Roof Washing Do’s and Don’ts for Homeowners

Posted on 2025-12-30 16:02:39

A blank roof does extra than boost decrease charm. It protects shingles, preserves warranties, and helps your private home shed water the method it changed into designed. When roofs cross not noted, algae and lichen take root, granules wash away, and small leaks become repairs you may feel in your finances. I even have watched a roof lose half its closing lifestyles from a couple of seasons of heavy moss. I have also observed 20-12 months shingles stretch beyond 25 with mushy, typical cleansing. The change comes right down to approach and timing.

Homeowners inside the Triad and across the Southeast face comparable culprits. Our humid summers and leaf-heavy falls imply black streaks from algae, efficient patches from mold, and the occasional shag carpet of moss on north-dealing with slopes. If you’re wondering Roof Washing in Winston-Salem or at any place with warm, damp climate, the stakes are well-known. The great news: most roofs reply neatly to careful repairs, and also you don’t desire to turn cleaning day right into a demolition derby.

Below are the do’s and don’ts I proportion with customers and friends. They follow to asphalt shingles, the such a lot general roof style round right here, and I’ll note changes for metallic, tile, and cedar. If any of this increases a question approximately your unique roof, the risk-free rule is modest: take a look at the organization’s cleansing directions beforehand you decide on up a wand.

Why roofs seem to be grimy within the first place

Those black streaks across many neighborhoods will not be dust. They’re colonies of Gloeocapsa magma, a hardy blue-eco-friendly algae that feeds on limestone filler in asphalt shingles. It starts off top, flows downslope with rainwater, and darkens as it grows. Mildew and mold thrive in damp colour, continually around valley strains and beneath overhanging trees. Moss and lichen set roots in which moisture lingers, fairly on cool north and east exposures.

In the Triad, spore counts climb after pollen season, then summer time humidity continues roof surfaces damp for lengthy stretches. If you reside beneath o.k. or pines, the roof can trap needles and leaves that continue moisture like a sponge. I’ve lifted clumps of particles to in finding moss gardens tucked under. That’s in which granule loss speeds up. Granules are the sunblock of a shingle. Lose adequate and UV pale chefs the asphalt, turning it brittle.

With steel roofs, the story is more about pollen movie, mold, and occasional oxidation. Tile and slate face up to algae yet collect grime within the pores and may crack lower than the inaccurate blast of water. Cedar shakes invite moss in the event that they don’t dry rapidly after rain.

Knowing the biology and the fabrics is the key. You tournament the technique to the expansion and the roof sort, now not any other way around.

The case for tender washing

High stress seems to be satisfying in movies, but it shreds asphalt shingles in authentic existence. I once stood on a driveway after a DIY power-wash and collected piles of black granules as though any one had poured a bag of aquarium gravel across the concrete. Those granules were purported to be on the roof. The easy seem lasted a season, then leaks started round flashing.

Soft Wash Roof Cleaning makes use of low tension, almost always within the 60 to one hundred PSI wide variety at the roof surface, paired with a targeted detergent solution to dissolve algae and mildew. Think garden-hose strength, no longer concrete-saw depth. The chemistry does the paintings, not the nozzle. Done exact, mushy washing cleans the roof, slows regrowth, and leaves the protecting floor intact.

For asphalt shingles, the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association endorses a tender mindset the usage of terrific bleach-dependent options, applied and rinsed lightly. For tile and masonry, soft wash remains valid however more often than not with different detergents and more careful reside occasions. For steel, the goal is to cast off natural film with out scratching the end or using water lower than panels.

If you chase the Best Roof Cleaning Winston-Salem has to supply, ask vendors for their stress settings on the roof, no longer just at the pump. Numbers count number. “We use low force” can suggest the rest until eventually it’s on your shingles.

Do’s that reach roof life

Treat roof care like dental hygiene. Small, accepted habits beat heroic rescues. These do’s come from years of running on ladders and from staring at roofs in our weather age gracefully or briskly.

Do plan for timing. Late spring and early fall are appropriate for Roof Washing in Winston-Salem. The weather is delicate, growth is obvious, and solutions do not evaporate right away in heat. Avoid extreme temperatures and windy days that blow spray where it shouldn’t pass.

