Softwashing………What is it?

Softwashing uses low pressure pumps similar pressure to that of a typical garden hose which apply a carefully blended biodegradable solution that is tailored to your property and it’s needs, depending upon the materials it’s made from such as render, tiles, cladding, wood etc and the level of infestation of lichen, moss, algae and other organic stains you can think of.

The fungus and bacteria are not just a sight for sore eyes it is actually eating away at your surfaces. The solution we apply to the surfaces kills all the bacteria’s growing on it while also bringing your building back to life and you will have wished you done it sooner! The results last up to 5 times longer than pressure washing due to the solution getting to the root of the problem.

Mould, lichen, and moss

Mould, lichen, and moss all love to breed in warm moist environments and unfortunately roofs often make the ideal breeding grounds. Your roof is meant to repel water from entering your building but if it is covered in moss it will make water stay around longer. The constant moisture can lead to bacteria and mould growth which can be a health hazard. This can also lead to infestations in your gutters and inside roof space. Anything on your roof is going to get in the way of rain that is trying to make its way to the gutters. The longer moisture is held on your roof it will wear away at your roofing and seep into the building and moss is the most damaging. Because it grows so thick, almost like a patch of grass on your roof, it has the ability to soak up so much extra moisture. Moss grows something known as rhizoids, which basically act as roots. These can find their way under your tiles or tiles and force them to warp, shift, or crack. Likewise, moisture that is held by lichen or moss can freeze in cold weather and cause cracks in your roofing. While moss doesn’t have real roots, it has tiny protrusions that look like roots, and it will form its own soil by collecting dirt and debris from the air. Cleaning moss off roof tiles is generally best done as soon as possible before this soil has a chance to gather. The moss will also cause gutters and downpipes to become blocked.

Lichen – Lichen isn’t a plant. In fact, it’s not even a single organism. It’s actually a combination of algae and fungi living together. And on a roof, it usually looks like a green or yellow crust that grows in patches. While moss can look quite luscious, lichen usually grows much thinner and closer to the surface of your roof.

Health Hazards
Mould is a dangerous fungus that can become airborne and pose a serious health risk if it works its way into your building. When any growth builds up on your roof over time, you risk exposing your rafters and other wood to moisture, which will become a quick breeding ground for mould. While minor symptoms of mould include simple coughing and runny nose, people have varying levels of sensitivity. All four types of growth are dangerous to the structural integrity of a roof because they breed moisture, which can degrade the quality of the tiles. Mould and mildew are most dangerous of all due to their detrimental health effects as the toxins can spread through the air conditioning system. The spores of algae, moss, mould and mildew travel through the air, but they don’t nest on rooftops unless certain conditions are in place. On buildings that are highly vulnerable to rooftop formations of algae, moss, mould and mildew, the problem can also spread indoors if gaps exist where standing water can leak into the roof space. If a fungus has developed along moisture deposits and water puddles on the roof, any path that leads indoors will carry the malignant growth into the building.

Biocide Treatment

This is a high-grade microbiological biocide to impregnate the roof tiles and stop germination of the spores. In addition, inhibiting the regrowth of moss lichens and algae. Plus, it remains active for approximately 3-5 years. This will therefore extend the life of the roof – a clean roof is a healthy roof.