Which is Better for Your Roof – Soft or Pressure Washing?

A lot of our customers ask us if pressure washing their roofs is a good idea for preventative maintenance. Our answer is yes and no. Your roof is a significant investment, so as a homeowner, you want to do all that you can to increase your roof’s lifespan and reduce the need for costly repairs. But for many roofs, if not all, pressure washing is a technique that is just not suited for cleaning. Soft washing is an alternative to pressure washing that is used in places where high-pressure water can lead to damage.

Pressure Versus Soft Washing for Roofs

If you have a shingled roof, pressure washing is not a recommended service. That being said, most people don’t understand the difference between pressure and soft washing methods. Pressure washing uses high-powered water to clean the surface of things like concrete and asphalt. Soft washing uses lower-pressured water with a mix of eco-friendly solvents to get things clean. When it comes to your shingles, they are likely not hardy enough to withstand pressure washing.

Using the Wrong Method Can Lead to Damage

Pressure washing is an excellent way to clean exterior surfaces, but only if they can withstand high-powered water. When it comes to roofs, pressure washing can expedite the deterioration of your shingles. When you pressure wash a roof, it can lead to damaging the shingles, which will cost you a lot in repairs. It can also lead to prematurely needing to replace your roof by decreasing its overall lifespan!

Water Damage

When you use pressure washing on your roof, the high-powered water might be too much. It is possible that water can get under the shingles themselves and lead to rotting and damage that will require unnecessary and costly repairs. It is always better to use a soft washing technique because you can rest assured knowing that the risk of damage to your shingles is greatly reduced!

Solar Power Roofs

If you have solar panels on your roof, then pressure washing is a no-no. Solar panels work by capturing the sun's rays and converting them into energy to power your home or office. This means that the cleaner they are, the better the performance you will get. But solar panels are not made to withstand pressure washing, and it can lead to damage. If you have solar panels located on your roof, then it is essential that you only use a soft washing technique or you can end up damaging the panels, which can be very expensive.

A lot of our customers ask if pressure washing is a good way to maintain their roof, and it is – but not the pressure washing technique. It is always better to choose a soft washing method to ensure that you aren’t unwittingly doing damage to your roof and decreasing its overall lifespan. At Above and Beyond Pressure Washing, we have the industry knowledge necessary to keep all of your exterior materials safe, while also getting the best results possible. Contact us today to schedule your roof cleaning appointment .