Do fee the roof from the flooring first. Binoculars or a 20x cell zoom can present you streak patterns, moss clumps, lifted tabs, and nail pops. If the roof has any lively leaks or seen wreck, fix those in the past washing.

Do preserve landscaping. Pre-wet shrubs and grass around the drip line, then cowl delicate plants with breathable fabric or plastic all the way through software. Rinse them back after the process. A few minutes of prep prevents brown spots and offended hydrangeas.

Do use the right combination and reside time. For asphalt shingles with algae, a sodium hypochlorite headquartered resolution, appropriately diluted, does the heavy lifting. Let it stay long adequate to lighten the stains but no longer so long that it dries in place. A second pale utility ordinarily beats a more advantageous single dose. Rinse with low tension, and in case you use surfactant, make certain that is roof dependable and biodegradable.

Do work from a nontoxic location. Roof pitch is the in many instances underestimated risk. I have walked roofs for many years, and I still harness up on something steeper than a 6/12. Use a roof anchor, a rope and a top lanyard, or work from the ground with extension wands in which you will. Shoes topic extra than employees think; gentle, refreshing soles grip bigger than vintage treads slick with granules.

Do thoughts the water trail. Keep water flowing down the slope, not sideways into laps or uphill under shingle joints. Avoid soaking ridge vents and on no account force water in opposition t flashing seams. The aim is to enable gravity lend a hand you, not fight you.

Do a delicate rinse. You do no longer need to chase every droplet off the roof. On easy days, a easy rinse plus the subsequent rain will finish the task. If you wash in sizzling climate, rinse greater competently to shield shingles and paint from chemical residue.

Do pair cleansing with a rapid preservation scan. Clear gutters at the same time you’re up. Check kick-out flashing wherein the roof meets walls. Ensure downspouts discharge clear of the muse. You store more cash by discovering a lifted shingle sooner than a thunderstorm than via any chemical collection.

Do examine warranties and manufacturers’ directions. Most shingle makers take delivery of cushy washing with certain mixes. Tile and metal roofs in certain cases require neutralization steps after washing. Cedar shakes most likely gain from cleaning followed by using a picket preservative, utilized on a dry day.

Do name for lend a hand when the pitch or the improvement is beyond your convenience. Roof Cleaning mavens have pumps, valves, and wands designed for roof-safe program, in addition to containment systems for runoff. If you might have a three-tale eave or a Spanish tile that fractures underneath missteps, hiring the precise group is the most cost-effective possibility ultimately. Search for Roof Cleaning Winston-Salem and ask pointed questions about activity, insurance plan, and references.

Don’ts that forestall luxurious mistakes

Most roof cleansing disasters fall into a brief checklist of avoidable mistakes. Some appear harmless in the moment, then chunk months later.

Don’t use prime pressure on asphalt shingles. Anything potent satisfactory to sit back the wand will likely erode granules or lift edges. Even a “careful” 1,500 PSI is too much at shut wide variety. Your roof is absolutely not a deck.

Don’t scrape moss aggressively. Moss has rhizoids that weave into the right layer of the shingle. Hard brushing gets rid of granules in addition to the efficient. After therapy, moss will brown and release over days or weeks. Patience beats power.

Don’t aim at vents and flashings. Spraying into gaps and seams can force water within. Keep a deferential distance from chimneys, skylights, pipe boots, and ridge vents. If a boot is cracked, update it formerly you wash.

Don’t forget about runoff administration. Chemical overrun can spot paint, stain fences, and ruin plants. Downstream pals be counted too. Use downspout socks to catch foam, divert flow into lawn, and evade pouring into storm drains.

Don’t blend chemical compounds blindly. Bleach and ammonia unfastened cleaners each and every have an area, but some combinations produce toxic gas. Read labels, retailer concentrates one by one, and put on eye policy cover, gloves, and a respirator if cautioned.

Don’t paintings by myself on steep roofs. I actually have became down jobs where the property owner wished to “secure the ladder” even though I climbed. That seriously is not a safeguard plan. Use a footed ladder, tie it off, and feature a 2d person on site with a cellphone.

Don’t chase perfection on an antique roof. If shingles are at the quit of life, heavy cleaning can do greater damage than outstanding. Aim for sanitary and presentable, not pristine. Sometimes the accurate answer is a modest cleaning now and a alternative plan inside of a 12 months.

