By admin Roof Cleaning • SoftWash • Softwashing 0 Comments

How do you clean a roof?

When you notice that your roof is covered in moss you know it maybe time to clean it But How? Roofs are high up and awkward to work on. Especially if you don’t have a head for heights.

Prevention is always better than cure, however if your roof is now covered and your reading this article well then It to late to prevent the moss from coming in the first place.

Over time roofs can become infested with micro-organisms eating away at your roof. Many people ask

Where does roof moss come from?

Well over time the wind, rain and weather cycles blow nature onto our roofs. Microorganism colonise on the surface, when it rains the water feeds these growths much like when you water a plant it grows.

Without water or sunlight these grows would not grow. So you see just like plants or even weeds you can pull out the weed but it will always come back unless treated with a weed killer. Much like moss, Algae and lichen growing on your roof they need to be treated not just cleaned.

So how can I clean my own roof?

Many people believe pressure washing a roof is a good way to clean a roof. Well yes pressure washing roofs is a good way to make the roof look clean however before you take to the pressure washer you have a few things to think about beforehand.

  • Broken tiles & water getting in
  • Safe roof access
  • Falling from height

 

I have seen people DIY and pressure wash their roof with no safety what so ever walking around on a slippery wet surface over 2 stories high with a high powered power washer is an accident waiting to happen.. You need to clean your roof in the safest way. Is pressure washing really the answer? Well remember we earlier spoke about cleaning and treatment and the two different methods!.

Pressure washing a roof will only make the roof appear clean, it will not kill the root of the moss, pressure washing is not a treatment. In fact power washing helps the moss and algae recolonise Quicker as pressure washing uses mass amounts of water! Have you connected the dots yet?

Water feeds micro-organisms growing on your roof! Pressure washing just gives it a hair cut and tidy’s it up. But remember if you want to pressure wash your roof do so in a safe manner and watch out for broken tiles as pressure washer are renowned for causing damage to roof let alone the water ingress they can cause.. I would personally never pressure wash a roof. But hey its your roof its up to you how much time or money you want to invest un getting a clean roof. Remember pressure washing can cause lots of damage so think twice about pressure washing your roof.

So what are the other options for roof cleaning?

Roof De-moss using scraping

Another well known way of removing moss from a roof is scraping using a wire brush or scraper, this is a very effective way or instantly removing moss from a roof. However, you again need to think about a few things. Such as roof safety and access. You will need a few different tools such as a roof ladder and safety harness to make sure if you are on a roof you are as safe as you can be. Remember roof de-moss using scraping removes the bulk of the moss but does not kill the root so it will start to grow back within a year or so

 

PPE & Safety tips for roof scraping

Roof cleaning, Moss removal , SoftWash treatment and sanitation in the forest of dean , Gloucestershire

 

  • Hard hat and harness
  • Roof scraper
  • Professional Roof ladder
  • Rope Grab
  • Roof access such as a scaffold tower or cherry picker
  • Never step on a fragile roof
  • Always clean a roof on a dry day
  • Never put yourself or others at risk or you could be liable
  • Ladder Stand Off

 

SoftWash Roof Treatments

SoftWash is the Alternative to pressure washing which uses chemicals to treat the the roof killing the root of the moss.. The beauty of using a SoftWash System to clean a roof 3 main benefits

  • Chemicals kill the root of the problem SoftWash is a treatment
  • No need to get on a roof or risk of falling from height
  • No damage from high pressure roof cleaning

We have cleaned many roofs through out Gloucestershire and the surrounding counties, Never have we used a pressure washer to clean a roof and never will, Although we see other companies advising and using pressure washers on roofs SkyLine SoftWash offer the safe alternative to pressure washing. Our SoftWash System uses the latest up to date safe chemicals to clean, sanitise and disinfect roofs not only cleaning but also treating the root of the problem. We offer a 5 year moss free warrantee or your money back

 

If you would like any more safety tips or free advice for roof cleaning in Gloucester , Cheltenham or the surrounding areas don’t hesitate to get in touch

Call: 01452 301342 Email: discover@skylinesoftwash.com 

 

 

By admin Render Cleaning Treatments 0 Comments

K-rend Treatment in Mangotsfield, Bristol

K-Rend Treatment is not that common however it really does need to be. K-rend amongst other renders are perfect breeding spaces for trillions of micro-organisms to colonise and grow on the surface of the render. K-render is porous so makes the ideal living space for fungus, mould, algae.
Over a short space of time render and k-rend can start to look really dirty. So How do you clean it??

