Why your roof looks dirty — and why it matters
Dark streaks, green patches and crusty gray-green spots on a roof aren't just dirt. They're living organisms — mostly algae, lichen and moss — that hold moisture against your roofing material, break down shingle granules and tile surfaces, and make an otherwise beautiful home look years older. In Southern California, the north-facing slopes, shaded areas under trees and coastal homes in Long Beach and the South Bay see the fastest growth.
Replacing a roof can cost many thousands of dollars. A professional roof soft wash removes the staining and the organisms behind it for a fraction of that, and can help your roofing materials reach their full lifespan.
Roof types we clean
| Roof type | Our approach |
|---|---|
| Asphalt / composition shingles | Low-pressure soft wash; no foot traffic on hot, brittle shingles where avoidable |
| Clay (Spanish) tile | Soft wash with careful tile-safe access; lichen given extra dwell time |
| Concrete tile | Soft wash plus very low-pressure rinse to clear loosened growth |
| Metal & standing seam | Gentle wash to remove oxidation film, dirt and bird droppings |
| Flat / low-slope (TPO, modified bitumen) | Soft wash and debris removal around drains and scuppers |
Our roof cleaning process
- InspectionWe check the roof from the ground and ladder for broken tiles, lifted shingles and gutter issues, and photograph everything before we start.
- Landscape protectionPlants and lawn are soaked with fresh water, delicate shrubs are covered and downspouts are directed away from planting beds.
- Soft wash treatmentA roof-safe solution is applied at low pressure, slope by slope, to kill algae, lichen and moss at the root.
- Rinse & clean-upWhere appropriate we rinse loosened growth, clear debris from valleys and gutters, and rinse plants again.
- Final check & warrantyYou get before-and-after photos and our 12-month streak-free warranty. Some stubborn lichen fades over the following weeks as it dries and washes away with rain.
Please don't climb up with a rented pressure washer. Roof work is dangerous, and high pressure can void roofing warranties. Leave it to an insured crew with proper fall protection.
Roof cleaning prices
Roof soft washing starts at $399. Pricing depends on roof area, pitch, material, height and accessibility. Add gutter cleaning while we're on the roof and save 10% with a bundle. Get a ballpark now with our online calculator.
Benefits of professional roof cleaning
- Restores curb appeal instantly — often the single biggest visual upgrade to a home.
- Removes moisture-holding growth that can shorten the life of roofing materials.
- Helps a reflective or light-colored roof keep reflecting heat in hot inland summers.
- Helps your home pass the "first impression" test for buyers, appraisers and HOA inspections.
