Roof Cleaning in Sterling Heights, MI
Metro Detroit's Trusted Soft Wash Roof Cleaning Team
Black streaks. Moss. Algae. Lichen. All the things ruining the look of your roof — none of them come off with a hose. Professional soft wash roof cleaning safely kills the growth at the root and restores your roof to its original color. No high pressure, no damage to shingles, and backed by our 1-year no-regrowth guarantee.
5 Star Rated • Fully Insured • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
The Only Way To Clean A Roof Correctly
The black streaks running down the shaded side of your roof aren't dirt. They're a hardy algae species called Gloeocapsa magma that feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles. It thrives in Michigan's humid summers, spreads across your entire roof over time, holds moisture against the shingles, and eventually shortens the roof's lifespan. Moss is even worse — it grows roots into the shingle surface and lifts the edges. Lichen combines the worst of both. And none of it comes off with rain, a hose, or a soft-bristle brush. Soft washing is the only professional cleaning method safe for asphalt shingles, metal, cedar shake, and tile roofs. High-pressure washing blows granules off shingles, gouges cedar, dents metal, and can crack tile — all while doing very little to actually kill the algae. Soft washing does the opposite: low-pressure application of specialized cleaning solutions that dissolve organic growth at the root, kill the algae completely, and rinse away the staining without touching the roof surface. We handle full-service roof cleaning across metro Detroit — Sterling Heights, Shelby Township, Rochester Hills, Troy, Grosse Pointe, West Bloomfield, Bloomfield Hills, and every corner in between.
How Long Roof Cleaning Results Last
Because soft washing kills algae, moss, and lichen at the root — rather than just rinsing surface staining off — results last dramatically longer than any DIY cleaning. Most cleaned roofs stay looking sharp for 2 to 5 years before visible regrowth. Sunny, exposed roofs stay clean the longest — often 4 to 5 years. Shaded roofs in wooded areas, north-facing sections, and lakefront homes with heavy humidity tend to see regrowth on the earlier end, closer to 2 to 3 years. Either way, our 1-year no-regrowth guarantee covers you for the first year. If anything comes back within 12 months, we're back on-site at no charge.
The Process
Our Roof Cleaning Process
Step 1: Property Prep & Roof Inspection
Before we touch a hose, we inspect the roof and identify what we're working with — algae, moss, lichen, or a combination. We check the roof condition (any damaged or lifted shingles noted for you), and we prep the surrounding property: pre-wetting landscaping, protecting delicate plants, and closing windows and doors.
Step 2: Soft Wash Application
We apply a specialized soft wash cleaning solution using low-pressure application equipment. The solution is calibrated to kill Gloeocapsa magma, moss, and lichen at the root, dissolving the black staining as it works. We apply from ground-based equipment whenever possible — no walking the roof, no ladder marks, no foot-traffic wear.
Step 3: Dwell & Rinse
The solution needs time to work — usually 15 to 30 minutes depending on the severity of the growth. Then we rinse with low-pressure water, top-down, ensuring dead algae and staining wash away completely. The rinse continues down onto gutters, siding, and landscaping to dilute any solution runoff. Some staining may continue to lighten over the following days as UV exposure completes the process.
Our Services
Roof Types We Clean
By far the most common residential roof and the type most affected by Gloeocapsa magma black streaks. Soft washing kills the algae, dissolves the staining, and safely cleans the shingles without touching the granules that protect them. Standard three-tab, architectural, and premium designer shingles all handled.
Standing seam, corrugated, and metal shingle roofs need careful cleaning to avoid denting the panels or damaging the finish. Soft washing lifts algae, mildew, and oxidation from metal roofs safely, with no high pressure and no risk to the surface coating.
Cedar and wood roofs require the most careful cleaning approach — high pressure destroys the wood grain and shortens the roof's lifespan dramatically. Soft washing safely cleans cedar shake and wood shingles, extends their life, and preserves the natural finish.
Concrete tile, clay tile, and slate need low-pressure cleaning to avoid cracking the material. Soft washing lifts moss, lichen, and algae from tile surfaces without damaging the tiles themselves or forcing water into the underlayment.
TPO, EPDM, and modified bitumen flat roofs on commercial buildings, condo complexes, and apartment buildings. Soft washing removes algae, biological growth, and staining without damaging the membrane. Commercial roof cleaning contracts available.