The answer is you don’t clean it.. If you had weeds growing in the garden would yo go and just clean them and think that would kill them? I guessing not.. Weeds are very much like the algae and fungus growing on your K-render in Bristol. Cleaning render is not the answer.

Its important to know what to do about keeping your render looking clean and killing what’s growing on the surface. Many people think that pressure washing render is a good idea. Let me stop you there. The amount of DIY pressure washing render cleaning that people have tried and failed leaving pressure washer marks and indents in their lovely render. Leave those pressure washers in your garage folks, save them for washing your car once a week. Pressure washing is a BIG NO NO!!

Do NOT!! Pressure wash your render. If you do you will blast away the surface and causing your render to break apart.

Pressure washing render, K-Rend SoftWash Treatment (1)render cleaning in BristolPressure washing render, K-Rend SoftWash Treatment (2)
So we have now told you what not to do.. Did you notice something?? The word killing!! Yes that’s right Kill!

Think of the fungus growing on your render the same as the mould that can sometimes grow on the inside of you house! 99% or people will reach for the bottle that says 99.9% kills. Well let me tell you! They are onto something yes it kills mould, algae and fungus which also helps clean the surface but more importantly kills the root of the problem.
So the answer is kill what is growing on your render and it needs some sort of treatment to do so! Now your little pump sprayer is not going to do the job, even if you tired how many bottles would you need? How are you going to get to the apex near the roof? Do you have a big ladder?? Do you have a head for heights??
Many of us think of our health and safety first!! Yes, that’s right is it worth you DIYing a K-Render treatment up a wobbly ladder with a little sprayer pump?? I can’t see it can you??

K-rend requires specialist care and if you care about your property you will want do do things in a safe way, keeping bot your feet firmly on the ground. SkyLine SoftWash have the perfect tool for the job, a SoftWash Treatment. SoftWash is the safe alternative to pressure washing that offers a K-Render Treatment that not only cleans and treats the surface but also sanitises it!

If you would like a FREE demonstration of our SoftWash Render Treatment in action on our friendly team are on call to assist you.
Call: 01452 301342

By admin Softwashing 0 Comments

Roof Cleaning in Redmarley Gloucester, Gloucestershire 

Roof Cleaning in Redmarley Gloucester, Gloucestershire

 

Roof Cleaning is becoming more and more popular in the UK, however many people are still unsure what to expect or what even to look for when hiring a roof cleaning company.

 

Their are many different styles of roof cleaning and it’s a real mine field out there. Roof cleaning is a specialised type of work and you really need to think carefully who you allow on your property when getting your roof cleaned.

 

What’s right for your roof?

  • Pressure washing
  • Scraping
  • SoftWash

Many buildings throughout the UK are covered in moss, Most likely if your roof is full of moss it likely to be an older building as thick moss takes many years of build-up. Also The thick layer of moss can be covering either damaged tiles or pointing which in turn can mean that your roof is a fragile roof. Which may not be suitable for roof ladders or safe roof access

When working on a fragile roof its not recommended that people go on a roof without proper safety. In many instance its not appropriate for anyone to use ladders or walk on a fragile roof as these can be dangerous areas and be a health and safety nightmare for both you and the roof cleaning company..

 

Don’t worry! There are other safer methods without having to put anyone on a roof.

 

Many professional roof cleaning company use a SoftWash System which treats and sanitises the surface of roof, killing the moss in the safest way without causing damage. These SoftWash Systems and chemicals used are specifically engineered to clean roofs in a safe way. On Many occasions cleaning a roof with a SoftWash system can be achieved form ground level or gutter level. Which means following health and safety for cleaning fragile roofs.

When working at greater heights this can be achieved using a cherry picker or MEWP (mobile elevation work platform)

By Having a SoftWash Treatment on your roof mean no high pressure washers that can cause even more damage to your roof especially if it’s a fragile and old roof..

Its much safer and effective with far superior results to have your roof Soft Washed, Soft Washing lasts 4-6 times long than pressure washing and doesn’t cause the damage a pressure washer can cause.

