Knowledge Hub / Question
Should I soft wash or pressure clean my roof?
Answered by Luke at Westside Roof Cleaning & Soft Wash, with more than 12 years on Perth roofs.
For most Perth roofs, soft washing is the better choice. It uses low pressure and a cleaning solution to kill moss, lichen and mould without cracking tiles, stripping coatings or forcing water under the roof. Pressure cleaning still has a place on hard surfaces like paving and on some capping, but it is a risk on older tiles.
The difference
- Soft wash: a cleaning solution applied at low pressure kills the growth at the root, then it is gently rinsed off. It’s gentle on tiles, Colorbond and painted finishes.
- Pressure cleaning: high-pressure water physically blasts dirt off. It’s fast on hard surfaces but can erode the surface of tiles, crack brittle ones, and push water under tiles and capping.
When each makes sense
| Surface | Usually best |
|---|---|
| Terracotta, clay and older concrete tiles | Soft wash |
| Colorbond and metal roofs | Soft wash |
| Polycarbonate patio roofs | Soft wash |
| Driveways, paving and limestone | Pressure clean (often with a seal) |
Why we lean toward soft washing roofs
Results last longer because the growth is killed rather than just knocked off, and there’s far less risk of damage. Luke will tell you if your roof would genuinely benefit from a different approach. See our soft washing and roof cleaning services.
Related services: Soft Washing · Roof Cleaning