Your roof will become dirty over time. This is inevitable because the outside world is a dirty place. Because of this, we highly recommend that you have your roof cleaned at least once per year. Are you thinking about doing this work on your own? If so, keep in mind that there are many challenges involved with a DIY roof soft wash—and you’ll want to prepare for the difficulties ahead so you can succeed!
We are Chicagoland Pressure Washing, and we want to teach you more about the roof cleaning process! We also provide professional roof cleaning services in the Chicago area. So, if you decide you need our help, call us and schedule an appointment.
#1: Finding Enough Time For the Work
If you want to do your own roof soft wash, you need to appropriately prepare yourself. One of the most important ways to do this is by giving yourself enough time. If you think you can clean your roof in a single hour, you may want to think again! This work is a time-consuming, lengthy process, especially if it’s your first time doing it.
We highly recommend that you give yourself five or six hours for your first roof soft wash. Additionally, don’t try to wedge this work into a busy day. The last thing you want is to run late for an appointment just because your roof cleaning project ran over. (And you definitely don’t want to rush your roof soft wash and compromise the quality of the final results!)
#2: Getting the Necessary Equipment
If you want to do your own roof soft wash, you’ll need to buy the necessary equipment. Otherwise, you won’t be able to clean your roof in the first place. So, what will you need? We’ve included a bulleted list of the necessary tools below.
- Pressure Washer. This piece of equipment connects to a water source and pressurizes water so you can spray away surface debris.
- Detergent. You can add a simple pressure washing detergent to your pressure washer’s soap tank for more effective pressure washing results.
- Sodium Hypochlorite. This powerful cleaning solution is used to break down the strongest stains and blemishes on your roof.
- Spray Applicator. It’s not safe to put sodium hypochlorite in your pressure washer’s soap tank. Put it inside a spray applicator instead.
- Ladder. You won’t be able to reach your roof without a ladder. Choose a sturdy model, and always remember basic safety precautions.
- Safety Gear. Finally, don’t forget safety gear, including goggles, gloves, full-length pants, and closed-toe shoes. Protect yourself from pressurized water!
#3: Always Prioritizing Your Safety
You may not have realized it, but there’s a lot that can go wrong during a roof soft wash. At Chicagoland Pressure Washing, we’ve heard the horror stories. Sometimes, people set up their ladders incorrectly, and they topple while they’re standing on the top rungs. Other times, people are careless with their pressure washers and accidentally blast their legs.
The last thing you want is for your DIY roof soft wash to land you in urgent care. So always put your safety first! Make sure your ladder is set up in a flat, steady area, and always keep a firm grip on its rungs. Additionally, wear appropriate safety gear, and only aim your pressure washing hose at the surfaces you intend to clean.
#4: Ensuring Safe Results
When washing your roof, you need to take care. That’s because improper techniques can actually cause damage to the roof’s surface. Typically, roofs are delicate structures, and if cleaned with too much water pressure, they can warp, crack, or bend. This is why roofs need to be soft washed instead of pressure washed. A roof soft wash removes all grime from your roof’s surface without damaging it in the process!
Always research an appropriate water setting for your project ahead of time. Different roofing materials require different approaches. A roof soft wash is never a “one size fits all” process.
#5: Conquering Tough Grime
Have you discovered tough stains on your roof? In some cases, soft washing and gentle detergent aren’t enough to remove these marks. This is where sodium hypochlorite comes into play. By using this powerful cleaning solution, you’ll be able to break down even the most stubborn debris, ensuring your roof’s overall cleanliness.
Using sodium hypochlorite is easy. First, put a thin layer of the cleaner onto your roof with a spray applicator. Then, wait fifteen minutes for debris to be broken down. Finally, rinse the area, and you should find that all tough grime is easily removed. This even includes moss, mold, and algae, which would spread across the area if given the opportunity. Don’t let them have the chance!
Don’t Want to DIY?
Do you feel like a DIY roof soft wash isn’t the right choice for you? As you’ve discovered in this blog, there are many challenges that you’ll face during the DIY process. You may even feel a little intimidated as a result! Don’t worry, though. You never have to worry about doing this work alone because Chicagoland Pressure Washing is ready to serve you.
Why choose professional services? First and foremost, it’s a great way to save time and money. Additionally, a team of experts can provide you with higher-quality results. That’s because of their vast roof cleaning experience. Finally, Chicagoland Pressure Washing can provide you with a reasonable price for the full-service roof cleaning you need!
Get Started With Chicagoland Pressure Washing
If you are interested in what we have to offer, why wait to get started? Reach out to Chicagoland Pressure Washing and request an appointment today! By contacting us online with information about your project, you can get a free cost estimate. Then, if you like our asking price, choose a time and date for your appointment. We’ll be there to serve you soon!
Expect a stunning roof at the end of your appointment. At Chicagoland Pressure Washing, we never settle for less than perfection and complete customer satisfaction.
