Soft Washing Barrel Tile Roofs: What You Need to Know.

Maintaining a barrel tile roof is crucial for protecting your home. These delicate tiles can accumulate dirt, stains, mold, and unwanted organisms without regular cleaning, leading to more severe issues. Traditional pressure washing can damage these tiles, making soft washing a safer and more effective alternative for cleaning barrel tile roofs.

This article explores the benefits of soft washing for barrel tile roofs. It explains soft washing and why it's preferred over pressure washing. A step-by-step guide shows how to adequately softwash Spanish or Mexican tile roofs. Safety tips ensure the roof cleaning process removes algae and moss without harm.

What Is Soft Washing?

Soft washing is a low-pressure cleaning method that uses specialized solutions. These solutions are carefully formulated to safely remove dirt, stains, mold, and unwanted organisms from surfaces. The solution contains water, biodegradable chemicals, and bleach. The water acts as a carrier for the chemicals, while the biodegradable chemicals break down dirt and stains. The bleach kills mold, mildew, bacteria, algae, and moss.

Unlike pressure washing, soft washing relies on the cleaning solution to do the work. After applying the solution, it sits to eliminate growth before rinsing. This gentle process doesn't damage surfaces or landscaping.

Soft washing is ideal for delicate surfaces like shingles, tiles, wood, and vinyl siding. It cleans thoroughly while preserving the integrity of the material. Companies like Softwash Your Roof specialize in this practical, safe roof cleaning method, offering professional services and expertise to ensure your barrel tile roof is cleaned effectively and safely.

The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, a leading authority in the roofing industry, recommends soft washing for asphalt roofs. This method prevents shingle damage and voided warranties that pressure washing can cause. Soft washing gets to the root of the problem for a spotless roof.

Why Choose Soft Washing for Barrel Tile Roofs?

Soft washing is the preferred method for cleaning barrel tile roofs. It uses low-pressure and specialized solutions to safely remove dirt, stains, mold, and unwanted organisms. This gentle process preserves the delicate tiles while thoroughly cleaning them.

High-pressure washing can damage barrel tiles by:

1. Etching the surface
2. Cutting through sealants
3. Making tiles more porous

Soft washing prevents this damage, extending the roof's life. Companies like Softwash Your Roof use eco-friendly solutions that eliminate algae and moss at the root. This keeps barrel tile roofs looking great without compromising their integrity.

Benefits of Soft Washing Barrel Tile Roofs
Maintains tile manufacturer warranty
Protects roof underlayment from damage
Keeps waterproofing flashings in place
Prevents etching that allows algae growth
Preserves roof color and appearance

Soft washing is the safest and most effective way to clean barrel tile roofs. It delivers excellent results while protecting the unique beauty of Spanish and Mexican tiles.

Step-by-Step Guide to Soft Washing Barrel Tile Roofs

Here is the content for the section “Step-by-Step Guide to Soft Washing Barrel Tile Roofs” in markdown format:

Follow these steps to safely soft wash barrel tile roofs:

Gathering Necessary Equipment and Materials

Assemble the required tools:

Equipment	Purpose
Soft wash system	Applies cleaning solution at low-pressure
Ladder or lift	Provides safe access to the roof
Safety gear	Protects you during the cleaning process

Prepare a cleaning solution with water, biodegradable chemicals, and bleach.

Preparing the Roof and Surrounding Area

Inspect the roof for damage or loose tiles. Document any issues before starting.

Protect plants and landscaping around the home with tarps or plastic sheeting. Water them thoroughly before covering them to keep them hydrated.

Applying the Soft Wash Solution

Apply the cleaning solution to the entire roof using low pressure. Start at the peak and work downward, ensuring even coverage on all sides of each tile. The low pressure ensures that the solution is applied gently, without damaging the tiles. The solution is applied to the entire roof to ensure that all areas are cleaned thoroughly.

Allow the solution to dwell for 5-15 minutes, depending on the severity of the growth. The chemicals will eliminate algae, moss, and bacteria at the source.

Rinsing and Inspecting the Roof

Rinse the roof at the top using a low-pressure nozzle or soft washing equipment. This removes dead organic matter and residue.

Please carefully look over the roof to make sure thorough cleaning is done. Feel free to touch up any missed spots with additional solutions and rinsing.

Remove any protective coverings and clean up equipment. Allow the roof to air dry completely. The tile roof will brighten over the next few days as it dries and any remaining dead growth washes away.

Safety Tips for Soft Washing Barrel Tile Roofs

Follow these safety tips to protect yourself and your home when soft washing barrel tile roofs:

Using Protective Gear

Wear appropriate safety gear, including:

• Non-slip shoes
• Gloves
• Eye protection
• Long sleeves and pants

This protective equipment shields you from cleaning solutions and prevents slips and falls.

Safe Ladder Usage

Use ladders or lifts correctly to access the roof safely:

1. Place ladders on stable, level ground
2. Extend ladders at least 3 feet above the roofline
3. Maintain 3 points of contact when climbing
4. Never overreach or exceed the ladder's weight limit

Proper ladder usage is crucial for preventing accidents during roof cleaning.

Handling Cleaning Solutions

Exercise caution when preparing and applying soft wash solutions:

Safety Measure	Reason
Wear gloves and eye protection	Prevents skin and eye irritation
Mix solutions outdoors	Ensures proper ventilation
Follow manufacturer instructions	Guarantees safe, effective use
Store chemicals securely	Keeps them away from children and pets

By handling cleaning solutions responsibly, you protect yourself and the environment.

Safety should always be the top priority when soft-washing tile roofs. If you need clarification on any aspect of the process, consider hiring a professional company like Softwash Your Roof to ensure the job is done safely and effectively.

Conclusion

Soft washing is the safest and most effective method for cleaning barrel tile roofs. Using low pressure and specialized solutions, it thoroughly cleans while preserving the delicate tiles. Following proper safety precautions and techniques ensures excellent results without compromising the roof's integrity.

For professional soft washing services, contact Softwash Your Roof for a free quote at (786)876-3505 or john@softwashyourroof.com. Their experienced team will keep your barrel tile roof looking great for years.

FAQs

1. What is the recommended method for cleaning a barrel tile roof?
To effectively clean a barrel tile roof, you can employ one of three primary methods: pressure washing, chemical treatments, or manual scrubbing. While pressure washing is popular, it must be executed precisely to prevent damaging the tiles.

2. How can beginners perform a soft wash on a roof?
Beginners looking to softwash a roof should understand that the process involves low-pressure washing combined with specific cleaning solutions designed to safely remove mildew, bacteria, algae, and other organic stains from roofs without damaging the tiles.

3. How long does a barrel tile roof typically last?
Barrel tile roofs, often made from durable clay, are built to last. Depending on environmental conditions and maintenance, they generally have a lifespan of 50 to 100 years.

4. Is it necessary to seal a barrel tile roof?
Sealing a barrel tile roof is highly advisable as it prevents water penetration, which is crucial given the porous nature of materials like cement and concrete. Sealing helps keep out moisture, which can lead to cracking, especially in colder climates where freezing temperatures are expected.