 

SkyLine SoftWash were asked to Treat this roof in redmarley, Being an older roof SoftWash was the pefrect solution for cleaning this particular older style of roof

 

After pic of roof cleaning in Redmarley, Gloucester, Gloucestershirebefore roof cleaning in Redmarley, Gloucester, Gloucestershire

 

For a FREE on-site home maintenance budget for your roof, Get in Touch on 01452 301342

By admin Render Cleaning Treatments • Sanitation Services • SoftWash • Softwashing 0 Comments

Silicone Render Cleaning in Blakes Hill, North Littleton, Evesham

Silicone Render Cleaning in Blakes Hill, North Littleton, Evesham

Silicone Render comes in many variations of colours and textures, its extremely popular an applied to many modern buildings. But over juts a short time the colour and fresh new look can start to fade!.

  • K-Rend
  • Weber
  • Parex
  • Johnstone Stormshield

Are just a few to mention, Render is Fantastic when its looking new and clean and is a perfect solution to many property types and produces a decorative finish. Many rendering companies will state that render “is virtually maintenance free and guaranteed for ten years” however this is not the case. It really does depend on the conditions your surrounded in . Its recommended to have a SoftWash treatment every 3-5 years to keep the clean new fresh look of your property

 

SkyLine SoftWash were recently asked to SoftWash and Sanitise this lovely home in Evesham it had around over 10 years of growth attached. Luckily the owner saw it fit to have the area treated and had actually caught it time before the growth became so thick, When thick algae and lichens are left to grow they absorb water and grow into the render. You can imagine then what happens when the water freezes. it expanse and contracts causing frost damage. Also the roots of the fungus can grow into the render leaving unwanted marks that can be irreversible

 

Stuart Beech review of Render cleaning in EveshamRave review from another happy client!

“Fantastic service from Al. Our render looks as good as new after Al removed ten+ years of black algae.
I would thoroughly recommend Skyline Softwash – great service at a competitive price.”

Stuart Beech – North Littleton, Evesham

 

 

With our SoftWash render cleaning treatment, you can ensure that your house walls looks its best for many years to come.

For a FREE estimate get in touch 01452 301342

or emails: discover@skylinesoftwash.com

 

By admin Softwashing 0 Comments

The Importance Of Professionally Cleaning Your Roof, Render and External House Areas Before Selling

The Importance Of Professionally Cleaning Your Roof, Render and External House Areas Before Selling

Quick — take a cursory glance at your neighbour’s house and take note of what you see. What are your initial impressions of the home’s outward appearance? If you’ve noted anything that makes a less than stellar impression, imagine, for a moment, what your house looks like to outsiders. This is just one of several reasons why it’s essential for you to professionally clean your roof and house exterior before selling. Let’s take a look at a few more.

Curb appeal

Remember your initial impressions when you took a quick look at your neighbour’s house? That, in a nutshell, is the essence of curb appeal. You have one chance to make a good impression for potential buyers, and if they don’t like what they see on the outside, they’re less likely to want to tour the inside.

An immaculate exterior is not just for show. However, it can also boost home value, especially in the minds of your buyers. So, why wouldn’t you want to do everything you could to make a stellar first impression?

It’s not all about appearance

Yes, while curb appeal is crucial when you’re planning on selling your home, making sure your home’s exterior is free of dirt and mould is essential for more important reasons. After an exceptionally rainy season, many homes can develop a back splash of dirt and residue, which becomes a breeding ground for mould, algae, and fungal growth. 

If you’ve ever seen an old home with a roof covered in moss, the brilliant greens may be lovely to look at, but underneath that moss are shingles in disrepair. 

Avoiding damage 

Untended growth can eventually lead to roof rot, damaging the structure of your roof, compromising its integrity, and even ending in collapse or cave-in. 

When moss, algae, and lichen grow on your roof and siding, they begin a slow process of degrading the integrity of the materials. Because the organisms mentioned above develop root systems for nourishment and growth, those roots seek purchase in your home’s shingles, siding, or render. Thousands of tiny roots infiltrate the material, causing it to break down over time.

To extend the life of your roof, render, or siding, preventative maintenance is a must. Call in the professionals to remove debris from roof areas and power wash the build-up of dirt, moss, and mold.

Preventative maintenance

Many homeowners aren’t aware that a little preventative maintenance can go a long way with their roofs. In fact, that maintenance can end up saving you thousands of dollars over the life of your roof. Don’t worry. If roof maintenance has been an afterthought for you, all is not lost. Start by having a roof inspection completed and going from there.

Before hiring a roofing company for inspection, ask friends and neighbours for their recommendations. You want to make sure you hire a company you can trust for this task. 

Roofing contractors look at four areas when conducting a roof inspection: structure, interior, material, and workmanship. And based upon their findings, the contractor will make recommendations for maintenance and repair.

