Restoring the Wow Factor—One Roof at a Time
At Southeast Softwash, we’re not just about washing dirt and algae off surfaces—we’re about restoring them. On this late April afternoon in 2025, we took on a unique challenge: a heavily oxidized hunter green metal roof that had lost its luster over the years.
Located just down the road from our shop, this home belongs to a property owner who clearly takes pride in his space. His yard is pristine, his landscaping on point—but his roof had faded dramatically due to oxidation. That’s where Ox-Knox steps in.
Understanding Oxidation on Metal Roofs
Oxidation is not the same as a dirty roof. It’s a chemical reaction that happens when metal roofing is exposed to oxygen and sunlight over time, dulling its original color. For example, this particular roof was originally hunter green—as we could tell from the exposed flashing—but it had faded into a chalky, muted version of its former self.
Many contractors can’t even identify oxidation properly and mistake it for something they can’t fix. If you’re unsure, you need education before you attempt restoration work.
That’s why Softwash 101 from Southeast Softwash is so valuable—it trains you to spot, price, and tackle these types of projects with confidence.
The Process: Ox-Knox in Action
We came prepared with:
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A Milwaukee battery sprayer
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A 275-gallon tote of water (leftover from Super Pump testing)
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A solid understanding of chemical application and rinsing technique
Here’s what we did:
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Mix – We started with a 50/50 mix of Ox-Knox and water, which is a solid baseline for oxidation removal.
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Application – Sprayed the mix evenly across the oxidized area. Weather was slightly overcast and warm—ideal for the chemical to dwell.
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Dwell Time – Allowed about 5 to 10 minutes for Ox-Knox to react with the surface.
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Rinse – Using the Super Pump to rinse (no pressure needed), we carefully avoided pushing water under ridge caps or into seams.
Pro Tip: Always rinse downward on metal roofs. Never shoot water up into the ridges. That’s a recipe for water intrusion and unhappy clients.
The Results
After about 45 minutes of total work time, the difference was undeniable. The front side of the roof looked almost new—not brand new, but remarkably better. We always remind clients that oxidation removal is restoration, not perfection. Still, the customer was thrilled.
We used just under 2 gallons of Ox-Knox, and it delivered once again. The contrast between the treated and untreated sides was dramatic. In a side-by-side comparison, it’s obvious how powerful this process is when done correctly.
Know What to Charge: This Isn’t a Wash Job
Here’s the kicker: oxidation removal is not cleaning. It’s a restoration service—and it should be priced accordingly.
A roof wash might cost “X,” but deoxidizing should be 4X to 5X that amount.
Why? Because of:
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Higher chemical costs
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Increased skill and risk
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The added time and care needed
If you price it like a standard wash, your profit margin disappears. But price it right? You’ve got a high-ticket job that can be done in under an hour with minimal equipment.
Want to Learn How to Do This the Right Way?
If you’re new to softwashing or have been struggling with jobs like this, Softwash 101 is your blueprint for success. In this hands-on course, you’ll learn:
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How to identify oxidation vs. dirt or fading
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Proper chemical mixes and techniques
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How to bid restoration work profitably
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Pre- and post-job checklists to protect yourself and deliver killer results
👉 Check out SESW Softwash 101 – and get trained the right way.
Final Thoughts
Ox-Knox knocked it out of the park—again. The homeowner was stoked, we wrapped the job in under an hour, and the roof looks a million times better. If you want to offer restoration-level services that command higher prices and deliver jaw-dropping results, you need the right tools and the right training.
See you in the field. Until next time—peace out.
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