Follow these six tips to get stains off your roof safely
Chemical-free roof cleaning methods use low-pressure water to remove stains, algae, and moss without damaging your shingles or harming your landscaping.
Expect to pay $0.20 to $0.60 per square foot for eco-friendly cleaning or $0.15 to $0.30 per square foot for bleach-based treatments.
You can upgrade to algae-resistant shingles with copper granules for long-term protection, costing about 10% to 20% more than standard roofing materials.
Hiring a local roof moss removal professional provides safe removal using specialized sprays and manual techniques, keeping you off steep roof angles.
A dirty roof can lead to serious damage, possibly void your roof’s warranty, and lower your home’s value. That’s why it’s essential you maintain your roof by cleaning it or hiring a pro. Follow these easy cleaning tips to remove roof stains, mildew, mold, and algae, to keep your roof looking polished.
Worried about the chemicals used to clean stains off your roof? Don’t be! Many roof cleaning companies offer chemical-free roof cleaning. Be sure to ask for this method specifically when hiring a roof cleaner in your area.
A chemical-free roof-cleaning should be free of the following:
Chlorine bleach
Phosphates
Vegetation-killing chemicals
Waterway-polluting chemicals
Another plus is that this method uses a low-pressure rinse finish to clean stains off your roof instead of high-pressure scrubbing and brushing, which could ruin your roof.
Other perks of this roof-cleaning method include:
Instant results
Won't damage shingles
Won't damage surrounding landscaping
Be prepared to pay between $0.20 to $0.60 per square foot for this ultra-safe, eco-friendly roof-cleaning option compared to cleaning with chlorine bleach.
Make sure your contractor guarantees that algae, lichens, and moss will be 100% gone before they leave. Ask about signing up for an annual "roof stain" prevention program.
Have tough roof stains that you haven’t been able to remove in the past? Many professional roof cleaners offer a stain-removing option that consists of sodium hypochlorite (chlorine bleach) and sodium hydroxide mixed with other chemicals like trisodium phosphate (TSP).
The chlorine bleach roof-cleaning method works like this:
Spray your roof with the formula
Apply formula a second time after drying
Lingering stains, moss, and lichens disappear gradually
Keep in mind that it can take months for lingering roof stains and growth to sluff off. While rain makes the process quicker, you'll need to inspect your roof to monitor your progress with this method.
Lower cost is the perk of choosing the bleach method. A bleach-based roof cleaning typically costs between $0.15 and $0.30 per square foot. The big downside is that the results aren't instant like they are with a low-pressure spray wash.
Here's a look at some other things to be mindful of when choosing a bleach roof-cleaning method:
Possible strong odor
Exposure could harm people or pets
Bleach can hurt landscaping
Potential waterway leakage
If you're avoiding a bleach roof-cleaning, ask your contractor about bleach usage ahead of time. Contractors that use runoff recovery systems, cover plants, or wet plants before, during, or after the job, probably use bleach.
The bottom line is that deciding to use bleach comes down to your home's location and local environment.
This roof-cleaning option "blasts" stains with high-pressure water, but it’s not right for every roof. “You should never, ever use a power washer on a shingle roof, but it can be used on metal and tile roofs,” says Ami Feller, Angi Expert Review Board member and owner of Roofer Chicks in New Braunfels, TX. The main concern is that high pressure can damage shingles. It also doesn't get rid of the root systems of things growing on your roof. Algae often returns.
If it feels like you can't keep up with what's needed to maintain your roof to get rid of algae black streaks, consider upgrading to algae-resistant shingles, which cost about 10% to 20% more than non-treated roofing materials.
Designed for climates that are susceptible to algae growth, these shingles feature copper granules mixed with standard roofing materials.
If you have what looks like a moss infestation, you may need a local roof moss removal expert with a separate bag of tools.
Moss removal for your roof typically entails:
A special de-mossing spray
Low-pressure spraying to loosen moss
Getting on the roof to manually remove remaining moss
If your roof angle is not too steep and you feel comfortable working up there, you can try to handle roof stain removal yourself. However, it’s always best to hire a roof-cleaning pro to ensure safety. If you decide to clean stains off your roof yourself, be sure to use safety equipment.
To DIY roof stain removal, you’ll need the following items:
Full-body safety harness
Hand sprayer
Cleaning solution
Gloves and goggles
Long garden hose
Whatever method you choose to remove roof stains, keep in mind that roofing is dangerous work with a high accident rate. Before you DIY, get a quote from a local roof cleaning contractor. You will probably find that hiring a pro is easier and safer than doing it yourself.
Mitchell and the crew were top tier i am so happy with my new roof
Home Genius ExteriorsI had FabClean 614 clean my apartment, and she did an outstanding job. She was so professional and efficient. My apartment looks absolutely spotless every surface, every corner, all cleaned to perfection. Definitely highly recommend FabClean 614 if you're looking for top-notch cleaning...
Fab Clean 614Best cleaning I've had at my property
D1 Roofing delivers outstanding service from beginning to end, backed by a strong warranty and expert teams. I highly recommend them for their excellence in meeting and surpassing expectations with unmatched communication. Choosing D1 Roofing was flawless decision
Division 1 Roofing LLCThe technician was very professional and friendly. He answered all my questions and was very thorough. He left the fireplace area very clean . He inspected from the roof and advised me as to other work that might need to be done. There was no pressure there. I was very satisfied with the...
Supreme brick & chimneyOn time, clean and finished fast. Windows seem sturdy and the finish is good. Caulking was done with no smudges. Would recommend.
Window Depot USA of Central OhioI definitely recommend Ramonaâ s cleaning service! I have booked services with her many times and she arrives on time, ready to work and provides a great service.
Your Cleaning Solutions LLCGreat job...edging and pre clean up went well with a great job with seal coat. Friendly, efficient and professional.
All Star Paving and SealingMary Cleaning Service is fantastic! The entire team is professional and pay a great deal of attention to detail. They do such a thorough job of cleaning my house. I would definitely recommend!
It was just fine. They did a good job. They cleaned what needed to be cleaned.
Dezired Cleaners LLCFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Roof cleaning costs may not be as high as you think. Learn why the size and type of your roof, as well as the cleaning method, aren’t the only cost factors.
Discover the cost to pressure clean a roof, including average prices, key factors, and tips to help you budget and maintain your roof efficiently.
Learn more about the pros and cons of roof cleaning to decide whether your home’s roofing material can benefit from removing mold, moss, and algae.
Did you know roofs of all types can benefit from a cleaning? Using this guide, you’ll understand the benefits of regular roof cleaning and why it’s best to hire a prof.
Learn how to clean a deck before staining to ensure long-lasting adhesion, weatherproofing, and optimum appearance of this coloring and protecting treatment.
Learning how to remove driveway stains depends on the type of stain, your driveway, and your abilities. Luckily, these 8 methods are pretty simple. Learn more.
