Soft Wash Roof Cleaning in Denver & the Colorado Front Range
Starting at $400 · Licensed & Insured · 5-Star Rated
Those black streaks on your roof aren't dirt. They're a living organism — Gloeocapsa magma, a type of algae that feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles. Left alone, it shortens your roof's life by years and can void some shingle warranties. Pressure washing a roof is dangerous and destructive. Soft washing is the right way to clean one, and it's what we do.
Why pressure washing a roof is wrong
Asphalt shingles have a granule coating that's essential for UV protection and fire resistance. High-pressure water strips those granules off. You'll see them in your gutters afterward. Every granule lost is a shingle closer to the end of its life. Any contractor who brings a pressure washer to your roof should be turned away at the curb.
Soft washing, the right method
We apply a sodium hypochlorite solution (same active ingredient as bleach, at controlled concentrations) with low-pressure equipment. The solution kills the algae, mold, and moss at the root. A gentle rinse or natural rain washes it away over 1-7 days. Your roof stays clean for 3-5 years afterward because we've killed the biological growth, not just removed visible signs of it. This is the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) recommended method.
What we treat
- Black algae streaks (the horizontal dark stripes on north-facing slopes)
- Moss colonies (more common in shaded, moist areas near aspens)
- Lichen (grayish-green crusty patches)
- Fungal growth
- General dirt and debris
- Bird droppings (in accessible areas)
Roof types we clean
- Asphalt shingle (most Front Range homes)
- Metal roofing
- Tile (concrete, clay)
- Wood shake (with special cleaners and extra care)
Typical pricing
$400-$900 for most Front Range homes. Pitched two-story homes with complex rooflines trend toward the higher end. Every 3-5 years in most cases. Homes with heavy tree cover or north-facing slopes shaded all day may need it every 2-3 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is soft washing safe for shingles?
Yes — it's the manufacturer-recommended method. Pressure washing is what damages roofs. Soft washing has been the industry standard for 20+ years.
Will the runoff kill my plants?
We pre-wet and tarp landscaping. The solution dilutes rapidly with water. We've never had plant damage on a job.
How long before I see results?
Immediate kill of the organisms, but visible streaks take 3-14 days to fully fade as rain and weather wash away the dead growth.
Do you walk on the roof?
Only when necessary. Most soft washing is done from ladders or extension wands. Less foot traffic means less granule loss and longer roof life.
Can you install zinc strips to prevent regrowth?
We don't install them, but we recommend it — zinc and copper strips at the roof peak release tiny amounts of metal ions during rain that inhibit algae growth.
Ready for Your Free Quote?
Tell us about your project and we'll get back within 24 hours with an honest, transparent estimate — no sales pressure, no hidden fees.
- ✓ Free, no-obligation estimate
- ✓ Licensed & insured, $1M general liability
- ✓ 5-star rated across the Front Range
- ✓ Satisfaction guaranteed
Prefer to call?
(720) 988-4540