Why Cleaning Correctly Matters!
A Reminder for Property Owners, Managers and Investors
Exterior cleaning is about more than achieving a clean appearance.
Every property and every surface is different. The most appropriate cleaning method depends on the material, its age and condition, the type of contamination present and how the surface is designed to be maintained.
For property owners, managers and investors, choosing a cleaning contractor is therefore about more than comparing before-and-after photographs or simply looking for the quickest result. Experience, training, an understanding of different surfaces and a commitment to responsible cleaning can make an important difference to the long-term care of a property.
Materials such as asbestos-containing Decramastic roofing can carry important safety, legal and liability considerations that should be identified before cleaning begins. Using a contractor who understands these risks helps ensure the correct assessment, method and precautions are considered from the start.
Cleaning methods continue to evolve.
As our understanding of building materials, chemistry and cleaning processes improves, so do the methods used to care for them. Manufacturer recommendations are an important part of that process, particularly when working with specialised roofing and building materials. At Ultrasoft, we believe good cleaning starts with understanding the surface before deciding how it should be cleaned. Sometimes that means pressure cleaning. Sometimes it means controlled chemical treatment. And sometimes the most responsible decision is not to clean a particular surface at all.
Our approach is simple.
We don't believe in chasing the most dramatic result simply because it looks impressive on the day. We focus on achieving the right result for the surface while considering its condition and long-term care.
Our business has grown through workmanship, repeat customers and referrals. We don't rely on incentives or manufactured reviews. We believe genuine trust is earned by doing the job properly, explaining our approach and treating every property as something worth looking after.
At Ultrasoft, cleaning isn't just about what we can remove. It's about understanding what should be removed, how it should be removed, and what should be protected in the process.
Colourbond Roofs
Understanding Colourbond® Steel and Why Correct Cleaning Matters
Colourbond® steel is not simply painted steel. It is a carefully engineered protective system designed to provide long-term durability in Australia's harsh environmental conditions.
At its core is a steel substrate protected by a thin metallic alloy coating made from aluminium, zinc and magnesium. This coating works through a process similar to a sacrificial anode, where the protective metals help shield the underlying steel from corrosion. If the surface is damaged, the metallic coating continues to provide a level of protection by sacrificing itself to help protect the steel beneath.
Over this protective metallic layer is a factory-applied paint system consisting of a primer and durable polymer-based topcoat. This outer coating provides colour, UV resistance, weather protection and an additional barrier against the environment.
Because these protective layers are extremely thin, they need to be treated with care. Aggressive cleaning methods, particularly excessive chemical concentration, dwell times and pressure washing, can damage the polymer coating and reduce the protection it provides. Once this outer layer is compromised, the underlying protective system is exposed to greater environmental stress, potentially shortening the service life of the surface.
Cleaning Colourbond correctly is not about using the strongest chemicals or highest pressure—it is about understanding the materials, following manufacturer recommendations and using methods that remove contaminants while preserving the protective coatings that were engineered into the product.
A careful cleaning approach helps maintain both the appearance and long-term performance of your Colourbond roof or wall system.
Following manufacturer specs is vital to keep your Colourbond roof strong. Standard high pressure cleaning often ignores these rules, which can destroy the protective coating of the surface. There is a big difference between a quick wash and true professional care. Ultrasoft has invested in a custom system designed for these specific needs. Our eco-friendly methods protect your home’s lifespan and keep your warranty valid. If lichen is present, we use a nylon-bristled brush to remove the lichen, as described by BlueScope in Technical Bulletin TB27. High pressure or water blasting is never used.
THE ULTRASOFT PROTECTION
We use approved chemicals and concentrations to safely remove organic growth. We follow official guidelines for dwell times and low pressure (80-100psi). This keeps your warranty valid, and helps your roof last longer.
THE IMPACT OF NEGLECT
Ignoring specific coating tolerances leads to accelerated and excessive oxidation, chalking, and premature corrosion. By following 'industry norms' instead of manufacturer specifications, your warranty is voided and the roof's structural integrity is compromised.
COMMON OPERATOR MISTAKES
Untrained cleaners often use harsh water blasting. These aggressive methods go against manufacturer guidelines. They strip away protective finishes and leave the raw steel underneath vulnerable to damage. No matter how impressive worn safety gear looks, the correct procedures must also be followed.
