Clean algae staining, moss, organic buildup, and debris from suitable roofing surfaces using a method appropriate for the actual roof material and manufacturer requirements. We review the roof type, condition, and access before confirming the cleaning method. Send roof photos for a quote.
There is no one roof-cleaning method. Soft washing isn’t universal, and neither is pressure — the roof material and its manufacturer’s guidance decide.
Never pressure washed — industry and manufacturer guidance warns it can dislodge granules. Shingles get a gentle, manufacturer-compatible treatment and low-pressure application.
Concrete and clay tile are reviewed individually — the method depends on the tile type, finish, condition, and manufacturer guidance, with roof traffic kept to a minimum.
Painted metal systems get finish-compatible cleaning — some manufacturers caution against bleach, so the cleaner is confirmed against the panel finish first.
Membrane and coated systems are reviewed case by case and cleaned only where the roof system and manufacturer requirements support the method.
The correct cleaning method depends on the roof material, manufacturer, existing coating, condition, and the type of buildup. Asphalt shingles, concrete tile, clay tile, metal panels, and coated low-slope systems each have different requirements — when manufacturer information is available, we follow the applicable cleaning instructions rather than defaulting to one process for everything.
Brown or black roof streaking is commonly associated with airborne algae, including Gloeocapsa species — though not every dark mark should be diagnosed by appearance alone. On asphalt shingles, algae discoloration is generally considered primarily an appearance issue. Moss is different: significant moss buildup can hold moisture and interfere with shingle edges, which is why it gets treated, not scraped or blasted. Neither one has “roots” to kill — treatment reduces and removes the growth, and staining can return over time.
Asphalt shingles are never pressure washed and never scrubbed with stiff brushes — asphalt roofing industry and manufacturer guidance (ARMA, GAF) warns that pressure washing can dislodge protective granules and damage the shingle surface, and high-pressure washing can violate manufacturer cleaning instructions and may affect warranty coverage depending on the specific warranty. Shingles get a gentle, manufacturer-compatible treatment and low-pressure application, with the solution, dwell, and rinse selected per manufacturer and industry guidance for the specific roof where practical.
Moss treatment can require more than one application, and dead moss or lichen may loosen gradually rather than disappearing on the day of cleaning — that’s how the treatment is designed to work on shingles, where aggressive scraping would do more harm than the growth. We set that expectation up front.
Tile roofs are reviewed individually and cleaned using a method appropriate for the tile type, finish, condition, and manufacturer guidance. Industry guidance for concrete tile allows professional low-intensity pressure washing in some situations; clay and barrel tile vary widely in porosity, glazing, age, and brittleness and get the most conservative handling. We minimize unnecessary roof traffic and select access methods based on the tile condition and layout — and no one can honestly promise zero cracked tiles on a brittle roof.
Metal roof cleaning depends on the panel manufacturer, finish and coating system, contamination, and condition. Painted-metal manufacturers may recommend plain water, mild detergent, a soft brush, or controlled pressure under defined conditions — and some specifically caution against bleach on their finishes. So shingle chemistry never goes on a painted metal roof automatically; if you know the panel manufacturer, coating system, or roof age, tell us, because improper cleaners can affect the factory finish and warranty requirements.
TPO, PVC, EPDM, modified bitumen, and coated roof systems each have their own maintenance and cleaning requirements — some coating manufacturers permit controlled pressure rinsing at defined conditions, others don’t. Low-slope or membrane roof cleaning is reviewed case by case and only performed where the roof system and manufacturer requirements support the proposed method. Asphalt shingles should not be pressure washed; other roof systems may permit controlled pressure cleaning when specifically allowed by the manufacturer.
Roof cleaning cleans suitable surfaces — it doesn’t fix leaks, lifted shingles, broken tile, flashing, or fasteners, and it doesn’t change the underlying condition or age of the roof. Before cleaning we do a pre-cleaning visual review of accessible conditions — material, pitch, access, obvious broken or loose pieces, visible buildup — which is not a roofing inspection, an insurance inspection, or a roof-life assessment. Tell us about known leaks, storm damage, or loose tile before the project: a visibly failed roof system needs an appropriately qualified roofing professional, not a wash.
Roof-cleaning runoff can reach plants, siding, gutters, concrete, and pools — so application, rinsing, diversion, and surrounding-surface protection are planned per the cleaner and site conditions. We take reasonable precautions around landscaping — pre-wetting and rinsing vegetation where appropriate, controlling where solution goes — and follow the cleaner manufacturer’s handling requirements. No honest company guarantees zero plant contact, and “roof-compatible cleaning solution” is the only claim we’ll make about the chemistry unless a product’s own documentation says more.
