Those black streaks on the roof are alive
The dark streaks running down so many roofs around Cleveland are usually algae, not dirt. It feeds on the shingles, holds moisture, and spreads from the shaded side of the roof outward. Pressure washing shingles strips the protective granules; soft washing kills the growth and lets it rinse away.
Gentle on siding, thorough on growth
Vinyl siding overlaps, and high pressure aimed upward can drive water behind it. Soft washing applies the solution at low pressure, gives it time to work, and rinses it off gently. The same approach works on stucco, EIFS, and painted surfaces on both homes and commercial buildings.
We wet down and rinse plants and landscaping around the work area and keep solution away from spots where runoff could collect.
When soft washing is the better call
If the surface is soft, painted, layered, or roofing, it gets soft washed. If it is concrete, pavers, or bare masonry, it usually gets pressure washed. Most properties have both, which is why we often do both in one visit.
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