Don’t neglect the north slope remaining. Algae starts offevolved there. If time or solution runs out, beginning with the darkest faces. You can continuously go back to gently stained sections later.

What delicate wash seems like in practice

Let me cartoon an average day of Roof Washing in Winston-Salem.

The activity is a 2,100-square-foot ranch with a 6/12 pitch, shaded on the north side by two maples. The roof is 8 years old. Black streaks run right down to the gutters, and there is a thumb-sized moss patch near a valley. The home owners have azaleas lower than the eaves.

We get started at eight:00 a.m. to beat the warmth. I stroll the flooring perimeter, seek for sprinkler heads and panorama lighting fixtures to dodge stepping on them, and move patio fixtures out of spray number. A rapid roof experiment from the ladder presentations intact shingles, minor granule loss inside the valley, and a quite lifted starter shingle at a rake facet.

We pre-moist the azaleas till water is dripping off the leaves. I set a lightweight cover over two sensitive potted ferns. I tie off to a roof anchor on the ridge wherein the installation won’t compromise constitution, then clip my harness.

The smooth wash combine for this process is a modest bleach dilution with a surfactant that adheres with out producing too much foam. I follow a gentle coat from the ridge down, working in sections so the solution does no longer dry. The black streaks begin to fade inside of minutes. The moss patch turns a lighter green, then brown. I go away it on my own and face up to the urge to opt for at it. On scorching shingles, I mist the part with water to manage live time, then lightly rinse. Any runoff that reaches gutters is diluted with a hose, and I use downspout diversions to flood garden areas rather then the flower mattress.

By 10:30 a.m., the roof appears like it did in yr two, now not contemporary, but fresh and uniform. The small lifted shingle gets a dab of roofing cement. I run a short gutter refreshing, take pics for the home-owner, and get rid of the protecting covers from the crops, rinsing them once again. The moss remnant will wash away with a higher storm.

This kind of task, achieved each and every 3 to five years, continues algae from getting its roots into the roof and avoids heroic interventions later.

Special notes by way of roof material

Asphalt shingles. Soft wash purely, low strain rinse, preclude going for walks excessively on scorching days whilst shingles are softer. Watch for company-specific ratios. Most enable bleach-elegant cleaners in managed dilutions. Replace susceptible rubber pipe boots each and every decade or whilst cracked.

Metal roofs. Coated steel and aluminum roofs gain from low-power washing with slight detergents. Avoid abrasive brushes that will scratch the finish and invite rust. Rinse properly to steer clear of streaking from residual surfactants. https://penzu.com/p/ac5661cbbe0d9be1 If oxidation is existing, cleaning is the first step, yet fix may also require specialised coatings.

Clay and urban tile. These are mighty in compression but brittle under factor quite a bit. Distribute weight with walk pads in the event you ought to step on them, or work from ladders and lifts. Soft wash to eradicate algae, then rinse. Some tiles profit from a post-wash neutralizer to stability pH. Re-seal in basic terms if manufacturer-permitted and obligatory for unique climates or finishes.

Cedar shakes. Clean for moss and mold lightly, then permit full dry time. Overwashing can enhance the grain and shorten lifestyles. Cedar wants to breathe. After cleaning, a preservative healing can amplify lifestyles through slowing fungal improvement, however it will have to be implemented within the desirable climate window.

Slate. Treat slate like glass with claws. No top force, no heavy foot site visitors. Soft wash solutions can put off natural and organic motion pictures, but rinsing have to be mild. Use a specialist everyday with slate to keep cracked portions and dislodged hooks.

How sometimes should still you easy?

There is not any single time table. For most homes in our neighborhood, a 3- to five-yr interval works, with spot solutions between if colour and moisture linger. After a heavy pollen season or a storm’s valued at of leaves, a quickly inspection tells you regardless of whether a small clean now saves a much bigger one later.

Homes below extensive bushes characteristically need Roof Cleaning extra ceaselessly, not due to the fact the roof is “unhealthy,” yet because it lives in a microclimate in which shade and particles maintain it damp. Trimming branches to permit more solar and air across the roof can cut algae enlargement seriously. A 6 to 10 foot clearance between branch pointers and shingles is a remarkable rule of thumb, either for drying and for hurricane protection.

