Since California’s homeownership rate is at an all-time high of 55.8%, more and more people are beginning to require home services. However, not everyone knows exactly how to care for their home, let alone its hard-to-clean roofing and siding.
Understanding the difference between a soft wash vs pressure wash is the first step toward retaining curb appeal.
Here, we’ll discuss:
- The basics of both home exterior cleaning methods
- The pros and cons of each
- Why soft washing is the best choice for home roofing
Read on for a complete pressure vs soft washing guide!
Soft Wash vs Pressure Wash: What’s the Difference?
Both soft washing and pressure washing are water-based cleaning solutions.
A soft wash uses a low-pressure power washer. This low pressure is under 500 PSI and is usually combined with cleaning solutions. The process removes contaminants like:
- Dirt
- Mud
- Grime
- Moss
- Algae
Soft washing is gentle on roofing materials. It doesn’t accidentally peel protective coatings and granules off shingles or asphalt. This makes it ideal for homeowners who want to protect delicate roofing materials.
On the flip side, pressure washing uses high-pressure water to clean surfaces. Usually, the water stream is between 1,300 and 3,100 PSI. It’s extremely effective at getting rid of dirt and grime that’s hard to eradicate.
However, it also can be really hard on most roofing materials. It may strip away protective layers that coat the surface. The pressure-washing process can also crack and chip shingles even when the experts cleaning the roof are careful.
Soft Washing Benefits for Roofing
Soft washing is ideal for residential roofing materials. It’s effective at removing dirt and grime but does not damage the roofing materials.
The pressure is low enough that it won’t force water underneath the roofing materials. This is in stark contrast with pressure washing, which uses a stream that’s high-power enough to seep through the cracks of the roof.
This can cause leaks and water damage to the foundation of your house. Things go from bad to worse when the too-high pressure damages shingles and ruins the outer layer of your roofing.
Luckily, soft washing stops these problems from coming to fruition!
When you use soft washing, you improve your house’s curb appeal. You get rid of all unwanted debris on your roofing and get long-lasting results.
Plus, the chemicals and cleaners used for soft washing ensure that you get the most bang for your buck. Your roof won’t just look great at a glance. It will be thoroughly cleaned so that your shingles can last for many years to come.
Pressure Washing Advantages to Consider
Many people struggle to decide between a soft wash vs pressure wash.
Lots of people who understand soft washing still think that pressure washing might be a better option. After all, a more powerful water stream sounds more likely to get every last speck of grime off the roof!
Unfortunately, this isn’t true in practice. Pressure washing is safe when done by professionals, but it’s only intended for use on durable materials.
Unless your roof is a commercial one made of a single sheet of sturdy metal, pressure washing will likely be too hard on it. The process should be reserved for materials that aren’t part of your home’s structure, including:
- Concrete
- Brick
- Solid stone
- Metal
- Patio floorings
- Walkways
- Driveways
Some home warranties also will refuse to replace a roof that has been pressure washed. The knowingly-taken risk of damage could make them null and void.
Luckily, because soft washing is so similar to pressure washing, homeowners don’t miss out on the benefits of a water-based thorough cleaning.
Since the same experts who provide soft washing also offer pressure-washing services, you can have your sidewalks and driveway pressure-washed while getting soft-washing for your roof and siding.
Neither option is better or worse than the other – it’s all about application.
Which Is Ideal for Your Home Exterior Cleaning?
Soft washing is definitively the right choice for homeowners looking to have their roofs cleaned.
This isn’t just because of water pressure and the damage it can cause. It’s because your roof doesn’t need pressure washing, and performing an unnecessary pressure wash wastes water.
It’s not as sustainable as soft washing is, and while pressure washing is necessary in some cases, it isn’t here. Choosing soft washing can save you money since the time and resources needed for pressure washing are greater.
The cleaning process for soft washing is also simple. All professionals do is:
- Examine your home and determine your precise needs
- Apply detergents to your roof
- Ensure that the chemicals are in all of the areas that need cleaning
- Use the soft-wash hose to clean and remove the chemicals
This leads to a long-lasting cleaning job.
DIY vs Professional Soft Washing
It’s important that you never try to DIY your roof cleaning. It can be dangerous since you’re high up on a roof that’s probably slanted and slippery. You don’t want to fall off and get injured.
Besides, experts:
- Have appropriate soft-washing tools that most homeowners can’t access
- Know what cleaning solutions to use during the soft washing process
- Have undergone safety training about how to use the equipment
- Have protective gear that prevents injuries while on the roof
Calling in the pros isn’t just safer. It can also prevent accidental damage to your roof. This is because experts at Pressure Wash Sacramento are trained in soft-washing practices and know how to avoid damaging your roof with water streams in the wrong places.
Proper technique is key during soft washing and ensures that you don’t damage your property irreversibly by mistake.
Beyond Deciding the Best Method for House Cleaning
Now that you know whether a soft wash vs pressure wash is right for your roof, it’s time to start the home exterior cleaning process. Pressure Wash Sacramento is committed to offering top-notch roof cleaning services to California residents.
Our team offers a wide range of services to residential and commercial building residents. We’re committed to giving you the best service available at an affordable price, so request an estimate to learn more about the costs!
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