Roof Cleaning Gone Wrong
when inexperience meets enthusiasm
The roof on the left has not been pressure cleaned, while the roof on the right has. High-pressure cleaning has stripped away the protective coating on the right, leaving the bare steel exposed to the elements, more vulnerable to corrosion, and far less visually appealing. Does your property manager know the correct cleaning methods?
At this property, improper cleaning caused permanent Colourbond paint loss. We suspect a harsh chlorine mix and high pressure stripped the paint, leaving only rusted screws and gutter mounts, with a thin residue near the edge where the operator stayed clear.
Ultrasoft's Colourbond Roof Cleaning Process
The process of cleaning a Colourbond roof requires a careful, methodical approach to preserve the integrity of the protective polymer coating. We use our low-pressure system (approximately 80-100psi) combined with specifically approved chemicals and dwell times. This method effectively destroys organic growth at the source without the mechanical abrasion of high-pressure washing. By avoiding harsh physical contact, we ensure your manufacturer warranty remains valid while extending the lifespan of the steel surface. Our treatment provides a long-lasting sanitised surface that resists immediate re-infestation.
VIDEO - Our Roof Cleaning Process
Manufacturer Links
Follow the links below to access the official BlueScope Technical Bulletins regarding correct maintenance and cleaning procedures:
- BlueScope Technical Bulletin 1: Roof Cleaning Recommendations
- BlueScope Technical Bulletin 2: Maintenance of Colorbond Steel Products
- BlueScope Colourbond SDS
Concrete Tiled Roof Risks
Pressure washing concrete tiles removes their colour and damages the surface. This leaves raw porous concrete exposed. Ultrasoft uses a low-pressure method with controlled chemical application to kill growth safely. This keeps your roof protected and looking new with regular care.
Ultrasoft uses the same controlled, low-pressure used on colourbond to eliminate organic growth safely, preserving the structural integrity and aesthetic finish of concrete tiles without the risk of high pressure damage.
High-Pressure Stripping of Coloured Coating
This comparison illustrates how high-pressure washing (lower tiles) failed to kill the infestation while stripping the protective finish. You can still see living cyanobacteria despite the wash, proving that high pressure alone is neither effective nor compliant. In contrast, the Ultrasoft system (upper tiles) used responsible chemistry to eliminate growth and preserve the tile's integrity.
Ultrasoft provides long-term maintenance schedules for savvy property owners and investors who want to preserve and protect their assets. We work directly with investors. We prioritise your property's value by avoiding aggressive, unapproved cleaning methods that lead to costly repairs and replacing savings with long-term structural security.
Ultrasoft’s low-pressure method protects your roof tiles while delivering a deep, effective & long lasting clean.
High-pressure blasting on this roof stripped away the vital protective slurry coating while attempting to remove growth. The photos capture the moment work ceased as the raw, porous concrete became exposed. This coloured layer serves as a critical sealant, protecting the tile substrate from moisture and erosion. Without it, the roof is left vulnerable to structural decay. Unlike aggressive methods that leave behind active algae, Ultrasoft’s process gently eliminates organisms while preserving this essential protective barrier, ensuring the long-term integrity and value of your asset.
This tiled roof was pressure cleaned, yet failed to remove all organic growth. Living cyanobacteria are still visible, showing that high-pressure washing alone is not an effective or compliant cleaning method.
Incorrect cleaning destroys vinyl siding. Higher chlorine mixes ruin the material's flexibility in minutes, making it brittle, powdery, and prone to turning orange or brown. This structural damage is permanent. Ultrasoft uses a low-pressure, low-chemical system. Our method safely removes growth, dirt and grime without damaging the siding's integrity or colour, protecting your long-term investment.
Preserving Cladding
This vinyl-clad home was affected by the 2025 Ingham floods, leaving the exterior covered in active organic growth and biofilm. Ultrasoft’s ultra low-chlorine solution destroyed the growth without affecting the structure of the vinyl itself. With the right chemistry, low pressure, and attention to detail, damage-free results are possible even after severe weather events.
Vinyl cladding (PVC) relies on plasticisers for durability and flexibility. Using harsh chlorine destroys these plasticisers, causing permanent damage that can sometimes lead to orange or brown staining. While acidic washes can sometimes remove the surface colouration, the underlying structural damage is irreversible. Ultrasoft’s safe cleaning method avoids both structural damage and colour problems. Do it right the first time.
