organic stains from roofs and other exteriors. The products used not only clean the stains and bacteria but will also sanitize, penetrate and eliminate the root cause of the issue. Soft washing has been the method used to wash roofs for more than 25 years. It has been tested by roofing manufacturers and is recommended by the "Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association".
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Many people think that the black stains on their roofs are just dirt but actually it is a bacteria called Gloeocapsa Magma and other forms of microorganisms that can be found in union with the bacteria. These other forms of microorganisms include mold, fungi, mildew, lichen and moss. These organisms love the warm, moist environment that is created by a roof. Many roof surfaces are made with materials that can be metabolized by these organisms. Such as shingles that now contain Limestone. Algae, mildew and bacteria will absorb their nutrients and feed off the shingles. Your shingles are literally being eaten!
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Such as plants do, fungi and algae have a root system that can cause damage to shingles. This damage can been seen as uplifting of shingles, spreading of shingles and decomposition. Roots from fungi and algae can open up tiny cracks in the shingles, tiles or other roofing materials. They spread the shingle like a fan. Because the shingles are attached by the back, the front ends flare and roll. There are also other forces that are responsible for damage to a roof, such as erosion. Erosion can be from nature of other methods of roof cleaning.
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