Overview
Roof cleaning removes black streaks and moss. Soft washing is the standard approach.
High pressure can damage shingles.
The usual process
- Inspect roof. Check condition.
- Rinse and protect plants.
- The provider does a walk-around. They check for loose siding, open vents and fragile areas first.
- Describe the surfaces. Concrete, siding, wood and roofs each need different pressure and cleaning solutions.
- Water access is needed. Most providers connect to an outdoor spigot.
- Expect plant protection. Good providers pre-wet or cover plants when using cleaning solutions.
Things worth considering
- Safety. Roof work is risky.
- Gutters. Clean gutters too.
- Paint and coatings can lift. Washing can reveal paint that was already failing.
- High pressure can damage surfaces. Siding, wood and roofs usually call for soft washing.
- Stains vary. Oil, rust and organic stains need different treatments, and some may not fully lift.
- Runoff rules exist. Some cities restrict washing water into storm drains.
How to prepare your inquiry
- The best way and time to reach you.
- Photos, if you have them; they help a provider understand the job faster.
- Your timeline, and whether anything is urgent.
- A short description of the job and where it is on the property.
- Rough measurements or quantities, if they matter for the job.
Warning signs
- Pressure to sign or pay the same day.
- Requests for large cash deposits before any work is scheduled.
- Door-to-door offers right after a storm with no local track record.
- Suggesting you skip a required permit to save money.
- No written estimate, or an estimate with vague scope.
Questions worth asking
- Do you use soft washing for siding and roofs?
- What cleaning solutions do you use, and are they safe for plants and pets?
- Are you insured if a surface or window is damaged?
- How do you handle runoff?
- Is the price per square foot or a flat rate?
- Do you offer sealing after cleaning?
Frequently asked
- Can roofs be pressure washed?
- High pressure isn't recommended; soft washing is common.
- How often should roofs be cleaned?
- When streaks or moss appear.
- How often should I pressure wash?
- Many homeowners clean driveways and siding once a year, but shade, trees and climate can change that.
Related topics
- House Soft Washing: Low-pressure cleaning for siding.
- Deck & Fence Cleaning: Cleaning wood and composite decks and fences.
- Driveway & Concrete Cleaning: Cleaning driveways, sidewalks and patios.
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