Softwashing is a low-pressure exterior cleaning method (typically under 300 PSI) that combines specialist application equipment with DAFM-approved biocidal treatments such as Actiwash Pro to safely eliminate biological growth at its root.
Unlike high-pressure washing, which can force water into building fabric, softwashing works by:
Breaking down and killing algae, moss, lichen, and biofilm
Penetrating microscopic pores without damaging surfaces
Allowing controlled dwell time for full treatment effectiveness
Guidance from the Health and Safety Authority highlights that improper high-pressure cleaning can:
Lift or scar render
Displace roof tiles
Compromise waterproof membranes
Cause water ingress into cavities
At Biosoft Powerwash, every softwash follows our Gold Standard Workflow, which:
✔ Eliminates organic growth at root level
✔ Prevents rapid regrowth
✔ Delivers up to 3 years of protection
💬 Verified Client Feedback (Midleton):
“No damage to walls or roof – the finish was incredible and lasted far longer than previous cleaning.”
Controlled powerwashing is a precision-based cleaning method, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Unlike generic pressure washing, Biosoft Powerwash:
Adjusts pressure based on surface type and condition
Uses pre-treatment and post-treatment systems
Works in line with manufacturer and building guidance
Industry standards such as I.S. 3218 and manufacturers like Tegral recommend that pressure cleaning should only occur after verifying substrate condition.
✔ Suitable surfaces include:
Concrete driveways
Block paving
Natural stone
Heavily soiled patios
✔ Avoided on:
Render systems
Roof membranes
Insulated façades (EWI)
This method ensures maximum cleaning effectiveness without structural risk.
Cleaning a building without inspection is one of the biggest causes of damage in the industry.
Every project begins with a surveyor-led assessment, guided by:
Building Regulations (including S.R. 3218)
Technical Guidance Documents (TGD B – Fire Safety & Fabric Integrity)
Surface-specific manufacturer requirements
We assess:
🔍 Surface type (render, stone, roof, membrane)
🔍 Structural condition and vulnerabilities
🔍 Biological contamination levels
🔍 Safe access requirements
🔍 Drainage and runoff control
This allows us to determine:
✔ Correct pressure levels
✔ Appropriate chemical selection
✔ Safe dwell times
✔ Environmental protection measures
💡 Cleaning starts with understanding the building — not just the dirt.
Flat roofs require specialist knowledge and certification, particularly systems like Resitrix EPDM membranes.
Biosoft Powerwash uses:
LADEx-certified installation and handling knowledge
Low-pressure softwash application
DAFM PU-approved treatments (Actiwash Pro)
Controlled rinse techniques
All work is carried out in line with:
✔ Health and Safety Authority work-at-height regulations
✔ Non-abrasive cleaning protocols
✔ Membrane protection standards
🚫 No aggressive pressure is ever used
💬 Verified Client Feedback (Youghal):
“Flat roof treated safely with zero damage and long-lasting results.”
Modern render systems such as K-Rend and Monocouche are high-performance but delicate finishes.
Manufacturer guidance clearly states:
❗ High-pressure washing can void warranties and damage the surface
Biosoft’s approach:
✔ Ultra-low pressure softwash
✔ Specialist biocide application
✔ Controlled dwell time
✔ Full rinse and neutralisation process
This ensures:
No etching or streaking
Preservation of colour and texture
Long-term protection against regrowth
💡 Correct method = preserved finish + extended lifespan
Different organic growths require different treatment strategies.
We apply organism-specific dwell times:
Green algae → 10–15 minutes
Red algae → 20–30 minutes
Lichen → 30–40 minutes (deep-rooted)
Using DAFM PU-approved biocides, we:
✔ Kill growth at the root (not just surface clean)
✔ Prevent regrowth cycles
✔ Protect surrounding surfaces
Environmental protection includes:
Pre-wetting and post-neutralising plants
Pet-safe procedures
Runoff control
All work complies with:
✔ Health and Safety Authority
✔ ESB Networks safety clearances
💬 Verified Client Feedback (Carrigtwohill):
“Every surface cleaned carefully, and plants fully protected.”
Blocked or poorly cleaned gutters can lead to serious structural issues, including water ingress.
Our process includes:
✔ Manual removal of moss, sludge, and debris
✔ Low-pressure internal cleaning
✔ Downpipe flow testing
✔ Softwash sanitisation using DAFM-approved treatments
We ensure:
Proper water flow
Prevention of overflow and damp issues
Protection of fascia, soffits, and walls
All procedures follow:
✔ Health and Safety Authority safety standards
✔ Safe ladder and access protocols
Most exterior cleaning services rely on basic pressure rinsing, which:
❌ Removes visible dirt only
❌ Leaves biological roots active
❌ Allows regrowth within months
Typical results:
4–6 months before regrowth appears
Biosoft Powerwash’s Gold Standard Softwash Workflow:
✔ Kills growth at root level
✔ Applies correct dwell times
✔ Includes post-treatment protection
✔ Extends cleanliness up to 3 years
💡 This is not just cleaning — it’s long-term surface treatment.
