Overview: If you want to enhance your home’s curb appeal or give your business an exterior makeover, consider roof pressure washing. In this blog post, Nick's Window Cleaning Services’ pressure washing specialists explain the benefits of hiring a roof cleaning company to soft wash your rooftop and why pressure cleaning is a cost-effective solution to remove moss, dirt, algae, mold, mildew, and other residue.

Highlights

Introduction

Whether you’re a business or homeowner, how your building’s roof looks will significantly impact how you’re perceived. A dirty rooftop can give visitors and passersby the wrong impression. Your roof is also at risk of avoidable damage and poor performance when it’s covered in bird droppings, tree sap and resins, leaves, and other organic debris. Here’s what you need to know to decide if a roof pressure washing service is the right fit for your goals and budget.

How Does Soft Wash Roof Cleaning Work?

Soft wash roof cleaning is a gentle, low-pressure cleaning method to remove dirt, algae, moss, and other organic growth from roofing surfaces. Unlike high-pressure washing, which can be harsh on shingles and cause damage, soft washing relies on biodegradable detergents and minimal water pressure to clean your roof safely and effectively.

The cleaning solution is applied directly to your roof, where it breaks down grime and kills algae and moss at the root to prevent regrowth. After allowing the solution to sit and work, your technician gently rinses your roof, washing away the debris and leaving your roof looking clean and restored.

Soft washing is ideal for preserving the integrity of various roof materials while enhancing their appearance and longevity.

What Kind of Residue Can Your Roof Washers Remove?

Roof washers are equipped to remove a wide range of rooftop residue types, including:

  • Staining
  • Bird droppings
  • Tree sap
  • Resin
  • Pollen
  • Dirt
  • Leaves
  • Pollutants
  • Algae and moss
  • Mold and mildew

When debris accumulates on your rooftop, it detracts from your property’s appearance. Even residues like bird droppings, which aren’t as visible from the ground, can do a number on your roofing materials due to their chemical makeup, causing premature damage.

Cleaning your roof can help you avoid premature roofing problems like rust stains, roofing material degradation, and mold growth.

Can Pressure Washing Remove Rust Stains From Your Metal Roof?

Rust stains develop on a metal roof after the surface is exposed to moisture and oxygen over time. They often start at scratches, seams, or other vulnerable areas.

As the rust progresses, it eats away at the metal, weakening its structural integrity and leading to thin spots or holes in your roof. This deterioration can allow water to seep into your roofing system, causing leaks that may damage your roof’s underlying structure and insulation.

Unfortunately, rust can spread and impact larger areas of your roof. When this happens, the damage will require more extensive repairs or a metal roof replacement.

Regular cleaning and removing of rust stains will help extend your metal rooftop’s longevity and keep it performing optimally.

Does Pressure Washing Your Roof Remove Mold and Mildew From Roof Shingles?

Yes. Pressure washing technicians employ the best roof soft washing practices to remove mold and mildew from your asphalt shingles.

Mold and mildew cause severe roofing material deterioration. When you want your shingles to last, you’ll have to watch for organic growth and take proactive measures to stop it from impacting your roof’s safety and structural integrity.

Using a low-pressure wash combined with specialized cleaning solutions, your technician will treat your roof’s surface to kill mold and mildew at their source, preventing regrowth and further spreading. This method restores the original appearance of your shingles and helps protect your roof structure from damage caused by prolonged mold exposure.

How Often Should You Book Roof Washing Services?

The ideal roof washing schedule depends on your roof’s age, surrounding vegetation, and the type of roofing material you have. A newer roof may require fewer cleanings, while an older roof or one shaded by trees might benefit from more frequent maintenance to prevent moss, algae, and debris buildup.

You may consider scheduling your roof cleanings alongside your biannual roof inspections to make it easier for your inspector to spot potential issues.

If you’re unsure how often you should book roof washing services, ask your technician for help, as they’ll factor in all the variables that apply to your unique property.

Do Insurance Companies Require Roof Cleanings Before Policy Renewals?

It’s recommended to perform a roof cleaning before requesting an insurance policy renewal. Some insurers may deny renewals when mold, mildew, or extensive debris buildup is present on a roofing system. To them, these issues can indicate neglect and increase the risk of future claims.

Keeping your roof clean and well-maintained helps prevent potential damage and shows insurers you’re taking proactive steps to protect your property. A clean roof will improve your chances of a smooth renewal process and help you maintain favorable rates.

How Much Does It Cost to Book Service With a Roof Cleaner?

Since roofing systems come in a variety of different shapes, styles, and sizes, your roof cleaner will typically consider the following when they give you an estimate on roof cleaning services:

  • Roof size
  • Roof pitch and accessibility
  • Roof material
  • Level of dirt and debris

Conclusion

Renewing your insurance policy, protecting your property’s curb appeal, and maintaining a safe and long-lasting roofing system don’t have to be difficult. Book regular roof pressure washing service to keep environmental contaminants, dirt, organic matter, and debris from causing roofing problems and costing you time and money.

Nick's Window Cleaning Services offers the best commercial and residential roof cleaning services. If you’re looking for pressure washing specialists, reach out to us by calling (619) 501-6198.