Soft Washing Exeter

Yes, absolutely. Soft washing is the manufacturer-recommended cleaning method for K-Rend and all silicone-based render systems. Unlike pressure washing, which operates at 2,000-3,000 PSI and can strip protective coatings, crack the surface, and force water behind the render, soft washing uses just 60-100 PSI - equivalent to a garden hose. The cleaning solutions do the work, not the water pressure. Paul has cleaned hundreds of K-Rend properties across Exeter and Devon without a single case of damage. It is the only method we would ever use on rendered surfaces.

Soft washing results typically last 12-24 months, which is 3-5 times longer than a standard pressure wash. The reason is simple: pressure washing only removes visible growth from the surface, while our biocide solutions kill algae, moss, and lichen at the root - including the spores you cannot see. We also apply a post-treatment biocide barrier that actively inhibits regrowth. In Devon's wet climate, this extended protection is particularly valuable. Some of our clients in sheltered or north-facing locations opt for an annual biocide retreatment to keep surfaces looking pristine year-round.

We take great care to protect your garden and landscaping. Before any soft washing begins, we cover nearby plants, flower beds, and grass with protective sheeting. The biocide solutions we use are biodegradable and break down quickly in the environment. We also pre-wet surrounding vegetation with clean water before application, which creates a protective barrier. After the job, we rinse any areas that may have been exposed. In our experience, plant damage from soft washing is extremely rare when proper precautions are followed - and we always follow them.

Yes, soft washing can be carried out year-round. The biocide solutions we use are effective regardless of temperature and actually benefit from Devon's damp winter conditions, as moisture helps the solution penetrate deeper into organic growth. However, we avoid working in heavy rain as it can dilute the solution before it has had time to work, and we will not work on roofs in icy or frosty conditions for safety reasons. Winter is actually an excellent time to treat surfaces because algae and moss growth slows during the colder months, giving the biocide more time to work before the growing season returns in spring.

The time required depends on the surface type and the level of contamination. A single elevation of render typically takes 2-3 hours including dwell time. A full house render clean usually takes a full day. Conservatory roofs take 2-4 hours. Fence and decking jobs vary by size but most are completed within half a day. The dwell time - the period where the biocide solution is left to work on the surface - is a critical part of the process and cannot be rushed. We always allow sufficient dwell time to ensure the solution kills growth at the root for the longest-lasting results.

The key difference is in how the cleaning is achieved. Pressure washing relies on high-pressure water (1,500-3,000 PSI) to blast dirt, algae, and moss off surfaces using force. Soft washing uses low pressure (60-100 PSI) combined with specialist biocide cleaning solutions that chemically break down and kill organic growth. Pressure washing is ideal for hard surfaces like driveways, patios, and concrete that can withstand the force. Soft washing is essential for delicate surfaces like render, roof tiles, conservatory roofs, and painted surfaces that would be damaged by high pressure. Soft washing also delivers longer-lasting results because it kills growth at the root rather than just removing what is visible on the surface.