Exterior Cleaning
Professional Roof Cleaning & Soft Wash — Safe for Every Shingle, Tile & Metal Roof
Black streaks, algae, moss, and lichen are slowly destroying your roof. NorTech’s professional roof cleaning and soft wash service eliminates biological growth at the root — without a drop of damaging pressure — protecting your roof, your shingles, and your warranty.
New to NorTech? Save 15% off your first roof cleaning or soft wash service — any roof type, any size.
Critical Warning
Why Pressure Washing a Roof Is a Costly Mistake — and What to Use Instead
This is the most important thing to understand about roof cleaning. The method matters more than anything else. Using the wrong one doesn’t just do a bad job — it actively damages your roof and can void your warranty.
Pressure Washing a Roof
- Strips protective granules from asphalt shingles
- Voids most shingle manufacturer warranties
- Forces water under shingles and into the decking
- Spreads algae spores across the roof surface
- Only removes surface growth — organisms regrow fast
- Can crack or lift tiles on clay and concrete roofs
Roof Soft Washing (NorTech’s Method)
- ARMA-recommended low-pressure application
- Complies with shingle manufacturer warranty requirements
- Kills algae, moss, and lichen at the biological root
- Results last 1–3 years vs. months with pressure washing
- Safe for asphalt, tile, metal, and flat roofing systems
- Biodegradable solutions safe for landscaping below
Roof Types We Clean
Roof Cleaning Services for Every Roofing Material
Every roof type has specific cleaning requirements. NorTech technicians are trained on the correct solution concentration and application method for each material.
Asphalt Shingle Roofs
The most common residential roof type and the most vulnerable to Gloeocapsa magma algae. Soft washing removes black streaks and kills the organism without touching the granule layer.
Clay & Concrete Tile Roofs
Tile roofs crack under high pressure. Soft washing safely removes algae, moss, and lichen from porous tile surfaces without risking structural damage to the tiles or mortar.
Metal Roofing Systems
Metal roofs develop algae streaking and surface oxidation. Low-pressure soft washing restores the appearance without scratching coatings or voiding metal roofing warranties.
Flat & Low-Slope Roofs
Flat roofs accumulate standing organic debris, algae, and mold more than pitched roofs. Soft washing clears biological growth from membrane and built-up roofing systems.
Cedar Shake & Wood Roofs
Wood shakes require the gentlest approach — low-pressure application with a precisely diluted solution that kills moss and mildew without drying out or splitting the wood fibers.
Slate Roofs
Slate is extremely durable but brittle under mechanical stress. Soft washing is the only appropriate cleaning method — it cleans without any risk of cracking or dislodging slates.
What’s Actually Growing Up There
The Organisms Behind Roof Staining & Damage — and Why They Require Professional Roof Cleaning
Those stains aren’t just cosmetic. Each organism that grows on a roof causes a different type of damage and requires a specific cleaning approach to fully eliminate.
Gloeocapsa Magma (Roof Algae)
Responsible for the black streaks seen on most residential roofs. This cyanobacteria feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles, spreads via wind and rain, and retains moisture in the shingle surface — accelerating granule loss and UV damage over time.
Moss
Moss holds moisture against the roof surface 24/7, causing shingles to lift, curl, and deteriorate at a dramatically accelerated rate. It typically grows on north-facing and shaded slopes where moisture lingers longest. Left untreated, moss roots penetrate shingle layers and reach the decking below.
Lichen
The most destructive roof organism. Lichen is a symbiotic combination of algae and fungi that anchors itself directly into the shingle surface with root-like structures called rhizines. It cannot simply be washed off — it must be killed with soft wash solution and allowed to release naturally over several weeks.
Mold & Mildew
Common on flat, low-slope, and shaded roofs. Mold and mildew don’t damage shingles the same way algae and lichen do, but they indicate chronic moisture issues and create the conditions that allow more destructive organisms to take hold.
Pricing Transparency
Roof Cleaning & Soft Wash Cost Factors
Roof cleaning costs vary based on the size and pitch of the roof, the type of roofing material, and the extent of biological growth. Click any factor to learn more.
Every roof cleaning job is quoted to your specific property. Request a free quote — no obligation. Request a free quote — no obligation.
Customer Reviews
What Customers Say About Our Roof Cleaning & Soft Wash Service
4.8
Based on 1000+ ratings
“My roof had black streaks running down both sides for at least four years. I kept putting it off thinking it would cost a fortune. The soft wash took two hours and the streaks are completely gone. Wish I’d done it sooner.”
— Raymond B.“Our HOA sent us a letter about the moss on the north slope. NorTech came out within the week, treated the whole roof, and we passed inspection with no issues. Worth every penny to avoid the HOA fine.”
— Janet & Tom F.“Results on the algae were excellent — streaks gone, roof looks clean. My only complaint is the lichen on the east side didn’t fall off right away. Technician explained it takes a few weeks to shed after treatment. Would’ve been helpful to know that before the appointment, not after.”
— Carol M.“I specifically asked if they used soft wash and not pressure washing because I’d heard pressure washing voids warranties. They confirmed soft wash only and even explained why. That level of knowledge sold me immediately.”
— David L.“Really happy with the result. Had a small area near the chimney that was still slightly dark after the first pass — they came back and retreated it at no charge. Good follow-through on their guarantee.”
— Brenda K.“Three quotes from three companies. The other two wanted to pressure wash. NorTech was the only one that recommended soft wash and explained the ARMA standard. Instantly knew they were the right call.”
— Patrick O.Got Questions?
Roof Cleaning & Soft Wash — Frequently Asked Questions
Service Coverage
Roof Cleaning & Soft Wash Services Near You
NorTech provides professional roof cleaning and soft wash services across the United States. We serve hundreds of cities including:
Get Started Today
Stop Letting Algae and Moss Shorten the Life of Your Roof
Get a free, no-obligation quote for professional roof cleaning and soft wash. NorTech’s certified technicians use only warranty-safe, ARMA-compliant methods — no pressure washing, no shortcuts.