Roof staining can return over time, and there is no single cleaning interval or result duration that applies to every roof — recurrence depends on climate, shade, trees, exposure, the roof material, and whether the roofing product has algae-resistant technology. Warm, humid conditions in the Gulf region can contribute to roof algae growth, which is why it’s common here. Consider cleaning based on visible buildup, roof material, manufacturer maintenance guidance, and condition — not a subscription schedule.
Cleaning can improve how a roof presents in listing photos or before a planned inspection — but it does not change the underlying condition or age of the roof, and it isn’t a way to resolve insurance concerns.
Roof cleaning is not ground-level pressure washing. Project acceptance depends on pitch, height, material, condition, access, weather, and safe working conditions — roof access and cleaning method are reviewed before the project is accepted, and we minimize unnecessary roof traffic, especially on shingles and brittle tile. Rain, wind, lightning, or roof temperature can require rescheduling when safe, proper application isn’t practical.
Roof surface area, number of stories, pitch, material, access, manufacturer cleaning requirements, the type and extent of algae or moss, tile and roof condition, surrounding landscaping, runoff-management requirements, and any additional exterior-cleaning services all shape the quote. For an accurate quote, send clear roof photos, the roof material if known, the number of stories, approximate roof age, and photos of the staining or growth you want addressed. Work outside the agreed scope gets discussed before proceeding.
Timing depends on roof size, material, pitch, access, buildup, treatment requirements, and site conditions — the quote sets the schedule.
Material, condition, pitch, access, and manufacturer information where available — and whether the roof suits the proposed method.
Damage or conditions that should be addressed before cleaning get identified and discussed.
Landscaping and adjacent surfaces prepared per the cleaner and site conditions.
A roof- and material-compatible cleaning treatment, chosen per manufacturer guidance.
Applied with the pressure and method appropriate for that roof, with dwell and rinsing only where and how the roof and product guidance require.
Runoff managed, surroundings rinsed, and a final visual review with anything notable communicated.
Exterior cleaning customer reviews — real Handychief customers in the Pensacola area.
“Cleaned the boat dock and the exterior of my waterfront house. Mold and mildew gone. Will be calling again.”
“House siding, driveway, and the back fence — all done in one morning. Excellent job, came back looking completely clean.”
“Back patio and fence washed. Looks pristine. Will definitely use again every spring.”
We provide roof cleaning across Pensacola and nearby communities, including Gulf Breeze, Pace, Milton, Navarre, Cantonment, Perdido Key, and Pensacola Beach.
Black or brown roof streaking is commonly associated with airborne algae, including Gloeocapsa species. Not every roof stain should be diagnosed solely by appearance, but algae discoloration is common in warm, humid regions.
No. Asphalt roofing industry and manufacturer guidance warns against pressure or power washing asphalt shingles because it can dislodge granules and damage the roof surface. Asphalt shingles require a gentle, manufacturer-compatible cleaning treatment.
No. The correct method depends on the roof material and manufacturer guidance. Asphalt shingles require very gentle low-pressure cleaning, while some tile, metal, or coated roof systems may allow different controlled cleaning methods.
Selected concrete and clay tile roofs can be cleaned when the tile condition, roof access, and cleaning method are appropriate. The method depends on the tile type, finish, manufacturer guidance, and roof condition.
Yes — selected metal roofs can be cleaned when the panel finish, manufacturer guidance, condition, and cleaner are compatible. Metal roof cleaning may use different cleaners and methods than asphalt shingles.
There is no fixed result duration. Roof staining can return over time depending on the roof material, shade, surrounding trees, climate, exposure, and the algae-resistant properties of the roofing product.
We take reasonable precautions such as controlling application, pre-wetting or rinsing vegetation where appropriate, and following cleaner handling requirements. Because roof cleaners can affect plants or adjacent surfaces, protection and runoff management are part of the project planning.
Roof photos, the roof material if known, approximate age, number of stories, the pitch if known, photos of black streaks, algae, moss, or lichen, any known damage or leaks, manufacturer or product information if available, and your address or ZIP code. Text it to (850) 556-2900.
Send roof photos, the material if you know it, and the number of stories — we’ll match the method to your roof and quote the project before scheduling.