I'm in the stages of researching the soft wash method and industry. I see a HUGE market where I live - near the West Coastline. My goal is to figure out the basic steps of washing then purchase equipment and get up a running!
This is what I did as a learning curve on my brothers concrete roof:
1:2 mixture (1part 12.5% SH, 2 parts H20), added about 3 oz of 'citrus boost' from PWS. The black molde / mildew was dissolved. The algae/moss was lightened but the green--turned brown- material remained. The first area I rinsed with water about 15-20 min after application. The second area I left on overnight.
Both areas looked considerably cleaner from afar but up close the concrete tiles did not look smooth. The texture of moss material remained. Is this typical for a concrete roof? I attached a couple pics.
In my experience, your mix isn't strong enough for concrete tile. Moss will almost always remain, but if you've killed it, will come off with the rain.
BlueRidge said
Jan 12, 2018
Welcome to NSWA Barrett.
No less than 50% with extra surfactant.
BarrettMiller said
Jan 12, 2018
Thanks guys!
Yes It seems the concrete is extremely porous and the moss has it's roots in deep. My other concern is the smell. The "Citrus" from PWS didn't do a sufficient enough job masking. I will search and order more options. I'm looking at the "Rain Fresh" from Soft Wash Systems. That along with a 'green' wash might be the combo to combat this tough moss on concrete. Do you guys find the "Agent Green" or "Green Wash" improves the efficacy of the soft wash mix? i.e. increases it's potency?
waxman18324 said
Jan 12, 2018
Welcome aboard. Are there gutters on the house? If so just leave the roof mix on the roof after applying a 50/50 mix. Check to see where the gutter system daylights to avoid possible plant material damage. With concrete you might need a second application to some areas. I've never used any surfactants from the industry vendors. I live in the Stone Age and still use dawn for all our work.
Hank
Eric Schnaible said
Jan 13, 2018
Welcome Barrett
BlueRidge said
Jan 13, 2018
BarrettMiller wrote:
Thanks guys! Yes It seems the concrete is extremely porous and the moss has it's roots in deep. My other concern is the smell. The "Citrus" from PWS didn't do a sufficient enough job masking. I will search and order more options. I'm looking at the "Rain Fresh" from Soft Wash Systems. That along with a 'green' wash might be the combo to combat this tough moss on concrete. Do you guys find the "Agent Green" or "Green Wash" improves the efficacy of the soft wash mix? i.e. increases it's potency?
I gave up on masking three or four years ago and just tell everyone what we use. Much easier. I have never used anything from SWS.
Bryan P said
Jan 13, 2018
BarrettMiller wrote:
Thanks guys! Yes It seems the concrete is extremely porous and the moss has it's roots in deep. My other concern is the smell. The "Citrus" from PWS didn't do a sufficient enough job masking. I will search and order more options. I'm looking at the "Rain Fresh" from Soft Wash Systems. That along with a 'green' wash might be the combo to combat this tough moss on concrete. Do you guys find the "Agent Green" or "Green Wash" improves the efficacy of the soft wash mix? i.e. increases it's potency?
I haven't found much that masks the scent of a 4% or 5% mix. Green Wash is a great roof cleaning soap. Maybe my favorite I've used. I also like Agent Green...it's very similar to Green Wash and they both have some sort of agent that improves the efficiency of the SH. I don't know to qualify that, but that's what they say. Neither will make the roof mix smell good though. Agent Green smells like apples and you can add even more apple scent from Power Wash Store...it's called "apple boost". I think most people steer away from SWS soaps because they are expensive, but they are really nice soaps.
BarrettMiller said
Jan 13, 2018
Thanks for the welcomes and info guys! Hank I'll increase my concoction and do a solid second coat.
Bryan, I will do some research with the Green Wash choices and check them out!
Whats the best method you guys have found that works for explaining and prepping customer's of the SH smell? Of course it's going to be windows, doors closed, no kids in the yard etc.
waxman18324 said
Jan 13, 2018
An old saying is...If you can smell chlorine you know it's clean.
Hello All
I'm in the stages of researching the soft wash method and industry. I see a HUGE market where I live - near the West Coastline. My goal is to figure out the basic steps of washing then purchase equipment and get up a running!
This is what I did as a learning curve on my brothers concrete roof:
1:2 mixture (1part 12.5% SH, 2 parts H20), added about 3 oz of 'citrus boost' from PWS. The black molde / mildew was dissolved. The algae/moss was lightened but the green--turned brown- material remained. The first area I rinsed with water about 15-20 min after application. The second area I left on overnight.
Both areas looked considerably cleaner from afar but up close the concrete tiles did not look smooth. The texture of moss material remained. Is this typical for a concrete roof? I attached a couple pics.
Thanks for your thoughts!
Barrett
In my experience, your mix isn't strong enough for concrete tile. Moss will almost always remain, but if you've killed it, will come off with the rain.
Welcome to NSWA Barrett.
No less than 50% with extra surfactant.
Yes It seems the concrete is extremely porous and the moss has it's roots in deep. My other concern is the smell. The "Citrus" from PWS didn't do a sufficient enough job masking. I will search and order more options. I'm looking at the "Rain Fresh" from Soft Wash Systems. That along with a 'green' wash might be the combo to combat this tough moss on concrete. Do you guys find the "Agent Green" or "Green Wash" improves the efficacy of the soft wash mix? i.e. increases it's potency?
Hank
I gave up on masking three or four years ago and just tell everyone what we use. Much easier. I have never used anything from SWS.
I haven't found much that masks the scent of a 4% or 5% mix. Green Wash is a great roof cleaning soap. Maybe my favorite I've used. I also like Agent Green...it's very similar to Green Wash and they both have some sort of agent that improves the efficiency of the SH. I don't know to qualify that, but that's what they say. Neither will make the roof mix smell good though. Agent Green smells like apples and you can add even more apple scent from Power Wash Store...it's called "apple boost". I think most people steer away from SWS soaps because they are expensive, but they are really nice soaps.
Bryan, I will do some research with the Green Wash choices and check them out!
Whats the best method you guys have found that works for explaining and prepping customer's of the SH smell? Of course it's going to be windows, doors closed, no kids in the yard etc.
Hank