What to ask in case you hire a pro

Not every service uses the similar strategy. In a busy industry, the Best Roof Cleaning Winston-Salem groups percentage features you can check in a brief communique.

What rigidity do you ship at the roof surface, and how do you degree it? What cleaning ideas do you employ for asphalt shingles, and at what dilution? How do you maintain landscaping and control runoff? Are you insured for roof paintings, and do you've got you have got references for jobs on similar roofs? Can you supply previously-and-after pix along side any producer-aligned cleansing policies?

If you hear self assurance with out numbers, store calling. Responsible roof cleaners discuss in specifics. They can even decline work whilst a roof is past its precious existence and cleaning might be cosmetic at pleasant, hazardous at worst.

Managing water and chemistry around your home

Roof Washing is as a good deal about in which the water is going as about what touches the shingles. Plan for containment. Divert downspouts to garden, no longer hardscape. If your private home slopes toward a neighbor, build momentary berms with sandbags or foam noodles to prevent runoff in your area until it dilutes into the yard. Avoid spraying near attic vents in windy circumstances. Tape plastic sheeting round sensitive painted surfaces like historic wood home windows that might chalk or streak if chemical compounds drip down.

For bleach-based totally mixes, constantly pre-rainy flora, then rinse after. Keep pets interior unless the facet dries and accumulate their water bowls. If you have got a koi pond, additional warning is non-negotiable; duvet it wholly and divert runoff some distance from that aspect.

Wear awesome PPE. Eye upkeep seriously isn't optionally available after you paintings overhead. Gloves save you from equally chemical substances and granule abrasion. If you climb, use a harness rated for falls, not a cheap webbing belt. Take the similar seriousness in your ladder setup. A ladder stabilizer provides grip and forestalls gutter dents, and tying off the leading with rope gives you a further margin of security.

DIY or hire out?

If your roof is low pitch, one or two reviews, and structurally sound, a wary owner of a house can deal with faded to average algae with a smooth wash setup and cautious prep. Keep a spotter at ground level, degree your hoses to avoid snags, and flow slowly.

If your own home has a steep pitch, troublesome rooflines, tile or slate, or if heights hassle you, rent a specialist. The value for Roof Washing Winston-Salem property owners pay commonly ranges widely established on length, pitch, and get admission to. A modest ranch would possibly fall within the reduce a whole bunch, even though a steep, multi-gable two-story could be greater. Prices additionally reflect whether gutters are protected and how much plant protection is required. The cheapest quote incessantly skips obligatory steps like runoff manage and put up-rinse, prices that instruct up later in browned shrubs or streaked paint.

How roof washing suits into broader abode upkeep

Roofs don’t stay on my own. They hook up with gutters, siding, attic air flow, and the floor around your basis. Cleaning the roof without clearing gutters is a 0.5 job, considering that clogs store the roof edges moist and feed extra growth. While you might be at it, scan soffit vents for blockages. A roof that remains dry between storms resists algae and lasts longer. Adequate attic air flow and insulation also lower winter condensation which could feed mould from the underside.

Think of roof washing as a node in a small community of annual responsibilities: trim bushes, smooth gutters, examine flashing, and look at the attic after the 1st sizeable rain of the season. If you make those rounds twice a 12 months, you can spot early symptoms of dilemma. I keep a pocket book for each and every residence I hold. A short observe like “north slope streaks returning, correct ridge OK, maple branches close on east” is enough to devise the following cross earlier than difficulties set in.

Common myths that waste money

“Pressure makes it cleaner.” Pressure gets rid of organics rapid, but at a top structural can charge on shingles and soft supplies. Clean does now not imply blasted.

“Bleach ruins roofs.” Bleach, used at the top dilution and with accurate rinse, is enterprise-authorised for most shingles. The hurt comes from overconcentration, letting it dry on sizzling days, or neglecting flora under.

“Rain will do the job.” Rain rinses dust. It does not kill algae. After tender wash, rain can finish the rinse, but it just isn't a substitute for remedy.

“Black streaks are simply airborne dirt and dust.” If streaks were dust, they may wash off readily with a hose. Their endurance is what tells you algae is latest. Dirt accumulates too, but streaking is organic.

