[Matt Gibson]

For you guys that use the softwash method to clean roofs, Do you need to get up there and scrape the moss off first? or can you just spray the chemical straight on? If you just spray the chemical straight on, will the large chunks of moss die and fall off?

I don't do too many roof cleans, but I'm looking to start cleaning them using the softwash method. I don't particularly like being on a roof, and i don't do enough of them to invest in the rope system like some of the guys on here.

So any info about the softwash method would be much appreciated.

[Clean-it services]

I tend to go up on the roof and scrap the moss of. Then spray the algo clear on as the chemicals work a lot better if most of the moss is of.

[Matt Gibson]

Cheers mate,

I assume the easiest way to remove the moss is with a scraper? Im thinking that softwashing just creates more work. As in getting up to scrape the moss, then having to spray the chemical. Is there a quicker way to remove the moss? stiff brush or something? 
(and yes, a quicker way to remove the moss would be to use the pressure washer  )

[Clean-it services]

All tyles are different mate but I tend to use scraper, hard brush, soft brush i just take all sorts up with me and find out which is the quickest method for the roof  I'm working on. It does take longer but you price accordingly.

I've not long been doing this method so if any one has any more info please let us no

Mark

[Ben wood]

Can I ask what safety you use while up there working as a customer of mine wants me to pressure wash his roof and being a house don't fancy falling off. It has 4 sides of tiles so on both ends I can't use a roof ladder as no ridge.

[Matt Gibson]

I usually use a cat ladder with a harness. Few guys on here use a rope system. Looks the business and is safe. Ropes are pretty much the only way your going to get the sides without the ridge.

[Rob_Mac]

I've looked at this as an option -

http://www.ladders-999.co.uk/roof-ladders/light-duty-lsd-roof-access-system.html

Here's Lee (probably one of the lads) I guess he has a harness onto the roof ladder - can't really see properly.

Here's another one - American

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xybg_DGBf8o

And another

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5eICjQhVn8

Rob

[Matt Gibson]

I know there are other options for working on roofs out there. The rope option seems good to me, though i would need to get more info on the finer points.

I just like the idea of softwashing. Even removing the moss, you dont have to be standing up on the ladder all day on the roof as awkward angles, and can spray the chems on from one spot with a telescopic pole.

[Don Kee]

All tyles are different mate but I tend to use scraper, hard brush, soft brush i just take all sorts up with me and find out which is the quickest method for the roof  I'm working on. It does take longer but you price accordingly.

I've not long been doing this method so if any one has any more info please let us no

Mark

Cowboy

[Smudger]

How long does that take then ? Scraping off a roof??

Around here a good proportion of roofs are clay tiles so I wasn't planning on scraping or soft washing these just a good old pressure wash...

Darran

[Matt Gibson]

Be interested to know what kind of softwashing kit people are using. Pump boxes? Self mixing? Decent brands? The algo clear one is over £500 

[Phil @ Extreme Clean]

you need to get on the roof and scrape if big chunks and best way is with a scraper and stiff brush. If it's flat algae then just spraying will be ok. We bought the system and it did a good job but doe's seem a lot for what it is but then it measures the chem mix exactly. We tested on a bungalow 2 of us it took around 10hours in all that was little hand size tiles so more scraping because of the amount of lines. you just need to have a go and get a feel of what works for you i do know the edges of r scraper worn away and it was harder to scraper so a new scraper on each job lol. Also as Rob showed in link the LSD platform looks great we was looking at an Easi-dec so setup to gutter height then cat of roof i think that would be quicker if access was ok.

[Rob_Mac]

Phil

Was that an average size roof?

Rob

[Phil @ Extreme Clean]

It was quite big i forgot the size now it was an L shape so the back was normal house size then the side was long i think m2 was around 90mtres

[Rob_Mac]

Did the client specifically request a softwash or did you offer it as an option to standard pressure washing?

Rob

[chris scott]

For you guys that use the softwash method to clean roofs, Do you need to get up there and scrape the moss off first? or can you just spray the chemical straight on? If you just spray the chemical straight on, will the large chunks of moss die and fall off?

I don't do too many roof cleans, but I'm looking to start cleaning them using the softwash method. I don't particularly like being on a roof, and i don't do enough of them to invest in the rope system like some of the guys on here.

So any info about the softwash method would be much appreciated.

If the large lumps are not completely saturated regrowth can occur. By scraping you are exposing the "root" system. It is a lot less messy to hand scrape...the moss is easily handled whilst dry. Down side is it takes a while to clear the roof compared to pressure washing...although clean up times are 10 x quicker without ping the neighbours off.

We use two builders bags inside each other containing 25litre drums...these are then filled with water forming a ground anchor.
 

[Matt Gibson]

Cheers for all the replies guys, i appreciate it.

Chris, got your email mate, thanks. I think im going to kit myself out with a decent roof ladder and some ropes and ook at the softwash equipment a bit later on. Just dont really have the time at the moment to be messing about trying to put something together and test it, and dont really want to pay £500 for a plastic box with a pump inside. But its all given me a bit of food for thought and i wouldnt mind having some kit for the softwashing, so i can offer it to the client as an alternative option.

[Phil @ Extreme Clean]

Did the client specifically request a softwash or did you offer it as an option to standard pressure washing?

Rob

We just advertised soft wash roof cleaning and moss treatment in local mag got a call and explained the process and did the job