Roof Soft Washing in Aurora, CO

Roof soft washing removes dark streaks, moss and lichen with a cleaning solution applied at low pressure, followed by a gentle rinse. It exists because high pressure and asphalt shingles do not mix. Shingles are covered in mineral granules that shield the asphalt beneath from sunlight, and a pressure washer can strip those granules and loosen shingles.

What the cost guides say

Fixr's roof cleaning guide lists soft washing as the method for asphalt shingles and notes that a high-pressure wash will usually cause problems such as damaging the roof or loosening shingles. Angi likewise groups roof shingles with surfaces that should be soft washed rather than pressure washed. Soft washing is gentler but no less thorough on growth, because the solution kills it rather than just knocking off what is on top.

Granules matter more at altitude

UV is the main reason shingles carry granules, and the EPA notes that UV intensity rises about 6% per kilometer of elevation. At Aurora's official elevation of 5,471 feet, that means somewhat stronger UV than at sea level. Losing granules to an aggressive cleaning leaves the asphalt more exposed, which is one more reason we keep pressure low.

Hail first, cleaning second

The Front Range sits in what the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association calls the heart of "Hail Alley," with a damaging hail season from mid-April to mid-September. Hail can bruise shingles and knock granules loose. A roof with hail damage should be inspected by a roofer before anyone cleans it. If possible hail damage is visible at the estimate, we will point it out and recommend that inspection; we do not assess roofs for insurance claims.

Protecting what is below the roof

Roof cleaning solution runs into gutters and downspouts and down onto plants. Before we start, we wet landscaping, cover delicate plants and check where each downspout discharges. Downspouts that empty onto a driveway or into the street need attention, because Aurora's code prohibits sending detergents or dirt into the storm drainage system. We redirect or catch that flow as the site requires.

Different roofs, different approaches

• Asphalt shingles: soft wash only, no high pressure, no scrubbing
• Concrete and clay tile: low pressure; tiles can crack under foot traffic, so we limit walking on them
• Metal: low pressure or a moderate rinse; fasteners and seams are checked
• Wood shake: low pressure with care, since shakes are soft and can split

If we cannot safely access a roof because of pitch, height or condition, we will say so.

Safety on the roof

Roof work involves heights and slippery surfaces. Where possible we treat the roof from ladders or the ground with extension equipment, and when we walk a roof we use fall protection. Please do not climb onto a wet roof to check our work; we will walk you through it from the ground.