How to soft wash thatched roofs

October 18, 2019

Softwashing thatched roofs is a lucrative niche market that softwash contractors may like to explore, especially those who live in rural areas.

Treat with Benz Bio Cleanze, giving two good soakings at 20-50:1 (depending on the severity of the infestation) to allow it to penetrate deeply into the thatch.

This will take care of the algae, moss and fungi which will be seen to be dead in around 48 hours. Natural weathering of rain and sun will continue to clean the roof over the following 12 months or so.

Our research suggests that the most suitable products for controlling algae in thatched roofs are "quats" (quaternary ammonium compounds - e.g. Bio Cleanze).

Quats have the advantage over other treatments of being the active ingredient in several wood preservatives.

IMPORTANT: We do not recommend treating thatch with Benz Lightning Cleanze or Tornado Cleanze – or any other sodium hypochlorite product – because the sodium hypochlorite (SH) could damage the reeds.

SH is used to destroy wood in pulp mills, so we strongly suggest not spraying it on a thatched roof. This is the same reason we do not generally advocate SH for cleaning wooden surfaces.

Quick tip: That said, occasionally treating wood with Lightning Cleanze may be indicated. In these situations great care must be taken to protect the wood. Click here to read a Trade Tips article that explains how to softwash wood/timber

Does the thatch need replacing or treating?

If you are concerned about knowing if the thatch needs replacing or treating, make friends with a local thatcher and have them appraise the property. If it needs replacing then they will get another contract for their time.

With the right person it could become a mutually profitable relationship by putting work each other's way.

Is the IPA in Bio Cleanze a fire hazard?

No. Bio Cleanze contains IPA (Isopropyl alcohol) at 10-20% to enable the full 50% of active ingredient (DDAC) to be dissolved. Without this the limit is only 40% DDAC.

At the recommended dilution levels of 20-50:1 the amount of IPA actually applied to a surface is minimal. And even this rapidly evaporates.

IPA is not flammable when it is diluted with water by even as little as 5:1, so when applied to surfaces at 20-50:1 dilution there is zero fire hazard.

Click here to watch a video that explains

Quick tip: Most thatched properties will be listed, so check with the relevant authority that they are happy for you to treat with Bio Cleanze and obtain their written permission before treating. The owners of thatched properties will almost certainly know the relevant authority to ask.


We hope this information is helpful and sincerely wish you great success in your soft washing business

Cheers,

Ben, Leo, Fiona, Stevie & Anthony

PS: After completing the first softwash treatment, put your customer on a "Clean & Maintain" ongoing maintence programme. Customers will enjoy a permanently clean property and contractors will enjoy a steady stream of repeat business.

This is clearly a win-win arrangement for both customer and contractor.

Click here to explore the full range of Benz softwash cleaning products

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