Published by CA Wash Pros
Last Updated: 2025-11-25
Aside from soft washing, pressure washing is another option that is only suitable for cement tile and clay tile roofs because they are resilient and have a hard surface. You should never pressure wash shingle, wood shake, and stone-coated metal roofs.
Let’s discuss how roof washing really works: what it is, what are your options, how it’s done, and why you should choose the right roof cleaning experts.
What Is A Roof Wash?
Roof cleaning, also known as roof wash or roof soft wash, is a cleaning service done by professionals to safely and effectively remove dirt, debris, moss, algae, mold, mildew, and lichen from your roof. Aside from improving cosmetic appeal, it is also done for homeowners insurance reinstatement or solar panel installation requirements.
There are two common techniques to clean a roof depending on the material: soft washing and pressure washing. Let’s discuss.
Roof Soft Wash vs Roof Pressure Wash
Roof Soft Washing
Definition: Uses very low water pressure (60 to 120 psi depending on the psi of water spigot) and a biocide treatment
Best for: Shingle, wood shake, and stone-coated metal roofs
Results: Remove debris and eliminate moss, algae, mildew, mold, and lichen
Delicate roofs cannot be pressure washed. Pressure washing could tear it up and degranulate the shingle. We don’t want to degranulate the shingle because that is basically wearing away the lifespan of the shingle.
Instead, we use gentle and very low water pressure (60 to 120 psi depending on the water spigot) and apply a biocide treatment to neutralize and stop the regrowth of the moss and algae.
Tile Roof Pressure Washing
Definition: Uses high water pressure, often without the need for chemicals
Only for: Concrete tile, clay tile
Results: Remove debris, moss, algae, mildew, mold, and lichen
Pressure washing is also an option if you prefer a deeper clean, but it’s only suitable for tile roofs because they are resilient and have a hard surface. We understand there can be a lot of doubt when it comes to pressure washing tile roofs. If you’re considering this option, let’s discuss how we can help by setting up a call at 408-800-3692.
Important Note: Roof pressure washing has one downside in terms of cosmetics. The tiles will lose some of its pigment and result in a faded, lighter color look depending on your roof’s color. If you have a red roof, it will appear peachy. This is only a cosmetic effect and it doesn’t change the tile in other ways or damage it.
Benefits of Roof Cleaning
- Aesthetic transformation: Roof cleaning transforms your home and creates a more pleasing living environment.
- Reinstatement of homeowners insurance policy: Insurance companies require homeowners with dirty roofs to get a professional roof cleaning service. We have a 100% success rate in getting our clients reinstated.
- Solar panel installation: Solar panel companies require property owners to clean their roofs pre-installation for the safety of the workers.
- Prevent damage: Neglecting your roof means waiting for damages to come in. While roofs are built to last for decades, lack of maintenance could shorten its lifespan.
- Increased property value: Your property will have increased value when it looks pristine and in good condition. A potential buyer is less likely to purchase a neglected home.
- Sit and relax: The best thing about letting the professionals handle your roof cleaning is you don’t have to do it on your own. You can get a roof cleaning service even if you’re travelling somewhere, at work, or tending to other important businesses.
Potential Risks of Improper Roof Cleaning
Roof cleaning is not a simple DIY over-the-weekend project that anybody can do. Your roof is an investment and even minor damages can lead to expensive repairs. Dealing with inexperienced technicians can be risky and here’s why.
Cracked Tiles
Risk: The possibility of damage or cracked tiles comes from inexperienced technicians walking on your roof.
Our Solution: Our technicians are experienced and well-educated on how to properly walk on tile roofs without damaging it. In certain circumstances where the tiles of the roof cannot bear the weight of the technicians, we use large foam pads to distribute our weight and prevent the tiles from cracking.
Degranulated Shingles
Risk: Shingle roofs cannot handle pressure washing because it could tear up the material and degranulate the shingle.
Our Solution: We do a soft wash and use gentle water pressure at very low levels to agitate the moss. Afterwards, we apply a biocide treatment to neutralize bio organisms and stop regrowth.
Bended Tiles
Risk: Stone-coated metal roofs should not be pressure washed to avoid damaging the coating and shortening lifespan of the material. This roof also bends easily if not properly walked on.
Our Solution: We also use soft wash for stone-coated metal roofs. Our technicians are experienced and well-educated to properly walk on this type of roof without causing any damage.
Ripped Off Wood Planks
Risk: Wood shake roofs are built by pieces of wood planks held by construction staple. Over time, those staples get loose, expand, and create holes. Pressure washing might cause the planks to rip off and the surface to turn very slippery to walk on.
Our Solution: We do a manual agitation in our wood shake roof cleaning using a wood brush or a power tool to scrub the moss and algae off the roof. Afterwards, we do a biocide treatment to neutralize the moss. This also lightens the wood and makes it look newer.
Choose the Right Roof Cleaning Expert in the Bay Area
To sum things up, pressure washing is another roof cleaning option for tile roofs. You should not pressure wash shingle, wood shake, and stone-coated metal roofs. Instead, a roof soft wash is much more safe and effective for delicate roofs.
At CA Wash Pros, we ensure high-quality roof cleaning services that match your needs. Whether it’s for improving your home’s curb appeal, homeowners insurance reinstatement, or solar panel installation, we are the trusted local experts for your home. We specialize in soft washing and also offer pressure washing for tile roofs for a deeper clean.
We serve residential and commercial properties in San Jose, CA and many more cities in the South Bay Area. Call us at 408-800-3692 and let’s discuss how we can help with your roof cleaning needs.