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The Best Roof Cleaning Methods (And Why It Matters)

If your roof is covered in black streaks or moss, you're not just dealing with an eyesore — you're looking at long-term damage in the making. Whether you have asphalt shingles or a metal roof, cleaning it the right way matters. In this guide, we’ll break down the safest and most effective roof cleaning methods so you can protect your home, extend the life of your roof, and avoid costly repairs.

Why You Should Clean Your Roof (Even If It Looks Fine)

Even if you don’t notice obvious damage, roofs collect dirt, algae, lichen, and moss over time. That stuff holds moisture, causes decay, and leads to serious wear and tear — especially on asphalt shingles.

According to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, regular cleaning is key to maintaining your shingles and keeping your warranty valid.

If you're a homeowner in Alabama and want to avoid premature replacement, routine cleaning should be part of your maintenance plan — just like cleaning your gutters or pressure washing your driveway.

What’s the Best Roof Cleaning Method?

The best method depends on your roof type and what’s growing on it. Here's a breakdown of your options — and when to use them.

Soft Washing (The Safest Method for Most Roofs)

Best for: Asphalt shingles, clay tile, slate, wood shake, and delicate roofs.

How it works: Soft washing uses low-pressure water and a cleaning solution to kill algae, mold, and moss at the root. This method is 100% safe for shingles and won’t strip off protective granules.Why it’s better: Unlike pressure washing, it doesn’t risk damaging the surface. The cleaning solution does the heavy lifting — gently.

If you have dark streaks or moss on your shingles, schedule a safe soft wash today and get your roof looking brand new without the risk.

Pressure Washing (Only for Certain Roof Types)

Best for: Metal roofing or concrete tile.

How it works: High-pressure water blasts away dirt and growth. It’s powerful — but it can also cause damage if done wrong or used on the wrong surface.

Why we don’t recommend it for shingles: Pressure washing asphalt shingles can remove granules, lift shingles, or even void your roof’s warranty.

Not sure if pressure washing is safe for your roof? Get a free roof evaluation and we’ll recommend the safest method.

Eco-Friendly Chemical Cleaning

Best for: Killing algae and mold quickly.

How it works: Cleaning agents like sodium hypochlorite or sodium percarbonate are applied to break down organic growth. It’s usually paired with soft washing for long-lasting results.

Good news: We use biodegradable, pet-safe formulas that won’t harm your plants or siding.

Why a Clean Roof Saves You Money

Neglecting your roof doesn’t just cost you curb appeal — it can cost you thousands.

Here’s what a dirty roof can lead to:

Shorter shingle lifespan

Leaks and water damage

Insurance issues or claim denials

Higher energy bills (dark algae absorbs heat)

Protect your home and your wallet — learn more about our roof cleaning services in your area.

What Makes Our Roof Cleaning Services Different?

✅ We serve all roof types: shingles, metal, tile, and more

✅ We protect your landscaping, siding, and windows during the job
✅ We’re certified and trained to clean roofs the right way — no guesswork

✅ We use only approved low-pressure methods that won’t void warranties

Want to know what it’ll cost? Get your free quote now — no pressure, just honest pricing.

Want to Bundle Roof Cleaning with Other Services?

We make it easy to take care of your whole home in one go.

Most homeowners pair roof cleaning with:

🧼 Gutter Cleaning: Prevent overflow and water damage.

💦 Soft Washing Siding: Clean your entire exterior gently.

🪟 Window Cleaning: Crystal-clear windows, no streaks.

🧱 Driveway & Concrete Washing: Get rid of grime, oil, and buildup.

🪵 Deck/Fence Cleaning: Make your outdoor spaces look brand new.

Book multiple services and save. Contact us to build your custom cleaning package.

Proudly Serving Alabama Homeowners

We make it easy to take care of your whole home in one go.

Most homeowners pair roof cleaning with:

🧼 Gutter Cleaning: Prevent overflow and water damage.

💦 Soft Washing Siding: Clean your entire exterior gently.

🪟 Window Cleaning: Crystal-clear windows, no streaks.

🧱 Driveway & Concrete Washing: Get rid of grime, oil, and buildup.

🪵 Deck/Fence Cleaning: Make your outdoor spaces look brand new.

Book multiple services and save. Contact us to build your custom cleaning package.

FAQs About Roof Cleaning

Q: How long does it take?

A: Most roofs can be cleaned in 2–4 hours, depending on size and buildup.

Q: How often should I clean my roof?

A: Every 1–3 years depending on your roof type, tree cover, and algae growth.

Q: Will roof cleaning damage my shingles?

A: Not when done professionally. Our soft washing method is safe and shingle-approved.

Q: Can I clean my roof myself?

A: It’s risky without the right equipment. Plus, walking on your roof can cause damage or lead to falls.