The Concrete Trap
Possessing a pressure washer is not a substitute for professional expertise. Many contractors rely on viral social media shortcuts, using aggressive chlorine concentrations to mask technical ignorance. This leads to surface erosion and subsurface brittleness and a change in concrete chemistry. Ultrasoft rejects post-treatment chlorine applications; we utilise precise technique to avoid streaks, lines or etching, backed by a 12-month warranty. We’re not just mowing driveways; we destroy and remove organic growth properly the first time.
Wet season heat and moisture fuel rapid biofilm and organic growth, especially on concrete. Our system completely destroys and removes this build-up, backed by a solid 12-month warranty. These photos capture a driveway cleaned during the wet season and months later—still spotless, with no stripes, lines, or regrowth. No chlorine post-treatment was used.
Notice how algae and natural growth weaken the concrete over time, while constant water droplets slowly erode the surface.
Outdoor courts
Ultrasoft utilises specialised low-pressure Ultrasoft technology, combined with biological inhibitors. Our method sanitises painted concrete and tennis courts without mechanical abrasion. By adhering strictly to surface manufacturer standards, we protect the structural integrity and aesthetic vibrance of your investment using surface specific, Responsible Chemistry.
Timber Preservation
Surface preservation
Ultrasoft utilises 'Responsible Chemistry' to gently lift contaminants. Our low-pressure Ultrasoft method treats the timber with specialised, eco-friendly detergents that neutralise harmful elements without disturbing the fibrous structure.
Harsh acidic or high-pH washes destroy lignin, the natural glue that holds timber together. This and high pressure lead to surface fuzzing and irreversibly bleaching of the tannins that provide wood with its rich, natural colour. These aggressive methods mean permanent structural degradation and a loss of visual appeal.
Luxury Home with Timber Features
Proper timber cleaning is essential to protect both the strength and beauty of your home. In this example, a luxury multi-level home on Townsville’s Castle Hill had extensive timber features and structural elements. Ultrasoft’s ultra-low chemical solution preserved the timber’s lignin and tannins, delivering a deep clean while maintaining the rich, natural character that makes timber so unique.
Before
After
Asbestos & Decramastic Roofing: Essential Safety Warnings
Asbestos awareness is critical for anyone maintaining an older property. Many Decramastic roofs, popular for decades, can contain asbestos fibers. These materials require specialist handling and should never be casually pressure cleaned. Disturbing these surfaces without proper controls can release hazardous fibers into the air.
Unskilled operators using high-powered machinery from sales-driven suppliers pose significant health and legal dangers. Crucially, roofs containing asbestos cannot be cleaned. If asbestos is suspected, the surface must be tested and verified by a registered asbestos testing laboratory before any work is considered. Only licensed specialists following strict safety regulations should handle these materials.
Suppliers may profit from selling heavy equipment to untrained individuals, but that does not make the work safe or legal. Property owners can face severe consequences, including potential criminal liability, if asbestos is disturbed or cleaned unsafely on their property. There are strict legal and regulatory obligations that must be met.
“This decramastic roof was previously pressure cleaned by another operator without asbestos testing. Beyond the serious legal risks of this approach, the result is clearly ineffective—the edges of the profile still show heavy contamination. Inexperienced operators posing as experts can leave owners and managers exposed to both safety hazards and potential litigation.
Hiring Responsibility & Risk
Selecting a veteran, highly trained professional is significantly safer than opting for a startup whose only guidance comes from equipment vendors unfamiliar with strict asbestos laws. Safeguard your health, asset value, and legal liability by confirming your contractor possesses the necessary qualifications and adheres to manufacturer-mandated safety protocols for hazardous materials.
Ultrasoft maintains an understanding of the legal and procedural mandates regarding asbestos, yet we are not certified to handle asbestos-containing materials directly. We perform a mandatory risk assessment for asbestos prior to starting any project we suspect asbestos present; if no asbestos is identified, we proceed with our specialised services. However, if asbestos is detected, Ultrasoft will decline the project, as we are not licensed for the removal or cleaning of asbestos.
Ensure Your Asset Receives Expert Maintenance
Ultrasoft partners with discerning owners, investors, and agencies dedicated to manufacturer-compliant exterior preservation. Our methodology prioritizes structural longevity and protective coating integrity through responsible chemistry.
Is your property managed by an agent who uses operators who understand the intricacies of cleaning, or do they use popular contractors with little to no training who just follow industry fads and social media trends?
Chris 0428 254 922 to learn more about the Ultrasoft difference.