What is Soft Washing? The Safe, Non-Destructive Roof Cleaning Solution
Discover the advanced, biocide-based technique that eliminates moss, algae, and lichen at the root without the damage risk of high-pressure jet washing.
Why Traditional Pressure Washing Fails
High-pressure jet washing is often seen as a quick fix for moss and dirt, but it can be highly detrimental to UK roofs. Standard pressure washing uses intense force that can:
Damage Tiles: Blast away the protective granular surface of concrete and clay tiles, significantly reducing their lifespan and making them porous.
Cause Leaks: Force water underneath overlapped tiles, leading to immediate leaks and long-term timber rot beneath the surface.
Temporary Fix: While it removes visible moss, it fails to kill the deep-rooted algae spores and lichen, meaning regrowth is rapid, often returning thicker and sooner.
We advise against pressure washing entirely and use only professional techniques designed for longevity and safety.
The Science Behind Biocide-Based Soft Washing
Soft Washing is a professional, non-abrasive method that relies on chemical science, not destructive force. It is the most recommended cleaning technique by roofing manufacturers.
The process uses a low-pressure spray to apply a diluted, specially formulated biocide solution. This solution achieves two critical outcomes:
Elimination: It deeply penetrates the pores of the roof tiles, effectively killing all microscopic organic growth, including the spores and root systems of moss, algae, and lichen.
Prevention: The active biocide remains on the surface for an extended period, acting as an inhibitor to prevent immediate regrowth.
This gentle approach cleans your roof without compromising the integrity of the tiles or the structure underneath.
Our Step-by-Step Soft Washing Procedure
We follow a meticulous process to ensure maximum effectiveness and safety for your property:
Site Preparation: We secure the work area, protect your plants and surrounding surfaces, and ensure access to your water supply.
Heavy Moss Removal: Large clumps of moss are gently scraped and removed by hand using specialized tools to prevent blockages in the gutters and drains.
Biocide Application: The professional Soft Washing solution is carefully applied to the entire roof surface using a low-pressure sprayer, ensuring even, deep saturation.
Dwell Time: The solution is left to dwell, where it instantly begins working to kill the organic growth.
Rinse & Tidy: We perform a final rinse (if necessary) and clear all gutters. All debris is collected, removed from your site, and the surrounding areas are thoroughly washed down.
The Long-Term Benefits of Choosing Soft Washing
Opting for our Soft Washing service provides value that lasts well beyond the initial cleaning day:
Longevity: The biocide keeps your roof clean for typically 3 to 5 years, a significant advantage over high-pressure washing’s short-term results.
Roof Preservation: By avoiding pressure damage, you preserve the manufacturer’s warranty and extend the overall lifespan of your roof tiles.
Enhanced Appearance: The treatment removes unsightly black, green, and red staining, restoring your roof’s natural colour and dramatically boosting your home’s curb appeal in Exeter and Torbay.
Certified Soft Washing & Exterior Cleaning Solutions for Lasting Protection
Our certified cleaning specialists provide professional moss removal, protective coatings, and full exterior cleaning—ensuring every project restores your property’s appearance and keeps your roof protected from damage.
We were completely against pressure washing our roof, but Fortress Cleaning educated us on Soft Washing. Their approach in Exeter was incredibly gentle. The moss is completely gone, and we have peace of mind knowing our old tiles haven’t been damaged. A truly professional and safe method we highly recommend.
Mr. R. Davies
Exeter
The results from the Soft Washing service in Torbay are night and day! We were amazed that such a low-pressure wash could be so effective. The biocide treatment worked wonders; all the black algae and lichen are fading away, and our roof looks cleaner every week. This is definitely the long-term solution we were looking for.
Sarah K
Paignton
What sold us on Fortress Cleaning was the focus on prevention. They didn’t just remove the moss; they treated the whole roof with the biocide to stop it coming back. It’s been six months since the work in Exmouth, and the roof still looks brand new. It’s a genuine investment that pays off in roof preservation.
John & Emily B
Exmouth
The team was meticulous. They fully explained the Soft Washing process and protected all our plants and garden furniture. The roof on our Newton Abbot home is now spotless, and they left zero mess behind. If you are worried about damaging your roof, this is the company and method to choose.
Laura G
Newton Abbot
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Reach Us
Email :
info@fortresscleaning.uk
Phone :
07597 360110