Make sure you keep a thorough record of the preventative maintenance and repairs you’ve completed on your roof. When it comes time to sell, you can give your prospective buyers’ peace of mind — and the confidence to buy — with proof that your home has been cared for under your ownership.

Blog Produced by HomeLight

 

By admin Softwashing 0 Comments

Unity in Our community | Sanitation For The Nation

the spring center gloucester The spring Centre is the bed rock for Children and young adults with disabilities and special needs in and around Gloucester providing the best possible care for their members.

Providing meals and a range of activities in a fun, friendly place it was important to give the place a lift. Children are supported by staff and can enjoy indoor and outdoor activities in a safe and caring environment that supports their physical, emotional and psychological needs

Due to government lock down the centre had to sadly shut its doors for a short period to keep both its young people and key workers safe. This was the perfect time for the team to go in, Clean, Sanitise and disinfect the outside areas, after the area had been left over the winter months it was time to schedule the spring clean.

SkyLine SoftWash were privileged to be able to go and Clean up the playground for this fantastic charity, Most of their income comes from donations and business often go in giving up their free time  to help get things done! SkyLine SoftWash were more than happy to assist.

COVID-19 has closed so many places people rely on it was important to get the playground ready for when the doors do re-open.

The Process used for Cleaning, Sanitisation and disinfection was followed in line with the SoftWash Systems Sanitized training

First a pre-treatment was applied the area and breakdown the biofilm that contained any bugs, virus, mould, algae, using scratch techniques this can be achieved with pressure washing, scrubbing or scraping the surface to break down the bio film.

We then followed with additional SoftWash Treatment at 3% well above the recommended dosage for killing COVID-19. The reason for higher level was to really kill the fungus growing on the playground there was lots of mould, moss and infestations of micro-organisms growing within the surface or the Wet pour play area.

the spring center gloucesterif you can help with any funding or help in anyway to help this fantastic Charity please get in touch

visit the spring website http://springcentre.org/

or contact the Spring center direct on: 01452 725935

By admin Sanitation Services 0 Comments

Sanitation of external surfaces or to lower the risk of spreading infection

Sanitation Services GloucesterSanitation of external surfaces or to lower the risk of spreading infection

 

COVID19 has had a huge impact on Business not only to the UK but across the world. The CDC guidelines state that to protect and lower the risk of spreading infection to follow guidelines below:

Clean:

Removes germs, dirt, and impurities from surface or objects. Cleaning works by using soap (or detergent) and water to physically remover the germs from the surfaces. This process does not necessarily kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection Sanitiation services Gloucester & Cheltenham

Sanitise:

Lowers the numbers of germs on surface or object to a safe level, as is judged by public health standards or requirements. This process works by either cleaning or disinfecting surfaces or objects to lower the risk of spreading infection

Disinfect:

Kills Germs on surface or objects. Disinfecting works by using chemicals to kill germs on surface or objects. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on the surface after cleaning it can further lower the risk of spreading infection

Disinfection of external surfaces

SkyLine SoftWash belongs to the largest soft washing and disinfection network in the world, composed of 220 companies in 9 countries that use exclusive bulk sanitation equipment, capable of covering 4500 Square Meters in an 8 hour shift

 

We use biodegradable water-based chemicals that emulsify organic dirt and sanitise the service that is being performed. Our exclusive process uses the hygiene process recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the General Health Directorate (DGS). In addition, SkyLine SoftWash received specific certification for the current need.

 

 

Recommendations

  • In a Pandemic scenario we recommend nightly re-treatments of the 00.5 water and green wash solution
  • During regular flu season twice weekly is sufficient
  • Outside of the flu season twice monthly will keep outdoor dining areas and other gathering spaces at safe levels

This is nothing new SoftWash Systems have always been sanitation experts SoftWash has focused on treatment rather then cleaning. SkyLine SoftWash are ready and awaiting your call to service you! We are uniquely equipped for such a time as this.

NO:- 01452 301342   |   E – discover@skylinesoftwash.com   |   W- https://skylinesoftwash.com

By admin Softwashing 0 Comments

Not all fungi are “fun-guys”

There are literally trillions of micro-organisms growing on roofs, rocks, cliffs and even old sculptures. So many, that to know them all you would have to have a master’s degree in micro biology, even if you were Albert Einstein you would probably struggle to know every single name. I can barely pronounce this fungus “Hymenoscyphus fraxineus”.

