How to softwash thatched roofs
Softwashing thatched roofs is a nice 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.
Click here to read an article that gives some good "how-to" advice for application (dry weather, dry roof for example).
The article states "The most suitable controlling agents against algae are quats (quaternary ammonium compounds - e.g. Bio Cleanze). This product has a pre-emptive effect as a wood preservative".
Quick tip: We do not recommend treating thatch with Benz Lightning Cleanze or Tornado Cleanze – or any other sodium hypochlorite mix – 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.
That said, occasionally treating wood with Benz 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 permmission before treating. The owners of thatched properties will almost certainly know the relevant authority to ask.
We hope this information is helpful.
Cheers,
Ben, Leo & Fiona
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.
A win-win arrangement for both customer and contractor.
Click Here to explore the full range of Benz popular softwash cleaning products
Also in Benz Trade Tips
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Why can surfaces turn temporarily orange after soft washing?
In this video Ben demonstrates the temporary effect of soft washing with Benz Bio Cleanze that can occur on some surfaces – especially concrete and wall render – when applied in hot weather.
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Can surfactants be safely added to Benz biocides?
A number of customers have asked about adding surfactants to our softwash biocides. So we thought to share the info with everyone.
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