Your roof is not dirty…it’s infested with bacteria.

Your roof’s “dirt” is actually a form of bacteria, thriving and feasting on your roofing surfaces first, but you will probably see it on other areas of your property too. The bacteria’s scientific name is “Gloeocapsa Magma”, GM for short. The bacteria spores spread by air from roof to roof, property to property. The micro-organisms feed off of moisture, and the limestone fillers found in roofing products. GM is typically found on the north and north east sides of roofs/buildings/fences which receive less sun, along with shady areas that tend to stay wet longer.

Accumulation of the bacteria starts to show as the ugly black/green/gold stuff that you see. This bacteria colony grows an actual microscopic root system that penetrates whatever surface you see it on, even concrete and clay roof tile! The more it grows and spreads unchecked, the more moisture it holds- accelerating the bacteria growth. It is a vicious circle of roof and property destruction, decay and a dramatic drop in your home, or business curb appeal.

For a more detailed, scientific explanation, click here.

No. In fact, the rain adds nourishment to the bacteria and helps it grow. If you look closely after a rain the green/gold color is more vibrant. Remember this Gloeocapsa Magma has a microscopic root system that digs in to the surface.

Usually no. 99% of the time , our roof cleaning and treatment work can be done from the gutter line using ladders, or even from the ground. Softwash equipment and technology allows us to achieve fantastic results this way.

Yes. We get rid of schmutz on the exteriors of homes and buildings, fences, walls, gutters, solar panels, pool decks, driveways and more. Take a look in the Residential and Commercial services section for some great before and after photos.

It can be yes. Left alone to grow and spread this bacteria/mold can end up inside our homes duct system. We have seen it spread inside attics, attaching itself to the underside of roof sheathing. Obviously this means we begin to breathe it on a daily basis. But don’t take it from us. Here is an excerpt from Dr. Victor H. Morgenroth a semi-retired, adjunct professor of neurology at UM:

“While not all mold (fungi) and algae pose a health danger, some are harmful, especially for us older folks, younger children and people who suffer from asthma and respiratory problems. Their spores, which are on your roof, can get inside your home because they end up on the driveway and walkways from rain, and are easily tracked inside. They can even be drawn into our air conditioning systems and eventually populate our ducts.

Different mold species can have varying health effects, but it is important to remember that any excessive mold growth needs to be taken care of, regardless of the species. Any excessive mold growth can lead to increased allergies, toxicity, and house/building structural problems.”

To read the entire article “Roof Algae Health Concerns” by Dr. Morganroth (click here)

No! Even though we could make WAY more money pressure washing your roof, its the wrong thing to do on many levels. Here are just a few reasons why pressure washing is the WORST thing you can do:

• Pressure washing Gloeocapsa Magma is the equivalent of mowing and fertilizing your lawn. It does not kill the root system. Pressure washing just trims the top of it leaving the root system in place. It also spreads the bacteria everywhere and waters it at the same time. All bad. You may think it’s gone but what you’ve done is groomed and fed this monster that will return thicker, healthier and in much bigger quantities.
• Pressure/power washing is incredibly destructive and dangerous (click here ). Most roofing manufacturers will void product warranties if you pressure wash. Don’t fall for the often told tale of pressure washing “soft tips” or “we turn the pressure down” nonsense.
• Pressure/power washing in most cases is in direct violation of Drought Ordinances, Clean Water Act, Stormwater Pollution Prevention Control, and more. These violations subject you and the pressure washer to monetary fines by state and local authorities.

The solution is softwashing by Coastal Softwash USA.

New to the West Coast, Soft Washing has been used extensively and successfully throughout the East Coast for decades. It is simply a cheaper, faster, safer way to clean and sanitize exterior surfaces. Soft Washing is used extensively at theme parks, sports stadiums, on cruise ships and even children’s playgrounds. In the residential marketplace, this method is best used for Roof Cleaning, House Washing, Deck Cleaning, Fence cleaning and in some cases cement cleaning. Because of the damage that pressure washing (also known as power washing) can do to exterior surfaces, the soft wash process of using highly effective eco-safe cleaning detergents, 100% biodegradable chemicals, and very low water pressure was developed. The softwash system not only cleans better, but also is used to treat and sanitize the surfaces as well. The end result is the mold and bacteria are killed at the roots which prohibits it from returning for many years.

With Soft Washing, custom blended cleaning solutions are applied to the surface by use of special, low pressure pumps. The pressure is about the same as what would be seen coming from a garden hose. It is the cleaning solution that does all the work. Whereas, with the use of a power washer, it is the pressure of the water stream that is trying to do the cleaning by cutting, but is usually damaging the surface at the same time. Soft Washing cleans and brightens without the abrasive damage of a pressure-washer.

Yes, because we are trained, certified and use state of the art equipment and technology. Each application is specifically tailored and mixed to achieve the goal of cleaning and sanitizing the particular item we are working on- roof, exterior, fence, pool deck etc. This, along with our state of the art, low pressure equipment allows us to be very precise and accurate in applying our eco- safe, 100% biodegradable mixture directly to the infested areas.

Of course, but because we are using hoses, ladders etc., it is always best to keep kids and pets inside until we are finished, everything is dry, and all our equipment is rolled up and secure. Rest assured that, while we are prohibited from using its name, our soft wash process has been used extensively by a well know theme park in Orlando, Florida (hint-it’s mascot is a mouse) .

Absolutely. Soft Washing is the environmentally responsible choice.

Coastal Softwash USA’s soft wash system has been built completely around a mindset of environmental stewardship and was developed by a horticulturist.

• Coastal Softwash USA’s system uses approximately two thirds less water than pressure washing.
• Coastal Softwash USA’s system doesn’t use fossil fuel burning engines like pressure washing.
• Coastal Softwash USA’s system lasts four to six times longer than traditional pressure washing- meaning less visits, less chemicals, less water, less energy and less waste!

Soft washing was created specifically to address drought issues. Generally speaking the soft wash process uses just 1/3 the amount of water that pressure washing uses. As an example, an average roof can be effectively soft washed using approximately 1 bathtub full of water. That’s it. Our process complies with drought ordinances, the Storm Water Pollution Control policies and the Clean Water Act.

Remember, you are eradicating a potential health hazard to yourself and your family while improving the appearance of your property, your neighborhood and saving water too.

Yes! Approximately 70% of our business today is still pressure washing. Pressure washing,though, is best used on hard flat surfaces such as concrete, brick, stone etc., usually found on patios, pool decks, driveways, etc. We still will always softwash first, then pressure wash, so the surface cleaned is 100% sanitized and any moss/mold/algae is killed. Pressure washing alone will not do that.

Yes. We include a 5 year “spot free” warranty for all soft wash projects. This warranty stays with the home and is therefore transferable.

Yes. We are certified by Softwash Systems Inc. which requires extensive training of products, equipment, mixology, safety and integrity through classes, seminars, labs and more.

Of course. For your protection, we carry $1,000,000 Public Liability and Property Damage insurance  along with the expected Workers Compensation insurance for all our employees.