Fungus and Plant life are an important part of our eco system without fungus we would not have plants and without plants fungus would not survive, However some fungus can cause devastation to not only our eco system but also the buildings we live and work in

Your roof if left untreated can become infested with literally thousands upon thousands of different growths many of which are microscopic which cannot been seen by the human eye.which can infestate and attack your roof.

Statue cleaning in Gloucesteshire

Just like the common Ash tree in the UK which is being attacked by a fungus which originates from Asia

https://microbiologysociety.org/publication/past-issues/fungal-diseases.html

Fungus comes in many different forms, Moss, Moulds, Algae & Lichen are the main culprits growing and attacking your roof.

Ecology and interactions with environment

“When growing on mineral surfaces, some lichens slowly decompose their substrate by chemically degrading and physically disrupting the minerals, contributing to the process of weathering by which rocks are gradually turned into soil. While this contribution to weathering is usually benign, it can cause problems for artificial stone structures. For example, there is an ongoing lichen growth problem on Mount Rushmore National Memorial that requires the employment of mountain-climbing conservators to clean the monument.”

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lichen

 

 

So hat is growing on your roof?

Cushion moss

Red Cap Hair Moss

their are many varieties but they are the sporing moss. In bloom season they act like a dandelion when blown and will cover a roof quickly. It’s favourite growth ground is masonry inbetween ridge tiles and walls. This will begin to erode the masonry and the surface of the tile.

Cushion Moss

this is the bright green carpet or bobble moss, on the tiles.

 

Lichen on roof tile Xanthoria parietina

Xanthoria parietina is a foliose, or leafy, lichen. It has wide distribution, and many common names such as common orange lichen, yellow scale, maritime sunburst lichen and shore lichen are the most common found growing on the surface of your roof or even rendered homes.

 

If you would like to learn about fungus growing on your roof and how you can treat the areas to stop the the decomposing of your roof,

Contact for a FREE demo :01452 301342

Email: discover@skylinesoftwash.com

 

By admin Softwashing 0 Comments

Render cleaning at Cleeveland’s drive in Cheltenham

Render cleaning in Cheltenham
Render cleaning in Cheltenham

Render Cleaning in Cheltenham is become a regular part of the maintenance plan of most buildings these days. Due to soggy wet weather and a warmer atmosphere causing more fungus and algae growth than ever before.

SkyLine SoftWash were asked to SoftWash these stunning contemporary end town houses in Cheltenham,  in a small secluded gated development close to Pittville Park & Cheltenham Racecourse these apartments were infested with fungus and algae!

Built approximately 7 years ago its amazing how quickly these micro-orgasms can take hold in such a short space of time when left untreated.

The team at SkyLine SoftWash Got to work using their SoftWash Blend Rinse System treating and sanitising the surface. After a few hours work the fungus had disappeared and been killed leaving the render looking fabulous once again

 

If you have a rendered property in Cheltenham that is covered in green or red algae growths get in touch for a FREE demo or estimate we would love to hear from you.

Call: 01452 301342

Email: discover@skylinesoftwash.com

By admin Softwashing 0 Comments

Render cleaning in Staunton, Gloucestershire

Render cleaning in Staunton, gloucestershire
Render cleaning in Staunton, gloucestershire

SkyLine SoftWash were asked to clean the render and pathways on this lovely home in Staunton near Gloucester.

Despite being a relatively new building due to the weather conditions and type of building materials such as K-Render , The building had become infested with mould, Algae lichen and moss. These growths when left un-treated can start to cause damage to the surface of the building.

The brick window ledges had moss growth which has started to eat into the brick work, For a new building with only a few years of growth it was surprising to see how dense the fungus had become.

Skyline SoftWash Treated from the top of the chimney on the roof right down to the patios and pathways, treating the render and cleaning the Upvc, gutters and windows and everything in between.

It was important on this particular job to treat the top of the chimney at their was a lot of lichen growths, If only the wall got cleaned and not the top it would not of been long before the microorganisms spread back through the house due to rain run-off from the flat surface.

Many modern buildings have chimneys but are fake and capped off, the cap acts as a pool Being a flat surface this means a nice easy place for micro-organisms to grow and spread.

If you have a new or older property that has render or k-render on the walls it may be worth pre-treating the area with a SoftWash sanitation to stop the growth of micro-orgasms and keeping your property ship shape

For a FREE demo please get in touch on 01452 301342

Or Email: discover@skylinesoftwash.com