Quick answer:
Soft washing is the method we use on every roof we clean in New Smyrna Beach. It applies a low-pressure solution of sodium hypochlorite, surfactant, and water that removes algae and organic growth while it dwells on the surface, so the solution does the cleaning work. Pressure washing relies on the force of high-pressure water and belongs on hard, flat surfaces like driveways and concrete.
Roofs along our part of the Florida coast stay warm and damp for much of the year. Humidity, frequent rain, and salt air off the Atlantic all speed up algae and organic growth on exterior surfaces.
As a locally owned crew in New Smyrna Beach, we hear one question often during roof estimates: should my roof be soft washed or pressure washed? We answer by looking at what’s being cleaned first, since each method is built for a different kind of surface.
What Is the Difference Between Soft Washing and Pressure Washing a Roof?
Both methods clean exterior surfaces. The difference comes down to what does the work: a cleaning solution or the force of the water.
How Soft Washing Works
Soft washing applies a cleaning solution at low pressure through a soft wash gun. Sodium hypochlorite is the professional cleaning chemical in our roof mix, the surfactant is a cleaning agent added alongside it, and water makes up the rest.
Once the solution is on the roof, it needs dwell time. That waiting period is when the solution goes to work on the algae and organic growth, so the pressure can stay low the whole time. We believe soft washing is the better method for roofs.
How Pressure Washing Works
Pressure washing uses high-pressure water to clean, and it works best on hard, flat areas. We pair it with a rotary surface cleaner, a tool built for concrete that leaves an even finish. On roofs, we keep high pressure off entirely.
The table below lays the two methods side by side.
Which Roof Cleaning Method Fits Your Roof Type?
We soft wash clay tile, shingle, and metal roofs, and tile is the roof we see most often in New Smyrna Beach.
Metal roofs follow the same low-pressure approach, and the two sections below cover tile and shingle in more detail.
Clay Tile Roofs
On a tile roof, we walk across it and apply the solution from above. Working from the roof itself gives every section full, even coverage, and the low-pressure application stays gentle on the tile.
Asphalt Shingle Roofs
For shingle roofs, the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association’s guidance on algae discoloration advises against using a power washer on asphalt roofing. The bulletin also notes that a solution of sodium hypochlorite and water can lighten algae discoloration, and sodium hypochlorite is the core of our soft wash mix.
The association also points out that algae discoloration is most widespread in the Gulf States and along the Eastern Seaboard, especially where conditions are warm and humid. Coastal Volusia County fits that description well.
The bulletin adds that the effect of cleaning is temporary and discoloration may come back over time. To plan around that, see our guide on how often to clean your roof in New Smyrna Beach.
Where Pressure Washing Still Has a Job
Pressure washing earns its place on the hard surfaces around your home. Driveways, walkways, and flat concrete can take the force, and the rotary surface cleaner covers that ground evenly.
Our driveway process pairs that pressure with a cleaning solution. We pre-wet the surrounding grass, pre-treat the surface with sodium hypochlorite, run the surface cleaner across the full driveway, and post-treat where it’s needed. Matching the tool to the surface is the whole decision: soft washing for roofs, pressure washing for concrete.
How We Soft Wash a Roof in New Smyrna Beach
Every roof soft washing job we do follows these six steps.
- In-person estimate. We never quote blind. Every estimate is done in person: we walk the property with you, flag anything we see, and give you a straight answer on what it’ll take and what to expect.
- Plant and landscape protection. Before we apply anything, we pre-treat and water your plants, grass, and landscaping. Protecting everything around your home is a standard step in our process.
- Runoff management. If your home has gutters, we redirect the downspouts to manage runoff. If it doesn’t, we pre-wet the grass and plants and keep watering them throughout the job.
- Application and dwell time. We apply the soft wash solution at low pressure, working from on the roof when it’s tile. The solution then dwells on the surface while it breaks down the growth.
- Before and after photos. We document every job with before and after photos, so you can see exactly what changed, and you have a record of your property’s condition.
- Final walk-through. Every job comes with our 100% satisfaction guarantee: we walk the property with you when we’re done, and we don’t leave until you’re happy.
Our page on roof soft washing in New Smyrna Beach shows before and after results from local roofs. If you’re planning roof cleaning in New Smyrna Beach, FL, and wondering when to book, our guide to the best time to clean your roof here covers scheduling.
How to Tell Which Method a Roof Cleaner Will Use
A few questions asked before the job starts will tell you exactly how it will be done. A company that soft washes roofs can answer each one clearly.
- Will you use a soft wash solution or high pressure on the roof surface? A clear answer names the method outright.
- What goes into your solution? A pro can name the ingredients, such as sodium hypochlorite and a surfactant.
- How will you protect my plants and handle runoff? Listen for specific steps, like pre-treating plants and redirecting downspouts.
- Will you look at the roof in person before giving me a price? An in-person look lets the crew flag anything before the job starts.
- Will we walk the property together when the job is done? A final walk-through gives you a chance to raise questions on the spot.
These are the same questions we answer at every estimate. When you compare quotes, look at the method each company plans to use as well as the bottom line. Our guide to what goes into a roof cleaning price covers the cost side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you bring your own water?
We carry a 300-gallon tank on the truck, but at full draw our equipment empties it in about 18 minutes. Hooking up to your outdoor water supply keeps the job moving, and we mention it at the estimate so there are no surprises. Your spigot ends up doing a lot of the heavy lifting.
Do you walk on my roof?
On tile roofs, yes. Walking the roof is part of the plan we set during the estimate, so you’ll know before cleaning day that someone will be up there.
Are there roofs you won’t clean?
Every roof is different. If we have any concerns about access or condition, we’ll tell you upfront during the estimate. We may decline extremely steep or heavily compromised roofs.
Does it matter if my roof doesn’t have gutters?
Yes, mainly in how long the job takes. Without gutters, runoff management continues for the entire job, so the work runs longer. We factor that in during the estimate.
Get a Straight Answer on Your Roof
If you’re not sure what your roof needs or which method a company plans to use, we can help. We answer on the first ring, and in most cases, we’re out to you the same day for a free, in-person estimate. We’ll look at your roof with you and explain how we’d clean it. Call us at (386) 290-1823, or request your free estimate and we’ll set up a time to see your roof in person.
