What Are The Dangers of Pressure Washing or Soft Washing a Roof?

Moss and mold removable becomes more of an industry of its own, with yard signs and posters popping up on city corners for pressure washing and soft-washing services. Beware that these companies tend to be inexperienced when it comes to safe roofing practices.

Anytime someone pressure washes or uses soft wash (a product that kills the growth on the roof) a roof, the flashings must be cleaned. Otherwise, the dead debris from the pressure washing or soft wash will get trapped in valley flashings, roof to wall, etc. causing them to back up, overflow, damaged underlayment, cause dry rot issues, and interior damage. Repairs for these issues can become very costly.

Although pressure washing a roof or using soft wash does not require a licensed roofer, opening up the roof and maintenance the different flashing systems does. Sadly we see many instances which roof cleaning does not fix roof issues but rather adds to existing issues and creates new ones. Damaged and broken tile, mud and debris packed into flashing, and chemical burns to underlayment are some examples of the issues that could present.

Many licensed roofers offer roof cleaning services along with cleaning out the valleys and doing roof maintenance. The sign of a good roofer is that they'll be more focused on the function of the roof rather than just making it look pretty by clearing moss only, which does not affect the function of the roof. An excellent roofer can easily both make the roof look good and function well.

We as Rescue Roofer have years of experience dealing with these issues and properly maintaining your roof and home.

Roof debris left after soft wash

Rood cleaned by a professional roofer with updated 3w valley metal.

FAQs:

Q: Is soft wash safe for my roof?

A: Not in most cases. It can cause a variety of secondary issues without actually having any benefits to the roof. (See more above.)

Q: Is pressure washing safe for roofs?

A: Yes pressure washing is safe for your roof when combined with professional roof maintenance.

Q: Is moss eating my roof?

A: No. Moss only affects the appearance of your roof, not the actual structure.