Frequently Asked Soft Washing and Pressure Washing Questions
Got Questions? We've Got Answers
What is Softwashing and why is it more effective and safer than pressure/power washing?
Softwashing is the more effective, longer lasting alternative to pressure washing. Safe, 100% biodegradable chemicals emulsify dirt and grime, break down insect nests, and kill moss, mildew, algae and bacteria growing on your home.
Softwashing uses one third the amount of water compared to pressure washing and lasts 4-6x longer!
Softwashing became commercially available in the early 1990’s in Florida where humidity creates the perfect place for organic material to grow thus darkening roofs causing energy bills to rise as the temperature of the home increases. In the Pacific Northwest, our climate is not as humid, but still very moist. Regular maintenance of your roof through softwashing mitigates bacterial growth in wet environments and prevents cost increases related to energy bills and premature roof replacements. While pressure washing removes organic growth visible to the naked eye, it can push bacterial roots further into the shingles while also stripping the protective layering present on most shingle roofs. This means not only is your roof damaged but also the organic matter grows back quicker than if you killed the growth at its root.
If you see any organic matter on your roof or home, it’s time to get it softwashed. Call Happy Planet for a quote today!
Why do I need to clean and treat the exterior of my home?
Why “Happy Planet”?
We are a bit fanatical about doing our part to take care of the planet the best we can. Living in Oregon we believe it is our duty to protect that natural landscape that surrounds our cities. Our Good Stewards pledge means we work tirelessly to ensure the chemicals we use are safe, biodegradable, and won’t cause further damage to your home. For example, a roof that is properly maintained and soft washed every 5 years will last almost twice as long before needing to be replaced which means less roofing materials end up in the landfill.
By extending the life of the roof for our customers, we prevent millions of tons of old roofing materials from entering landfills. So much waste is generated when a home is not properly maintained, not to mention the high cost of replacement.
Help us reduce the amount of roofing material sent to the landfill every year by having your roof cleaned and treated so it will last for years to come!
What kinds of surfaces can you clean?
We can clean, treat and sanitize just about any surface on the outside of your home. The most common surfaces to be treated are:
- Roofs
- Decks
- Fences
- Driveways
- Walkways
- Patios
- Exterior Windows
- Brick and concrete
- Metal buildings
- Commercial Roofs
- Awnings
- Pool decks and outdoor furniture
- RV’s, boats and 5th Wheels
- And more! Just ask…
What about spider webs and insect nests around my house, do you get rid of those as well?
Do you need to get on the roof?
What should I expect during the quote appointment?
Since every home is different, the level of treatment required varies so the most accurate way to generate an estimate is in person.
The process is quick and requires very little of your time.
After introducing ourselves, we’ll walk your property with you so you can point out any areas of particular concern.
You may have called us only because you need your roof cleaned but we will still measure your entire property (roof, siding, gutters, walkways, hard scapes, decks, fences, driveways, and sidewalks) so you have options to choose from. There may be surfaces you didn’t know needed cleaning and we want you to be fully informed after our visit.
Our quotes include three levels of packages. We will discuss your options after we’ve completed our measurements and you can book an appointment date right then and there or call us at your earliest convenience. Easy as that, call us today!