What is power washing?
Did you ever put your thumb on the end of your garden hose and spring the neighbor’s cat across the yard? You just pressurized the hose some. Granted not that much but the principle is the same. Let’s start with some numbers. A standard home faucet runs anywhere between 40 and 60 PSI (pounds per square inch). Now, when you use the squirt function on that fancy hose nozzle you bought at the home improvement store for $20, the pressure builds up to almost 300 PSI.
If you want to trade up for a power washer instead of your thumb you will need to rent a unit at your local hardware store. Those, either gas or electric powered, units will range anywhere between 2000 and 4000 PSI! That is incredible power. Basically, it is about 50 times the pressure of your hose. Do you think your roof would take that type of pressure without damaging it? What about if you did it 3 or 4 times a year? How do you think your roof would weather that pressure?
Should you be using soap?
The principle of the power washer is that it physically pushes the dirt and mold off the surface. However, it can easily take pieces of the roof off as well along with the dirt. Further, there is no guarantee that the mold and mildew is actually gone. Instead it could still be in a crack growing. You should clean your roof like you do your cloths, with soap. Soft washing is the art of cleaning your roof with detergents (similar to laundry detergents) and low pressure waters, under 2000 PSI.
Why aren’t you already soft washing?
Sounds easy? Well, a professional is your sure-fire way to get an experience pro that has all of the detergents and soaps ready and the pressure system in place to get the job done right the first time. With low-pressure water you don’t have to worry about damaging your singles. Instead you can enjoy the long life of your roof.
Contact us today at The Powerwash Company for a free quote!