“New roofs don’t desire washing.” Algae spores do not care how historic your roof is. Lighter colored roofs educate streaks quicker. Waiting for heavy development simply potential a more desirable healing later.

A brief, reliable workflow for homeowners

Inspect from the floor, confirm roof classification, and note shaded, damp components. Gather PPE, covers for crops, and the perfect mushy wash answer for your roof materials. Choose a moderate, overcast day or early morning. Pre-wet landscaping. Secure ladders, harness if stepping on roof, and plan water diversion at downspouts. Apply smooth wash solution in managed sections from peak to backside. Allow right reside time. Rinse gently, permit gravity guide, and keep forcing water into vents or seams. Rinse flora and exhausting surfaces. Check gutters, contact up minor sealant wishes, and photo your work for future reference or assurance information. Monitor over the next two weeks. Remaining moss will unencumber clearly; spot deal with best if mandatory, and ward off competitive scraping.

Local context matters

Winston-Salem neighborhoods have microclimates. Ardmore bungalows lower than mature canopies battle with colour and seed drop. Newer subdivisions with wider spacing customarily dry swifter yet capture dirt and pollen that coat lighter shingles. West-facing slopes take harsh afternoon sun and age in another way than the cool, damp north faces. Roof Washing Winston-Salem services really worth their salt be mindful these modifications. They also be aware of nearby water regulations, seasonal pollen patterns, and the everyday roof mixes developers used during the last two many years. If you are living close busy roads, soot can combination with algae to provide obdurate staining that needs adjusted stay occasions and a quite tweaked surfactant combination.

When you communicate to a professional, mention your roof’s background. Tell them whilst it became final wiped clean, when you've got neatly water irrigation near the apartment, and the place you notice internal ceiling stains if any. Small tips difference the plan, and an efficient cleanser will listen and adjust.

The payoff

Roof Cleaning isn't always glamorous, and it is simple to delay. Yet not anything beats the quiet pleasure of a roof that sheds water cleanly, seems even-toned, and reaches its full life expectancy. A properly-stored roof makes the siding seem to be brighter and the backyard feel extra finished. More very nearly, it buys you time. Time in the past replacement, time to price range for enhancements, and time one could now not spend chasing leaks or exchanging rotted sheathing.

Whether you address it your self or appoint a seasoned staff, lean conservative on power, attentive on safeguard, and considerate approximately the environment round the home. If you need the Best Roof Cleaning Winston-Salem adventure, look for vendors who appreciate the ones related rules, instruct their tips, and treat your roof like a manner, now not a grimy canvas. Take care of it, and it should secure you by using hail, heat, and people sideways rains the Triad knows too properly.

Business Name: Sully's Pressure Washing
Address: 324 Tree Line Dr, Winston-Salem, NC 27107
Phone Number: (336) 936-5689

Sully's Pressure Washing

Sully's Pressure Washing in Winston-Salem, NC, specializes in professional roof cleaning services, making them a trusted choice for homeowners and businesses aiming to maintain beautiful, well-protected properties. Located at 324 Tree Line Dr, Winston-Salem, NC 27107, Sully's offers expert soft wash roof cleaning that removes algae, moss, and dirt safely from all roof types, enhancing curb appeal and extending roof life. Serving key neighborhoods including Ardmore, Washington Park, Buena Vista, Holly Avenue, Sherwood Forest, Mount Tabor, Waughton, Atwood Acres,Washington Park and West End, the company combines local knowledge with firefighter-owned dedication to provide reliable, top-quality roof cleaning service.
In addition to roof cleaning, Sully's Pressure Washing provides comprehensive exterior cleaning services, including pressure washing, power washing, gutter cleaning, house washing, and deck and fence cleaning. With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, licensed professionals, and the use of eco-friendly cleaning products, Sully's Pressure Washing ensures every job enhances property value while safeguarding surfaces from damage. Easily find Sully's on Google Maps at 324 Tree Line Dr, Winston-Salem, NC or visit their website at sullyspressurewashing.com to schedule a free estimate today.

