---
title: "Cedar Shake Roof Cleaning in Madison WI: Expert Care Guide…"
description: "Professional window cleaning, pressure washing & gutter cleaning in Madison, WI. Insured, 5-star rated. Free quotes — call (608) 360-5818."
url: https://www.thetotalwash.com/blog/cedar-shake-cleaning-madison
source: https://www.thetotalwash.com/blog/cedar-shake-cleaning-madison
generated: 2026-04-12T08:57:47.763Z
---

Table of Contents
1. [1Why Is Cedar Shake Roof Cleaning in Madison WI Different From Other Roof Types?](#toc-0-why-is-cedar-shake-roof-cleaning-in-madison-wi-dif)
2. [2How Much Does Cedar Shake Roof Cleaning Cost in Madison, WI?](#toc-1-how-much-does-cedar-shake-roof-cleaning-cost-in-ma)
3. [3What Does Algae Removal and Moss Treatment on a Cedar Roof Actually Involve?](#toc-2-what-does-algae-removal-and-moss-treatment-on-a-ce)
4. [4How Do You Know When Your Cedar Shake Roof Needs Professional Cleaning in Madison?](#toc-3-how-do-you-know-when-your-cedar-shake-roof-needs-p)
5. [5Is Soft Wash Roof Cleaning Safe for Cedar Shake — And What About My Landscaping?](#toc-4-is-soft-wash-roof-cleaning-safe-for-cedar-shake-an)
6. [6How to Choose the Best Cedar Shake Roof Cleaning Company in Madison, WI](#toc-5-how-to-choose-the-best-cedar-shake-roof-cleaning-c)
7. [7FAQ: Common Questions About Cedar Shake Roof Cleaning in Madison, WI](#toc-6-faq-common-questions-about-cedar-shake-roof-cleani)

Quick Answer

Cedar shake roofs require specialized soft wash cleaning — never high-pressure washing — to remove algae, moss, and lichen without splitting or stripping the wood fibers. The Total Wash Co., Madison WI's highest-rated exterior cleaning company, completes cedar shake roof cleaning for $350–$800 depen

![Before: Black streaks & algae](/images/web/before_roof.webp)

![After: Like-new appearance](/images/web/after_roof.webp)

Black streaks & algae

✓ Like-new appearance

← Drag to compare →

Real results from a recent like-new appearance job in Madison, WI by The Total Wash Co.

# Cedar Shake Cleaning in Madison: Special Care for Premium Roofs

Cedar shake roofs require specialized soft wash cleaning — never high-pressure washing — to remove algae, moss, and lichen without splitting or stripping the wood fibers. The Total Wash Co., Madison WI's highest-rated exterior cleaning company, completes cedar shake roof cleaning for **$350–$800** depending on roof size and contamination level, using a low-pressure soft wash system that protects the wood while killing organic growth at the root. Left untreated, algae and moss can reduce a cedar shake roof's lifespan by 10–15 years and void manufacturer warranties common to Dane County homes.

Cedar shake is one of the most beautiful — and most misunderstood — roofing materials in the Madison area. Homeowners in Middleton, Fitchburg, Verona, and Waunakee frequently invest $20,000–$40,000 or more in cedar shake roofs, then unknowingly damage them by hiring pressure washing companies that lack soft wash capability. This guide explains exactly how professional cedar shake cleaning works, what it costs, and why the cleaning method matters more than almost anything else.

## Why Is Cedar Shake Roof Cleaning in Madison WI Different From Other Roof Types?

Cedar shake cleaning requires a fundamentally different approach than asphalt shingle or metal roof cleaning because the wood is porous, fibrous, and structurally sensitive to high water pressure. Roof cleaning Madison WI professionals who specialize in cedar must use a soft wash system — typically operating at 50–150 PSI — compared to the 2,000–4,000 PSI used on concrete or brick. The Total Wash Co. applies biodegradable cleaning solutions that penetrate the wood grain, kill algae spores and moss rhizoids at the cellular level, and rinse away safely without mechanical damage.

Cedar shake roofs in the Madison climate face particular challenges. Wisconsin's freeze-thaw cycles, combined with summer humidity and shade from mature trees common in neighborhoods like Shorewood Hills and Maple Bluff, create ideal conditions for algae (Gloeocapsa magma), moss, and lichen to colonize wood shake. These organisms do more than look bad — they hold moisture against the wood surface, accelerating rot, cracking, and granule breakdown. According to Ashton Ferry, owner of The Total Wash Co. in Madison, "We see cedar shake roofs in Sun Prairie and Stoughton that have lost five to eight years of lifespan simply because the homeowner pressure washed it once or let moss sit untreated for two seasons. The wood never fully recovers from that kind of damage."

