Soft Washing Is Not Power Washing
High-pressure washing destroys roofs. It strips the granules off asphalt shingles, forces water under slate and tile, and can crack century-old material that would otherwise have decades left. That is why we do not do it.
Soft washing uses a low-pressure application — barely more than a garden hose — with a professional cleaning solution that kills the algae, moss, lichen, and mildew at the root. The growth dies, releases its grip, and rinses away. The roof is cleaned biologically, not blasted mechanically. It is the method recommended for slate, tile, cedar, and asphalt alike, and the only responsible method on a historic roof.
Why Roofs Turn Black and Green
Those dark streaks running down a roof are not dirt and they are not stains. They are a living blue-green algae that feeds on the limestone filler in shingles and holds moisture against the surface. Moss and lichen go further, rooting into seams and lifting material apart as they grow. Left alone, all of it shortens roof life — trapped moisture accelerates rot, freeze-thaw damage, and premature failure of the roof surface.
Slate and Historic Roofs
A slate roof is a serious asset. Replacing one is one of the most expensive projects a property owner will ever face, and much of what looks like a roof at the end of its life is simply a roof buried under decades of biological growth. Cleaned properly, slate looks close to new — and once it is clean, it can actually be inspected: cracked slates, slipped pieces, and failing flashing become visible instead of hidden under moss.
We work with roofing contractors on exactly this basis. We handle the wash so their team can get up, assess honestly, and make targeted repairs — extending a roof's service life by years or decades instead of replacing it. If you are a roofing or restoration contractor and want a reliable, insured, aerial-equipped crew to handle the cleaning side, get in touch.
What We Clean
- Slate & tile roofs — low-pressure only, appropriate solution strength for delicate historic material
- Asphalt shingle roofs — removes the black algae streaking without stripping granules
- Siding & exterior walls — vinyl, painted wood, stucco, brick
- Gutters & fascia — exterior brightening alongside a roof wash
- Decks, patios & walkways — where appropriate for the surface
Why a Tree Company Is the Right Call
Roof work is height work, and height work is what we already do every day. We bring the same equipment and the same trained crews that handle removals over houses:
- Aerial bucket truck access — we work from the lift rather than walking a wet, slick roof. Safer for our crew and safer for your roof.
- Fully insured for height work — general liability and workers’ compensation, on file and verifiable before we start.
- We know the trees causing it — overhanging limbs are why the north side of your roof stays damp and grows moss. We can clean the roof and prune back the cause in one visit, so it stays clean longer.
- Plant and property protection — we pre-wet and rinse landscaping and protect what surrounds the structure as standard practice.
Our Process
1. Assessment — We identify the roof material, the type of growth, existing damage or failing flashing, and the landscaping that needs protecting. Slate, tile, cedar, and asphalt each get a different approach and solution strength.
2. Protection — Plants and shrubs are pre-wet and covered, and sensitive areas around the structure are shielded before any solution is applied.
3. Low-pressure application — The cleaning solution is applied gently and given dwell time to work. No high pressure ever touches the roof surface.
4. Rinse & final walk — Surfaces and surrounding landscaping are thoroughly rinsed, and we document the finished work with photos.
Free Estimates
Every roof is different — material, pitch, size, access, and how far the growth has gone all matter. We quote each job individually after looking at it, and you get a written quote before any work begins. No obligation.
Get Your Free Soft Washing Estimate
Frequently Asked Questions
No — that is the entire point of the method. Soft washing applies the solution at low pressure, so nothing is blasted, lifted, or forced under the roof surface. High-pressure washing is what damages roofs, and we do not use it on them.
Yes, and it is the recommended approach. Slate is exactly the material you must never pressure wash. We use a gentler solution strength on slate and tile than on asphalt, and we work from an aerial lift instead of walking on the roof, which protects both our crew and the slate itself.
Plants are pre-wet, covered where needed, and thoroughly rinsed afterward. Protecting the landscaping is a standard part of the job, not an add-on.
Typically several years, but it depends heavily on shade and moisture. A roof under heavy tree cover regrows much faster — which is why we often recommend pruning back the overhanging limbs at the same time. Doing both together is the difference between cleaning every couple of years and cleaning once a decade.
Yes. We regularly handle the cleaning portion so a roofing or restoration contractor can properly inspect and repair a roof that was hidden under growth. We are insured for height work and equipped with aerial access. Contact us to discuss ongoing contractor arrangements.
It depends on the roof — material, size, pitch, access, and how heavy the growth is. We look at it, then give you a written quote before any work starts. Estimates are always free.