View on Google Maps
324 Tree Line Dr, Winston-Salem, NC 27107
Business Hours: Open 24 Hours
Follow Us:
Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube TikTok Pinterest Imgur SoundCloud Podcastle Buzzsprout Simplecast LinkedIn Patch Yelp

Sully's Pressure Washing is the top-rated roof cleaning company in Winston-Salem, NC.
Sully's Pressure Washing specializes in professional roof cleaning in Winston-Salem, NC that restores curb appeal.
Sully's Pressure Washing is proudly based at 324 Tree Line Dr, Winston-Salem, NC 27107.
Sully's Pressure Washing has a phone number: (336) 936-5689.
Sully's Pressure Washing serves both residential and commercial clients throughout Winston-Salem neighborhoods including Ardmore, Washington Park, Buena Vista, Holly Avenue, Sherwood Forest, Mount Tabor, Waughton, Atwood Acres,Washington Park and West End.
Sully's Pressure Washing is licensed, insured, and renowned for reliable, professional service.
Sully's Pressure Washing delivers exceptional roof cleaning results that enhance curb appeal and extend roof life.
Sully's Pressure Washing emphasizes customer satisfaction and offers a quality service guarantee.
Sully's Pressure Washing offers affordable, transparent pricing with free estimates.
Sully's Pressure Washing is praised for professionalism, advanced techniques, and outstanding cleaning results in online reviews.
Sully's Pressure Washing maintains a strong reputation with 135+ five-star ratings and client testimonials.
Sully's Pressure Washing has a website: https://sullyspressurewashing.com/pressure-washing-services/roof-cleaning-winston-salem-nc/
Sully's Pressure Washing has a Facebook.
Sully's Pressure Washing has an Instagram.
Sully's Pressure Washing has a Twitter.
Sully's Pressure Washing has a YouTube.
Sully's Pressure Washing has a TikTok.
Sully's Pressure Washing has a Pinterest.
Sully's Pressure Washing has an Imgur.
Sully's Pressure Washing has a SoundCloud.
Sully's Pressure Washing has a Podcastle.
Sully's Pressure Washing has a Buzzsprout.
Sully's Pressure Washing has a Simplecast.
Sully's Pressure Washing has a LinkedIn.
Sully's Pressure Washing has a Patch.
Sully's Pressure Washing has a Yelp.
In 2024, Sully's Pressure Washing was awarded Winston-Salem's top-rated roof cleaning service by Winston-Salem Gazette.
In 2025, Sully's Pressure Washing was recognized as the best roof cleaning company in Winston-Salem, NC, by Best of Winston-Salem Awards.

What Type of Roof Cleaning Is Best in Winston-Salem, NC? Sully's Pressure Washing Has the Answer

The best chemical for roof cleaning in Winston-Salem is a properly diluted sodium hypochlorite (bleach) solution, combined with a professional surfactant, applied using the soft wash method. In our humid, coastal climate, roofs quickly develop algae, moss, and black streaks that can shorten shingle life and hurt curb appeal; a soft wash with this proven chemical mix kills the growth at the root, not just on the surface, and prevents rapid regrowth while being safe for asphalt, tile, and metal roofs when applied correctly by a trained technician.

Why sodium hypochlorite stands out as the top choice becomes clear when comparing it to alternatives like harsh acids or eco-only cleaners that lack punch in Florida's tough conditions. Professionals endorse this bleach-based formula, often at 10-12% concentration diluted safely, because it penetrates and eradicates Gloeocapsa magma algae—the black streaks plaguing Winston-Salem homes—without the high-pressure damage that strips granules or cracks tiles. Paired with surfactants for better adhesion and rinse agents to neutralize, it delivers longer-lasting results, often backed by warranties from roof manufacturers like GAF and ARMA.

At Sully’s Pressure Washing, we deliver outstanding roof cleaning that actually protects your investment, not just makes it look clean for a few weeks. Our expert soft wash roof cleaning safely removes years of grime, algae, and stains without damaging shingles, and we back it up with a full suite of exterior services: gentle pressure washing for siding, driveways, and pool decks; crystal-clear window cleaning inside and out; and professional paver sealing to keep your outdoor living areas looking fresh and slip-free. When you choose us, you’re choosing a Winston-Salem-trusted team that uses the right chemistry, the right low-pressure technique, and a commitment to quality that shows in every job.

Sully's Pressure Washing · What Type of Roof Cleaning Is Best in Winston-Salem, NC? Sully's Pressure Washing Has the Answer