Published by: CA Wash Pros
Last Updated: 2025-11-25
What is Roof Cleaning?
Roof cleaning is a professional cleaning service that removes debris, moss, algae, mold, mildew, and lichen (bio organisms) through different types of roof washing methods depending on the type of roof you have.
There are three common reasons for roof washing:
- To improve cosmetic appeal of residential homes or commercial businesses
- To comply with homeowners insurance requirements
- To prepare the roof for solar panel installation
Roof cleaning is essential because it eliminates bio organisms that retain moisture on your roof, which can degranulate the shingles, cause tiles to crack, and speed up wood rot.
Not all roofs are cleaned the same way. It’s important to know the material of the roof before cleaning it. In this guide, we’ll go over the different types of roofs we wash and explain how we clean them to ensure effective results without damaging your roof.
Types of Roofs We Wash
Tile Roof (Clay, Concrete)
How We Clean It: Soft Wash or Pressure Wash
We offer two types of roof cleaning for tile roofs.
Soft washing is a more gentle approach if you are concerned about the negative side effects of pressure washing.
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 have questions about this, let’s discuss how we can help by setting up a call at 408-800-3692.
Important Note: One downside of roof pressure washing is in the cosmetic, faded look, after the pressure wash. In most cases, pressure wash will remove some of the pigment of the tile depending on the color. If you have a red-colored roof, it will appear peachy. This is just a cosmetic change and has no impact in the structural durability.
Shingle Roof (Asphalt, Aluminum, Composite)
How We Clean It: Roof Soft Wash and Biocide Treatment
For shingle roofs, we do a soft wash because the material is so soft that pressure washing could tear up the surface, degranulate the shingle, and wear away the lifespan.
We use very low and gentle water pressure (60 to 120 psi) to agitate the moss and algae. Soft wash can still degranulate the shingle depending on the roof age but in a very small and insignificant amount only. The older the roof, the more degranulation; the younger the roof, the less degranulation.
After we agitate the moss and algae, we apply the biocide treatment to neutralize and stop the regrowth. This even eliminates the bio-organisms that we don’t see.
Stone-Coated Metal Roof
How We Clean It: Roof Soft Wash and Biocide Treatment
For stone-coated metal roofs, we do a soft wash because pressure washing can damage the protective coating and shorten the lifespan of the material.
We use very low and gentle water pressure (60 to 120 psi) to agitate the moss and algae and apply a biocide treatment to eliminate and prevent bio organisms regrowth.
Stone-coated metal roofs can easily bend if not properly walked on. Bended tiles can cause roof issues such as leaks. It’s very important to hire someone who is experienced and well-educated on properly walking on the roof without damaging it.
Wood Shake Roofs
How We Clean It: Manual Agitation and Biocide Treatment
For wood shake roofs, we do a manual agitation using a wood brush or a power tool to scrub the moss and algae off the roof. Afterwards, we use a biocide treatment to neutralize the moss and even lighten the wood to make it look newer.
Wood shake roofs are built by pieces of wooden shake planks held by construction staple. Over time, the staples can get loose, expand, and create holes. We don’t pressure wash wood shake because it might cause the planks to rip off and make the surface slippery to walk on.
How to Book A Roof Cleaning Service
Step 1: Get a FREE quote
Contact us at 408-800-3692 or fill up our online quote form to get started. We typically use Google Earth in our online estimates.
Step 2: Choose a Service Date
Once you have reviewed and agreed to the quote, we’ll set you up with a service date that works best for you.
Step 3: Prepare for Service
Please ensure to turn up the psi on the main spigot because we will be running 2 machines and need maximum flow to ensure our machines run properly.
Kindly notify your neighbors that there is a possibility that their side of the property is going to get dirty, but to not worry as we will go over there to clean it up. Please tell them to close the windows on the side of the property that we will be washing.
Step 4: Receive Images and Invoice
Once the roof cleaning is complete and payment has been settled, you will receive images of the roof and a paid invoice.. This documentation is especially important when dealing with homeowners insurance reinstatement or solar panel installation requirements.
Choose CA Wash Pros for Roof Cleaning Services in Bay Area Cities
Since 2021, we have been servicing homes and businesses in San Jose, CA and throughout the Bay Area with professional roof cleaning.
Our roof cleaning for insurance purposes has a 100% success rate in helping our clients get reinstated. We have also helped a lot of homeowners prepare for their solar panel installation.
With us, you’re choosing experienced and well-educated technicians that know how to do the job right. Our roof washing service is convenient, comprehensive, and completely safe for your property.
Call us at 408-800-3692 to book your roof cleaning service today.