Why Roof Cleaning Matters (And Why Waiting Costs More)
A dirty roof isn't just an eyesore — it's a roof that's actively deteriorating faster than it should. Algae holds moisture against shingles, accelerating breakdown. Moss grows roots between shingles and lifts them, creating water intrusion points. Lichen etches into shingle surfaces permanently. Black streaks make a home look 10 years older than it is and can knock thousands off appraisals and resale values. Homeowners typically wait until the roof looks obviously bad before calling — but by then, the growth has usually been quietly working on the shingles for years. Regular soft wash roof cleaning — every 2 to 5 years for most homes — kills the growth, protects the shingles, extends the roof's lifespan, and preserves resale value. It's one of the most cost-effective home maintenance investments possible: a fraction of the price of premature roof replacement.
More For You....
Roof cleaning is one part of a full exterior refresh. Most customers pair it with House Washing so the siding and the roof come back to sharp at the same time — the two biggest visual elements on any home. Gutter Cleaning is another essential add-on, since roof runoff carries the dead algae directly into the gutters and needs a thorough flush after the wash. Adding Gutter Guard Installation stops future debris buildup and reduces how often the gutters need cleanouts. Concrete Cleaning restores driveways and walkways to match the freshly cleaned roof and siding. And Underground Drain Cleaning handles the buried drain lines that carry all that roof runoff away from the foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes the black streaks on my roof?
The black streaks are algae — specifically a hardy species called Gloeocapsa magma that feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles. It thrives in Michigan's humid summers and shaded, north-facing roof sections. It's not dirt, and it doesn't come off with rain or a hose. It has to be treated with the right cleaning solution to kill it at the root and remove the staining.
Is soft washing safe for my shingles?
Yes — soft washing is the only professional cleaning method safe for asphalt shingles. High-pressure washing blows the granules off the shingles, dramatically shortening their lifespan and causing permanent damage. Soft washing uses low-pressure application and specialized cleaning solutions that kill algae, moss, and lichen at the root while leaving the shingle surface completely untouched.
Do you offer a guarantee on roof cleaning?
Yes — every roof cleaning is backed by our 1-year no-regrowth guarantee. If algae, moss, or black streaks return within one year, we come back and re-treat at no charge. Because soft washing kills the growth at the root instead of just rinsing surface stains off, most roofs stay clean for 2 to 5 years — the guarantee covers you for the first year no matter what.
How long do results last?
Most roof cleanings last 2 to 5 years before visible regrowth. Shaded roofs in wooded areas or lakefront homes with high humidity may see faster regrowth. Sunny, exposed roofs typically stay clean the longest. The soft wash process kills the organic growth entirely — regrowth only occurs when new algae spores land on the roof and take hold again.
Will you walk on my roof?
Only when absolutely necessary. Most roof cleaning is done from the ground or from ladders using soft wash systems designed to safely reach 30+ feet up. This prevents wear from foot traffic, avoids the risk of damaging shingles or tiles, and is safer for our crew. Steep, multi-story, or complex roofs are handled from ground-based equipment whenever possible.
Do you clean all roof types?
Yes — asphalt shingles (most common), metal roofs, cedar shake, tile roofs, and flat commercial roofs. Each material requires a different cleaning solution and technique, and we calibrate accordingly. All done with soft washing — no high pressure ever touches the roof surface.
What's the difference between roof cleaning and just spraying with a garden hose?
A garden hose does nothing to algae, moss, or black streaks — they'll be right back where they were within minutes. Professional roof cleaning uses specialized cleaning solutions that kill the organic growth at the root, then rinses everything away. The staining is gone, and because the growth is dead, it takes years for it to return.
How much does roof cleaning cost?
Pricing depends on roof size, pitch, height, and condition. Most single-family homes fall in a predictable range, and we quote every job after a walk-through. Roofs with heavy moss, multi-story homes, and unusual roof types are quoted separately. Free estimates on request.
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Bloomfield Hills
Clinton Township
Bloomfield Hills
Clinton Township
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Locally Owned & Operated
Proudly serving Metro Detroit alongside our sister businesses: Jerry Clean Mobile Detailing for mobile car detailing and Christmas Light Guys for holiday lighting installation.