Ready to Restore Your Roof?

If your roof is stained, streaked, or growing moss, don’t wait. The longer you leave it, the more it spreads — and the more expensive it becomes to fix.

👉 Click here to schedule your roof cleaning service

👉 Need a custom quote or have questions? Contact us now

Let’s bring your roof back to life — the safe way. A clean roof doesn’t just enhance curb appeal—it protects your home’s structural integrity. If you’ve noticed black streaks, moss, or algae growing on your shingles, it's time to explore roof cleaning services.

Not all cleaning methods are created equal. Understanding the difference between pressure washing and soft washing could save you thousands of dollars in roof repairs and help you avoid voiding your warranty or insurance coverage.

Understanding the Risks of a Dirty Roof

Many homeowners don’t realize that those dark streaks on their roof aren’t just dirt—they’re often caused by Gloeocapsa magma, a type of algae. Left untreated, algae can retain moisture, which encourages mold, mildew, and lichen growth. Over time, this organic buildup can eat away at your shingles, shortening the lifespan of your roof and leading to costly replacements.

In areas with humid or wet climates, moss can also take hold. Moss is especially dangerous as it can lift shingles and trap water underneath, causing leaks and structural rot. That’s why regular roof cleaning is essential for protecting your home.

Pressure Washing vs. Soft Washing: What's the Difference?

Many people assume that pressure washing is the best way to clean a roof—but that’s far from the truth. While pressure washing is excellent for hard surfaces like concrete or metal, using high pressure on asphalt shingles can be catastrophic.

What Is Pressure Washing?

Pressure washing involves blasting surfaces with high-pressure water, typically at 2,000–3,000 PSI or more. While effective at removing surface grime, it's too aggressive for delicate roofing materials. On asphalt shingles, pressure washing can strip away the protective granules that guard against UV rays and weather, drastically reducing your roof’s lifespan.

Why Soft Washing Is Safer

Soft washing, on the other hand, uses a low-pressure water system (under 500 PSI) combined with specialized cleaning solutions designed to kill algae, bacteria, and mildew at the root. This method is much safer for shingles and provides longer-lasting results by treating the underlying issue rather than just removing surface buildup.

In fact, many roofing manufacturers and insurance companies recommend soft washing for maintaining your roof without damaging it.

Why Insurance Companies Prefer Soft Washing

Here’s something most homeowners don’t know: using the wrong cleaning method could void your homeowner’s insurance policy.

If you hire a company to pressure wash your roof and damage occurs, your insurer may refuse to cover the repair costs. Soft washing is widely accepted by insurance providers because it’s considered a non-destructive cleaning method. When done professionally, soft washing can even extend the life of your roof and keep your warranty intact.

For instance, a homeowner in Pennsylvania received a cancellation notice from Nationwide Insurance due to moss growth on his roof. Nationwide stated that "moss and plant growth on a roof left untreated can cause damage to a home."

After the homeowner had the moss removed and provided photographic evidence, his policy was reinstated.

Common Signs Your Roof Needs Cleaning

Not sure whether it's time to clean your roof?

Look for these warning signs:

Water stains in your attic

Green moss or lichen patches

Black streaks or stains on shingles

Visible mold growth near gutters or soffits

Higher energy bills (due to poor roof reflectivity)

If you notice any of these signs, call us for a roof cleaning consultation to assess your situation.

Benefits of Regular Roof Cleaning

Beyond protecting your roof, routine cleanings offer several key benefits:

Improved curb appeal

Increased property value

Preserved energy efficiency

Lower risk of roof leaks and rot

Compliance with HOA or insurance requirements

Why You Should Avoid DIY Roof Cleaning

Climbing on your roof with a store-bought pressure washer might seem like a money-saving idea but it’s not worth the risk.

Improper cleaning can lead to:

Personal injury from falls

Voided roofing warranties

Cracked or missing shingles

Water damage to your attic and home interior

Professional roof cleaning companies have the training, equipment, and eco-friendly solutions to do the job safely and effectively.

Our Proven Roof Cleaning Process

At Pitts Pressure Washing & More, we specialize in safe, effective roof cleaning using the soft washing method.

Here’s how we do it:

Inspection: We assess your roof's condition and identify any problem areas.

Treatment: We apply a biodegradable, low-pressure solution that kills algae, mold, and mildew at the source.

Rinse: After allowing the solution to dwell, we gently rinse your roof to remove dead organisms and debris.

Final Check: We ensure your gutters and surrounding areas are clean and leave your home looking spotless.

Our team is trained, insured, and committed to protecting your property every step of the way.

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Call Pitts Pressure Washing & More Today For An Estimate

(205) 749-6732

Serving Alabaster, Pelham, Helena, Calera, Hoover, and more.

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