Overview & Process
Those black streaks on your roof aren't dirt. They're Gloeocapsa magma, an algae that feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles. Left alone, it holds moisture against the shingle, shortening the roof's lifespan and dragging down curb appeal.
We never pressure wash a roof. High PSI blasts the granules off asphalt shingles and voids the manufacturer's warranty. Instead, we use a low-pressure soft wash with a sodium hypochlorite solution that kills the algae, moss, and lichen at the root. It dries, it flakes off, and the roof stays clean for years, not weeks.
This is the same method recommended by ARMA (Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association). If a contractor tells you they'll pressure wash your roof, send them home.
What Every Chicago Homeowner Should Know
Those black streaks on your roof aren't dirt. They're an algae called Gloeocapsa magma feeding on the limestone filler in your asphalt shingles. I see it worst on north-facing roofs and homes with heavy tree cover, which describes half of Hyde Park and Kenwood. The algae holds moisture against the shingle, and in Chicago's freeze-thaw climate, that moisture expands and contracts, lifting the granules. Left alone for 3 to 4 years, you've shortened your roof's life by 5 years. The fix is a soft wash. Never pressure wash. I'll say it again: never let anyone pressure wash your roof. It strips granules, voids the warranty, and you'll be replacing shingles in 8 years instead of 20.
What's Included
- Low-pressure soft wash roof cleaning (never high PSI)
- Algae, moss, and lichen root kill treatment
- Black streak (Gloeocapsa) removal from asphalt shingles
- Gutter exterior surface cleaning
- Downspout flush and debris check
- Landscaping pre-soak and post-rinse protection
- Tile and metal roof soft wash options
- Pre-treatment of stubborn moss colonies
Our 3-Step Process
Roof Inspection
We assess shingle condition, identify algae vs. moss vs. lichen, and check for any damaged flashing or loose granules before treating.
Soft Wash Application
We apply a sodium hypochlorite solution at low pressure. It kills the organisms at the root. No high PSI, no granule loss.
Rinse & Landscaping Protection
We pre-soak and post-rinse all landscaping. The roof is rinsed clean, and gutters and downspouts are flushed.
Honest & Transparent Pricing
Roof washing ranges from $350 for a small ranch to $900+ for large multi-story South Side homes. The price depends on roof pitch, square footage, and severity of algae growth. Call (217) 722-5379 for an on-site estimate.
Why Choose Moe Maintenance
Never Pressure Washed
High PSI strips granules and voids shingle warranties. We use ARMA-recommended soft wash only. Low pressure, root kill.
Root Kill, Not Surface Blast
Sodium hypochlorite kills algae, moss, and lichen at the root. The roof stays clean for years, not weeks.
Landscaping Protection
We pre-soak plants with plain water before and after treatment to dilute any runoff. Your shrubs survive the wash.
Fully Insured
Roof work is dangerous. We carry full insurance and use proper fall protection on every job.
Roof Washing Across Chicago's South Side
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Service FAQs
Why not pressure wash my roof?
High-pressure washing blasts the protective granules off asphalt shingles, shortening the roof's life and voiding the manufacturer's warranty. The ARMA recommends low-pressure soft wash with a chemical solution that kills algae at the root.
How long does a roof wash last?
A proper soft wash kills the algae, moss, and lichen at the root. Most roofs stay clean for 2–4 years depending on tree cover, humidity, and sun exposure.
Will the chemicals harm my landscaping?
We pre-soak all plants with plain water before application and rinse them again after. The sodium hypochlorite solution is heavily diluted and the runoff is managed. We've never killed a plant.
Can you wash tile and metal roofs too?
Yes. Tile and metal roofs also get soft wash treatment, often with a slightly different solution mix. We assess the material before treating.