Protecting the building is always the primary objective.
We ensure:
✔ No excessive pressure on vulnerable materials
✔ No water ingress into cavities or insulation
✔ No damage to membranes or coatings
✔ Full compliance with manufacturer specifications
Surfaces protected include:
Render systems (K-Rend, Monocouche)
EWI (External Wall Insulation)
Roof membranes and tiles
Stone and heritage finishes
Every method is aligned with:
✔ Health and Safety Authority
✔ Manufacturer technical guidance
✔ Irish building standards
The safest professional process usually involves:
Gentle moss removal
Softwash treatment
Biocide application
This removes existing moss and prevents rapid regrowth.
High pressure roof cleaning is widely discouraged by roof manufacturers.
Yes — when carried out using the correct method.
Roof surfaces such as concrete tiles, natural slate, and fibre cement are designed to shed water, not withstand high-pressure impact.
Improper cleaning (especially high-pressure washing) can:
❌ Dislodge tiles or ridge caps
❌ Strip protective coatings
❌ Drive water beneath the roof system
❌ Cause long-term structural damage
At Biosoft Powerwash, we use:
✔ Low-pressure softwashing (<300 PSI)
✔ Manual moss removal where required
✔ DAFM-approved biocidal treatments
All work aligns with guidance from the Health and Safety Authority and roofing best practice.
💬 Client Feedback (Midleton):
“Roof cleaned safely with zero damage — looks brand new.”
Power washing a roof is one of the most common causes of avoidable roof damage.
High-pressure water can:
Break tile edges and surface coatings
Force water under tiles and into felt layers
Damage breathable membranes
Reduce the lifespan of the roof
Manufacturers such as Tegral advise against aggressive pressure cleaning on roofing systems.
🚫 At Biosoft Powerwash, we do not power wash roofs
Instead, we use:
✔ Softwash chemical treatment
✔ Controlled application methods
✔ Long-term biological control
💡 If it needs pressure, it’s the wrong method.
Moss removal is a multi-stage, controlled process:
Bulk moss carefully scraped using non-damaging tools
Prevents blockages and reduces organic load
Application of DAFM PU Actiwash Pro
Targets remaining spores and root systems
Remaining staining fades gradually over weeks
✔ No aggressive washing
✔ No tile damage
✔ No water ingress
💬 Client Feedback (Cobh):
“Moss fully removed and no mess left behind — very professional.”
Lichen is one of the most stubborn and damaging roof contaminants.
It forms:
Deep root systems embedded in tile surfaces
Hard, crust-like growths resistant to washing
The safest method is:
✔ Softwash chemical treatment
✔ Extended dwell time (30–40 minutes)
✔ Zero mechanical force
Attempting to scrape or pressure wash lichen can:
❌ Permanently scar tiles
❌ Remove protective finishes
❌ Accelerate tile degradation
At Biosoft Powerwash, we allow the treatment to:
✔ Kill the lichen at root
✔ Break down naturally over time
💡 Patience = protection. Force = damage.
The longevity of roof cleaning depends entirely on the method used.
3–6 months before regrowth
Up to 3 years protection
This is achieved by:
✔ Killing spores at root level
✔ Applying correct dwell times
✔ Preventing regrowth cycles
Environmental factors such as:
Tree cover
Shade
Moisture levels
can influence duration, but our system is designed for maximum longevity.
Yes — if done incorrectly.
High-pressure washing can:
❌ Force water beneath tiles
❌ Saturate felt layers
❌ Damage breathable membranes
❌ Lead to hidden leaks and mould
Biosoft Powerwash avoids this risk by:
✔ Using low-pressure softwash only
✔ Never directing force under tiles
✔ Controlling application angles and flow
All work complies with:
✔ Health and Safety Authority
✔ Roofing system best practices
💡 We clean the surface — never disturb the structure.
Yes — with correct precautions and methods.
Solar panel systems require:
Electrical awareness
Controlled water use
Non-invasive cleaning techniques
We follow safety guidance in line with ESB Networks:
✔ Maintain safe distances from electrical components
✔ Avoid direct pressure on panels or connections
✔ Use low-pressure application only
Where required:
Panels are isolated or avoided
Cleaning is adapted to system layout
💬 Client Feedback (East Cork):
“Roof and panels handled safely — no issues at all.”
After treatment:
Moss is killed at root level
Remaining fragments dry out
Natural weathering removes residue over time
This gradual process:
✔ Prevents sudden debris release
✔ Avoids gutter blockages
✔ Protects tiles from stress
Unlike pressure washing:
❌ No aggressive stripping
❌ No structural shock to roof
💡 The clean improves over time — not just instantly.
Yes — and this is where expertise matters most.
Older roofs and heritage properties often include:
Fragile slate
Weathered tiles
Lime mortar ridges
Historic materials
Our approach:
✔ Full surveyor-led assessment
✔ Ultra-low pressure softwash
✔ Minimal physical contact
We prioritise:
Preservation over appearance
Structural safety over speed
💬 Client Feedback:
“Old roof treated with extreme care — no damage, excellent result.”
