We clean Cape Coral roofs by soft washing only. A concrete tile roof typically costs $400–$700, a shingle roof $325–$550. The black streaks are gone the same day, and the remaining lichen spots dry out and fall away over the following weeks.
The streaks are a blue-green algae called Gloeocapsa magma. It feeds on the limestone filler in shingles and on the cement in concrete tile, and the dark color is a coating it grows to protect itself from the sun. In Southwest Florida, with its heat, humidity and summer rain, a clean roof typically starts showing streaks again within a few years, starting on the north and shaded slopes.
Why we never pressure wash a roof
- Concrete and clay tile crack and chip under a pressure wand, especially at the overlaps and on older roofs that have been through a few storms. Broken tiles mean leaks, and matching old tile is not always possible.
- Asphalt shingles rely on their granules to protect them from the sun. Pressure strips the granules and shortens the life of the roof, and most shingle manufacturers warn against it.
- Metal roofs can be dented or have their coating scratched, and water can be pushed past the screws and seams.
Soft washing uses about the pressure of a garden hose. The cleaning solution is what removes the algae, moss and lichen, so nobody needs to force it.
What happens on the day
- We soak the plants under the eaves and cover anything that should stay dry, such as pool equipment, lanai furniture and the AC unit.
- The solution is applied from the roof edge or from a ladder, working with the slope so it covers evenly.
- It sits long enough to kill the growth, then the roof, walls, gutters and plants are rinsed.
- Gutters and downspouts are flushed so nothing is left sitting in them.
- We walk around the house with you and check the gutters and lanai before we leave.
Roofs after Hurricane Ian
Thousands of roofs in Cape Coral were replaced after Hurricane Ian in 2022. Those roofs are now reaching the age when the first streaks usually show on the shaded slopes. Cleaning them at the first sign of growth, rather than waiting until the whole roof is dark, keeps the job quick and the roof looking new. Check your roofing warranty too: some ask for proof that the roof was cleaned without high pressure, and we can put the method on your receipt.
Roof cleaning prices
| Job | Estimated price | What moves it |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete or clay tile | $400–$700 | Roof area, pitch, streak density |
| Asphalt shingle | $325–$550 | Area, moss, granule condition |
| Metal | $350–$600 | Area, chalking on older panels |
A house wash on the same day is the usual pairing, because the rinse from the roof runs down the walls anyway. All prices: Cape Coral price guide.
Roof cleaning questions
Will walking on my tile roof break it?
We avoid walking on tile wherever we can, and work from ladders and the roof edge. When access is needed, we step only on the lower part of the tiles where they are supported, the way roofers do.
How long does a clean roof stay clean?
Usually three to five years here. Shaded slopes and roofs near water come back sooner. A light rinse every couple of years can stretch it further.
Does roof cleaning lower my energy bill?
A clean light-colored roof reflects more sunlight than one covered in black algae, so the attic stays a little cooler. We would not promise a number, but it does help.
Can you clean my roof if it has damaged tiles?
We point out any cracked or slipped tiles before we start, with photos. Soft washing will not make them worse, but you may want a roofer to look at them.
Do you clean the gutters while you are up there?
We flush the gutters and downspouts after the rinse. Scooping out heavy debris is not part of the job, but we can let you know if they need it.
Last reviewed October 8, 2026.