Kenwood has some of the most impressive historic homes on the South Side. Large mansions with complex rooflines, multiple pitches, and a mix of asphalt shingle and slate. Roof washing here is delicate work. These roofs are old, the materials are expensive, and the wrong method causes permanent damage. We soft wash every roof in Kenwood. Never high pressure.
The black streaks on Kenwood roofs are Gloeocapsa magma, an algae that feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles. It thrives on north-facing slopes and under the heavy tree canopy that Kenwood is known for. The algae holds moisture against the shingle, and in Chicago's freeze-thaw climate, that moisture expands and contracts, lifting the protective granules. Left alone for 3 to 4 years, you've shortened the roof's life by 5 years.
We apply a sodium hypochlorite solution at low pressure. It kills the algae, moss, and lichen at the root. We let it dwell for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse at garden-hose pressure. The roof stays clean for 2 to 4 years. The organisms are dead at the root, not just bleached on the surface.
Slate roofs in Kenwood need an even gentler approach. Slate is natural stone and it's brittle. We use a lower concentration of the solution and a longer dwell time. We never walk on a slate roof. We work from ladders and from the gutters. If a contractor tells you they'll pressure wash your slate roof, send them home. High pressure cracks slate and you're looking at tens of thousands in replacement.
The landscaping around Kenwood mansions is often mature and valuable. We pre-soak all plants with plain water before application and rinse them again after. The sodium hypochlorite is heavily diluted and the runoff is managed. We've never killed a plant. We also cover sensitive plantings with tarps when needed.
A typical Kenwood roof wash runs $500 to $1,200 depending on roof size, pitch, and material. Slate roofs are at the higher end because of the extra care and time. We give you a written quote before we start. We also inspect the roof for damaged or missing shingles while we're up there and flag anything that needs attention.
Kenwood is 13 minutes from our shop. We're there fast. Call us and we'll come assess the roof and give you an honest evaluation.
Kenwood is about 13 minutes from our shop in Bridgeport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you soft wash a slate roof in Kenwood?
Yes, but with extra care. Slate is brittle natural stone. We use a lower concentration and longer dwell time. We never walk on slate. We work from ladders and gutters. High pressure cracks slate. Never let anyone pressure wash a slate roof.
How long does a roof wash last in Kenwood?
2 to 4 years. The soft wash kills algae, moss, and lichen at the root. Kenwood's heavy tree canopy means north-facing slopes may need attention sooner. We'll tell you when to schedule the next wash.
Will the chemicals harm my landscaping?
No. We pre-soak all plants with plain water before and after application. The sodium hypochlorite is heavily diluted. We cover sensitive plantings with tarps when needed. We've never killed a plant.