What it is
Roof washing removes the dark streaks, moss, lichen, and organic buildup that settle into shingles over time. Those black streaks are usually a hardy algae that feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles. Left alone, it holds moisture, speeds up granule loss, and shortens the life of the roof. Moss and lichen are worse. They root into the surface and lift shingle edges.
The fix is not pressure. High pressure strips granules and can void a shingle warranty. We use a soft wash process with a cleaning solution that kills the growth at the root, then a low-pressure rinse. The stains fade the same day and keep fading over the next week or two as the dead growth washes away in the weather.
Equipment and method
Our roof crews work from the ground and from roof brackets with fall protection when a steep pitch calls for it. Solution goes on at garden hose pressure from the soft wash pump. Gutters, downspouts, and plant beds are flushed and rinsed so runoff does not sit on your landscaping. We cover outdoor furniture and AC units that sit under the drip line.
We clean asphalt shingle, concrete tile, clay tile, and metal roofs. Cedar shake gets a separate wood-safe treatment. If we see damaged flashing, cracked tiles, or lifted shingles while we are up there, we take photos and tell you, but we do not do roof repairs ourselves.
What is included
- Soft wash treatment of the full roof surface
- Moss and lichen treated and gently removed where safe
- Gutters flushed and downspouts cleared of runoff
- Landscaping pre-wet and rinsed below the drip line
- Photos of any damage we spot while on the roof
- A follow-up check on stubborn spots after the next rain
Signs you need it
- Black streaks running down from the ridge
- Green moss on the shaded side or under big trees
- Crusty gray or yellow lichen spots
- Shingle granules collecting in the gutters
- A roof that looks ten years older than it is
The Colorado angle
Colorado roofs live hard. Hail season pounds granules loose every summer, and the bare spots give growth a place to grab. Big pines and spruce drop needles and sap that hold moisture on the north slope. Altitude UV cooks the surface, then freeze-thaw works water into every gap. A clean roof sheds snow and water better, dries faster, and makes it easier for an adjuster or roofer to see real hail damage when you need a claim.
Quick answers
Will roof washing void my warranty?
Pressure washing can. Soft washing is the method most shingle makers point to for removing algae. We never put high pressure on asphalt shingles.
How long until the black streaks are gone?
Most of the staining lifts on the day of the wash. Deep, old growth can take one to three weeks of weather to fully fade as the dead material rinses off.
Do you walk on tile roofs?
Only when we have to, and only where tile can bear weight. On most tile roofs we work from ladders, the edges, and the ground to avoid cracking anything.
More questions? See the full FAQ or contact the crew.
