Soft washing

Definition

Low-pressure chemical cleaning for surfaces that high pressure would destroy, priced higher.

Why It Matters

It is the difference between a business that cleans concrete and one a homeowner calls for a roof, and roofs price several times higher per hour on site. It needs chemical knowledge, different equipment and, in some states, a pesticide applicator license for the algaecides involved. Ask what share of revenue comes from soft-wash work, what licenses the crew holds, and whether those licenses belong to a person who is leaving.