Roof Cleaning
Soft-wash and pressure washing roof cleaning that removes black streaks, algae, and moss — without damaging shingles or tile.
Overview
Roof cleaning is the most overlooked exterior maintenance task in Orange County — and the most expensive to ignore. Those black streaks running down your roof are not dirt; they are Gloeocapsa magma, a hardy algae that feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles. Left untreated, it shortens roof life by years and voids many manufacturer warranties. On tile and concrete roofs the same growth turns into moss, traps moisture, and pushes tiles out of alignment.
Our roof cleaning service uses the soft-wash method endorsed by every major shingle manufacturer and recommended by the ARMA (Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association). We never put pressure on your roof. Instead we apply a low-pressure, biodegradable detergent specifically formulated to kill algae, mildew, lichen, and moss at the root, then rinse gently for a clean, uniform finish that lasts 4–7 years.
What's included
- Soft-wash treatment of the entire roof surface
- Algae, moss, lichen, and black-streak removal
- Landscape and gutter protection
- Before/after photo documentation
- Manufacturer-approved cleaning method
Why it matters
- Extends roof life and protects warranty
- Removes black streaks for years, not months
- Improves home efficiency by reflecting heat properly
Why pressure washing a roof is a disaster
Pressure washing strips the protective granules off asphalt shingles, voids your warranty, and can crack older tiles. We have repaired countless roofs damaged by well-meaning DIYers and uninsured handymen with rented pressure washers. Soft washing is the only correct method — it kills the organic growth so it cannot come back for years, and protects the substrate so your roof reaches its full service life.
What soft-wash roof cleaning looks like
We protect landscaping and gutters, apply our roof-safe detergent from the ground or a foam ladder using low-pressure equipment, allow proper dwell time for the solution to work, and rinse. You will see streaks fade within minutes; full results appear over the next several days as remaining spores die off. We document the work with before/after photos so you can confirm the difference.
Surfaces we treat
- Asphalt and architectural shingle roofs
- Concrete and clay tile roofs
- Slate and synthetic slate
- Metal roofing
- Flat and low-slope roofs
- Cedar shake (specialty service)
Pricing
Most residential roof cleaning jobs in Orange County run $400–$1,200 depending on roof size, pitch, material, and condition. Get an exact price in under a minute with our online quote.
Get my priceFrequently asked
Will roof cleaning damage my shingles?+
Not with the soft-wash method. We never use high pressure on roofs — that is what damages shingles. Soft washing is endorsed by every major shingle manufacturer.
How long do results last?+
Most roofs stay clean for 4–7 years after a professional soft wash, depending on tree coverage and humidity exposure.
Do you walk on my roof?+
Only when necessary. Most jobs are completed from ladders or the ground using low-pressure soft-wash equipment, which is safer for both our crew and your roof.
Will the detergent harm my plants?+
We pre-rinse and protect landscaping throughout the job. Our detergents are biodegradable and diluted to plant-safe levels — but extra care is taken near sensitive specimens.
Can you treat moss on tile roofs?+
Yes. Moss is common on north-facing concrete and clay tile roofs in Orange County. Our treatment kills the moss at the root so it does not return for years.