Your property’s curb appeal is paramount in maintaining its value and keeping it in proper repair. In Woodbridge, Virginia and all over the country, insurance companies have started to require a roof wash treatment to remove the deterioration causing algae indicated by the unsightly black streaks and discoloration on your roof shingles before renewing homeowner’s policies. Roof cleaning is a safe and effective method for removing algae, mold, grime and other contaminants that thrive in areas with excessive moisture and trees without causing harm to roofing materials. In fact, ProExteriorWash Plus uses the asphalt shingle manufacturer’s recommended process and detergents to clean your roof safely and effectively. Here's everything you need to prepare for a roof wash in Woodbridge and other locations across Northern Virginia:

Proper roof washing utilizes low-pressure water combined with specialized treatment mix to gently wash dirt, algae, and other organic growth from roof surfaces. Unlike pressure washing or power washing, which can damage delicate roofing materials, soft washing provides a thorough yet gentle cleaning solution that extends the lifespan of your roof and dramatically improves the beauty of your home’s exterior.

Benefits:

• Preservation of Roofing Materials: Soft wash roof cleaning is gentle on shingles, tiles, and other roofing materials, preventing unnecessary wear and tear.
• Elimination of Harmful Contaminants: Algae, mold, and mildew growth not only detract from your home's appearance but can also compromise the structural integrity of your roof. Soft wash cleaning effectively cleans these contaminants, protecting your roof.
• Long-lasting Results: Soft wash roof cleaning in Woodbridge, VA, and Northern Virginia provides long-lasting results, keeping your roof free from organic growth for an extended period.

Preparing for Roof Wash Service:

1. Clear the Area: Before the soft wash roof cleaning service, it is highly recommended that the homeowner move any objects or debris from around your home. This includes patio furniture, vehicles, fabric items like flags and outdoor carpets and moveable potted plants to ensure unobstructed access to the roof and minimize risks from overspray.
2. Protect Surrounding Surfaces: Cover sensitive landscaping, outdoor furniture, and exterior surfaces with tarps or plastic sheeting to prevent damage from overspray and runoff. Heavily water shrubs, flowers, and grass adjacent to your home the day prior to your roof cleaning service so that plants are not “thirsty”. A professional service will perform this task when they arrive in addition to any pre-watering you may do.
3. Communicate with the Service Provider: Provide clear instructions and any pertinent information to the roof cleaning service. This includes any specific areas of concern or access instructions to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
4. Schedule Cleaning During Ideal Weather Conditions: Ideally, schedule soft wash roof cleaning on a clear day with moderate temperatures. Avoid scheduling the service temperatures below 60 degrees to allow for optimal conditions.
5. Follow Post-Cleaning Recommendations: After soft wash roof cleaning, follow any recommendations provided by the service provider to maintain the cleanliness and integrity of your roof. This may include periodic inspections, additional treatments as needed, or post-service watering of vegetation for additional care. Typically stains will disappear in only a few hours and the next heavy rain will rinse your roof of any stubborn moss that may remain.

What to Expect from a Professional Roof Washing Service:   

1. Before beginning your roof wash, technicians should bag or divert gutter downspouts to prevent highly concentrated treatment mix from harming plants and vegetation.
2. The groundman will begin spraying all plants and vegetation to coat with fresh water on the leaves and saturating the roots.
3. Areas with mild moss growth may be lightly brush with a soft-bristle brush to agitate and loosen; however, it is not recommended to aggressively remove moss because the roots with dislodge gravel and weaken the shingle's pliability. Moss will turn white and die shortly after application. The moss will then be washed off with a few heavy rains after the roots die and release.
4. Almost more important than the roof technician is the ground crewman. His job is to make sure that water is continuously sprayed to prevent overspray from landing on sensitive areas. He is thoroughly rinsing siding, gutter faces, windows, and other areas to prevent damage. This also why it is essential to ensure furniture and other items are moved away from the home prior to arrival.
5. Once prep work is completed, the roof technician will begin applying a sodium hypochlorite mixture, the chemical from which we derive bleach, and a surfactant that holds the chemical treatment to the roof and allows treatment to work more effectively. The detergent will foam up while activating and killing bacteria growth known as Gleocapsa Magma and indicated by black streak on shingles. It may depend on the severity of growth whether we need to rinse the roof and treat again. Your technician with discuss with you options after the first application. Most often we will eliminate these unsightly streaks in one treatment.
6. Upon completion of the roof wash, technician will dispose of downspout bags and spray water in those areas to dilute any overflow. once the roof dries, the chemical converts to salt; however, after raining, the surfactant may cause soap bubbles at the downspouts. No need to worry, this soap is not harmful.
7. ProExteriorWash Plus will follow up after a few days to inquire about the results and may perform a site visit to inspect the results.

A roof wash offers a safe and effective solution for maintaining the cleanliness and longevity of your roof as well as the overall appearance of your home in Woodbridge, Virginia, and surrounding areas of Northern Virginia. By understanding the process and adequately preparing for the service, you can enjoy a clean and well-maintained roof that enhances the beauty and value of your home.

ProExteriorWash Plus provides expert pressure washing services in the Woodbridge, Virginia area including roof washing, house washing and a suite of related services. Get your instant quote and schedule your service! Feel free to call or text for more information.