Bitumen Membrane Roof - Certified SoftWash Roof Cleaning

Paul Low Chew Tung · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

Bitumen Membrane Roof

John Aloisio · SoftWash Systems 5-Star Professional

Paul,

It depends on the type of membrane, because sometimes even 2% is too little or too hot. We mostly recommend that on single ply membranes, like TPO, PVC, TPA, EPDM, Hypalon, etc... Mod-Bit roofs can vary with different surfaces and need to be addressed as a job to job situation. What is the surfacing??? Granules, Aluminum Coating, Elastomeric Coating, Slag/Gravel (Which cannot be cleaned), Smooth surface, Aluminum Foil coated, etc... You will need to show us some pics and let us know. Most likely it is some sort of granule surface, so it might clean up like a shingle roof, but you need to be very clear on what the surface is. Post some pics and additional if you have, and hopefully one of us can help.

Paul Low Chew Tung · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

John,

Thanks for the reply. The roof is similar to the pics attached.

I hope this helps. I forgot to take pictures of the roof itself, we're doing the entire building.

Chris Mozick · Junior Member

I do those all the time I would start with a 1% should work if it's moldy. do you have a booster pump for rinsing? You might need to have a little more psi for rinsing but no high pressure.

Paul Low Chew Tung · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

Thanks Chris. Yes I have a booster pump for rinsing. I'll give it a try.

Will let you guys know how it goes.

AC Lockyer · Administrator

Paul,

This type cleans very easily. Much like a gigantic shingle. Start low and add strength as needed. (% Bleach)

AC

John Aloisio · SoftWash Systems 5-Star Professional

Like said, start with 1-2% and work up if needed. Typically you will have a large amount of loose granules that will be near drains or just all over the roof as well. Be prepared to rinse them off during the rinse process. Also, make sure you rinse all the HVAC units and any other roof penetrations very well.

Paul Low Chew Tung · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

Thanks guys

Brandon Vaughn · SoftWash Systems Pro Staff

Just a friendly tip - on some commercial buildings, make sure you address any HVAC systems that may be drawing in outside air from the roof while cleaning. I've experienced the hard way people running outside yelling to stop because the bleach smell was being pumped inside the buildings...

Jesse Bracken · Junior Member

Brandon what was your fix for that?

Bob Riddick · SoftWash Systems 5-Star Professional

Jesse Bracken wrote:
Brandon what was your fix for that?

In most cases, Jesse, you need the building maintenance staff to temporarily turn the air systems off. Get all your cleaning around the units done and rinsed, then have them turned back on.

Brandon was on a hospital roof when this happened, if I remember correctly.

Jesse Bracken · Junior Member

Thanks Bob that makes sense.

AC Lockyer · Administrator

Jesse Bracken wrote:
Brandon what was your fix for that?

Also these are the clean air intakes. Much like a car the maintenance staff can put the AC on recirculate for a time and not pull in outside air while you are cleaning. This keeps the AC cooling and the staff cool.

AC