Roof Soft Washing

A roof-cleaning method should match the roof material and condition. SurfaceWorks ProWash evaluates the roof before service and uses a low-pressure approach for applicable roofing materials rather than high pressure on standard asphalt shingles.

We take steps to protect landscaping, grass, and outdoor pet areas during service, including pre-wetting and rinsing nearby plantings and controlling runoff and dwell time. Let us know about sensitive plants, gardens, or pet areas when scheduling so we can plan around them.

Moss and lichen are treated with a low-pressure soft wash solution that is left to work on the growth, not scraped, blown, or pressure-washed off. Lichen in particular anchors into the shingle surface, so it releases gradually over the following weeks with rain and weather rather than vanishing the day we leave. Scraping or high pressure would take shingle granules with it and shorten the roof’s life, which is why we don’t use them. We clear and clean the gutters as part of roof work, since that is where dislodged growth ends up.

Learn More — what black streaks, moss, and lichen actually do to a roof

Soft washing uses low pressure and surface-appropriate cleaning solutions for delicate materials such as many roofs and siding types. Pressure washing is generally reserved for durable hard surfaces, such as applicable concrete. SurfaceWorks ProWash selects the method based on the material, condition, and project scope.

Soft washing uses low pressure and a solution matched to the material, which is why it is the recommended method for shingles, painted wood, vinyl, and other surfaces that high pressure can damage. Concentration, dwell time, and rinse approach are adjusted to the surface and its condition rather than applied the same way everywhere.

Standard asphalt shingles aren't designed for high pressure — it can strip the protective granules and shorten the roof's life. Soft washing uses low pressure and a solution matched to the material instead, which is why it's the recommended method for shingle roofs.

Black streaking is algae, and the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association is direct that there's no scientific evidence it damages asphalt shingles on its own. Left untreated, though, it helps create the conditions moss and lichen need to take hold next, which is a further stage in the same progression.

Learn More — what black streaks, moss, and lichen actually do to a roof

On its own, algae isn't eating your shingles — the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association states there's no scientific evidence algae damages asphalt shingles. It is a real cosmetic and resale-value issue, and on lighter or reflective "cool roof" shingles it can reduce reflectivity, which affects energy costs. Left untreated is also what allows moss and lichen to develop next.

Learn More — what black streaks, moss, and lichen actually do to a roof

Yes. House washing, siding cleaning, and roof soft washing all include clearing and cleaning the gutters and downspouts, and house and siding washes also cover soffit and fascia. That matters because debris-packed gutters hold moisture against the fascia and feed the same organic growth we just removed. If gutters are the only thing you need cleared, we can quote that on its own.

Yes. Upper stories are washed from the ground with low-pressure soft wash equipment that carries the solution up to the surface, which is safer for the house and for us than working a whole elevation off ladders. Height, roof pitch, landscaping, and access are all reviewed during the estimate because they change the plan and the time on site. If part of a wall genuinely cannot be reached safely, we say so before quoting rather than after.