Roof soft wash
Roof Cleaning in Central and Baton Rouge, at low pressure
Black streaks and algae off shingle and metal roofs. We soft wash roofs. We never pressure wash shingles.
How a roof soft wash works
A roof soft wash puts a cleaning mix on the shingles at low pressure, gives it time to work on the algae, then rinses it off gently. Nothing blasts the roof, so the granules that protect your shingles stay where they belong.
Signs your roof needs cleaning.
Black or dark streaks running down the shingles
One slope darker than the rest, often the shady side
Green growth or moss along the edges and valleys
A light roof that has turned gray or brown
Before.After.
Same house, both photos. Drag the handle, or use the arrow keys, to compare each job.
What causes the black streaks on your roof
Those dark streaks are mostly an algae called Gloeocapsa magma. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association names it as the most common species behind roof discoloration.
It travels through the air, so one roof on the street can seed the next. Owens Corning notes it is most common in warm, humid places and on slopes that get less sun. Baton Rouge averages 61.94 inches of rain a year, so roofs here stay damp long enough for it to spread.
Why we never pressure wash a roof
High pressure knocks loose the granules on asphalt shingles, and those granules are what shield the shingle from the sun. ARMA's guidance on algae is plain: don't use a power washer on an asphalt roof.
So every roof gets a soft wash. Low pressure, a mix made for the job, and a gentle rinse. It's the same method we use on siding, matched to the roof. Read more in our guide to black streaks on your roof.
What's included in a roof cleaning
Every roof job follows the same steps, so you know what to expect before we start.
- A look at the roof first, in person whenever we can, or measured online if we can't make it out yet
- Plants under the roofline covered and outdoor outlets sealed
- Anything on the walks or driveway below moved out of the way
- The roof soft washed at low pressure and rinsed
- Covers off, plants watered and your things put back
Shingle roofs and metal roofs
We clean asphalt shingle roofs and metal roofs. Both get low pressure. Metal roofs collect dirt and mildew too, most of all on the side that stays in shade.
Churches, porches and outbuildings with metal roofs are welcome. Homes come first, and businesses are always welcome to ask.
How long a clean roof stays clean
It depends on shade, trees and weather. ARMA notes that cleaning is a fix for now and the algae can come back, sooner under overhanging branches and on slopes that stay damp.
When the streaks start to show again, call and we'll take a look. Trimming back branches that hang over the roof helps it dry out.
What roof cleaning costs
Every roof is different, so we quote each one. The price depends on the roof's size and pitch, how many stories it is, how heavy the streaking is and how easy it is to reach.
The quote is free, and once you approve it, that's the price. See how our quotes work for the details.
Six steps on every house.
Keep scrolling: the steps move sideways.Swipe through the steps.
Step 1: Look at the job
We walk the house whenever we can, and always if you ask, so you can point out what bothers you.
Step 2: Protect plants and outlets
Plants get covered and outdoor outlets get sealed before any water goes on.
Step 3: Clear the concrete
Anything sitting on the driveway, walk or patio gets moved out of the way.
Step 4: Mix for your home
The wash is mixed for your surfaces: siding, brick, stucco, roof or concrete.
Step 5: Wash
Low pressure for siding and roofs. Pressure only where it belongs, on concrete.
Step 6: Put everything back
Your things go back where they were, plants get watered and outlet covers come off.
Roof cleaning questions, answered.
What Baton Rouge homeowners ask before they book a roof cleaning.
Something else? Call (225) 503-5675.
Do you pressure wash or power wash roofs?
No. Roofs get a low-pressure soft wash. High pressure can strip the granules off asphalt shingles, which is why roofing makers say not to use it.
Will a soft wash hurt my shingles?
A soft wash uses low pressure and a cleaning mix that does the work, which is the approach shingle makers point to for algae. High pressure is what loosens granules, and we don't use it on roofs.
Do you clean metal roofs?
Yes. Metal roofs get the same low-pressure soft wash as shingles. Send a photo or call if you'd like to know what to expect on yours.
Will the black streaks come back?
They can. The algae that causes them is carried in the air, so a cleaning is not permanent. Shade and overhanging trees bring it back sooner. When it starts to show, give us a call.
How much does roof cleaning cost?
Every roof is different, so we give you a free quote first. It depends on size, pitch, stories and how heavy the streaking is. Once you approve the quote, that's the final price.
What about my plants and outlets?
We cover your plants and seal outdoor outlets before any water goes on. When the job is done, we take the covers off, water the plants and put your things back where they were.
Something else need cleaning?
Book more than one job and it’s one price, worked in together.
01House soft washing
Low-pressure soft washSiding, brick and stucco washed at low pressure, so it comes clean without damage.
02Driveways & concrete
Pressure washingDriveways, walks, patios and pool decks, pressure washed and edged.
03Window cleaning
Water-fed poleOutside windows and glass doors, cleaned with a water-fed pole.