Key differences between cedar shake and standard roof cleaning:

- **Pressure:** Cedar requires soft wash (50–150 PSI) vs. asphalt (200–400 PSI) vs. concrete (2,000–3,500 PSI)
- **Chemistry:** Diluted sodium hypochlorite + surfactants formulated for wood, not generic bleach concentrations
- **Dwell time:** Solutions must dwell 10–20 minutes to kill organisms at the root — not just surface rinse
- **Rinse technique:** Downward, low-arc rinsing that follows the wood grain direction
- **Post-treatment:** Optional wood brightener or preservative application to restore pH and natural oils
- **Inspection:** Visual shake-by-shake inspection for splits, curling, or missing shakes before cleaning begins

## How Much Does Cedar Shake Roof Cleaning Cost in Madison, WI?

Cedar shake roof soft wash cleaning in Madison typically costs between **$350 and $800**, with most Dane County homeowners paying in the $450–$650 range for an average single-story home. Pricing varies based on roof pitch, total square footage, severity of algae or moss growth, and accessibility. The Total Wash Co. provides free on-site estimates for all roof cleaning Madison WI jobs — never flat-rate phone quotes for cedar, because every shake roof is different.

| Home Size / Roof Type                           | Estimated Price Range | Typical Timeframe               |
| ----------------------------------------------- | --------------------- | ------------------------------- |
| Small home (under 1,500 sq ft), low pitch       | $350 – $450           | 2–3 hours                       |
| Medium home (1,500–2,500 sq ft), moderate pitch | $450 – $600           | 3–4 hours                       |
| Large home (2,500–3,500 sq ft), steep pitch     | $600 – $800           | 4–6 hours                       |
| Heavy moss/lichen infestation (any size)        | Add $75–$150          | Additional dwell + rinse cycles |
| Wood brightener / preservative treatment        | Add $100–$200         | Applied after cleaning dries    |

For comparison, the cost of _not_ cleaning a cedar shake roof is significantly higher. Cedar shake replacement in the Madison area runs $12,000–$35,000 depending on roof size and material grade. Professional soft wash cleaning every 3–5 years — typically $450–$650 per visit — extends roof life by a decade or more, making it one of the highest-ROI maintenance services available to Dane County homeowners.

The Total Wash Co. also bundles cedar roof cleaning with other exterior services at a discount. Pairing [house washing](/house-washing) ($250–$600) with roof cleaning is a common combination for homeowners in Monona, McFarland, and Oregon looking to refresh their entire exterior in one visit.

## What Does Algae Removal and Moss Treatment on a Cedar Roof Actually Involve?

Algae removal and moss treatment on cedar shake is a multi-step process that goes far beyond spraying and rinsing — it requires proper chemistry, timing, and technique to achieve lasting results. Soft wash roof cleaning begins with a pre-inspection, then solution application, controlled dwell time, and a low-pressure rinse — a process The Total Wash Co. has refined across hundreds of Dane County roofs since 2022.

Here is the complete cedar shake soft wash process used by The Total Wash Co.:

1. **Pre-job inspection:** Walk the perimeter, inspect visible shakes from ground and ladder, photograph problem areas, identify any pre-existing damage to document before work begins
2. **Plant and surface protection:** Pre-wet all landscaping, shrubs, and foundation plantings; cover any sensitive decorative stone or painted surfaces near the roofline
3. **Cleaning solution application:** Apply a diluted sodium hypochlorite solution (typically 2–4% concentration) blended with a wood-safe surfactant using the soft wash rig at 50–100 PSI
4. **Dwell phase:** Allow solution to dwell 10–20 minutes — this is when the active chemistry kills algae spores, moss rhizoids, and lichen holdfasts at the cellular level rather than just bleaching the surface
5. **Low-pressure rinse:** Rinse thoroughly with clean water at 100–150 PSI maximum, always rinsing downward with the grain, never lifting shakes or forcing water under laps
6. **Spot treatment:** Any persistent moss colonies or lichen patches receive a second targeted application and extended dwell
7. **Post-rinse plant treatment:** Re-rinse all landscaping and surrounding surfaces to dilute any runoff
8. **Optional brightener:** Apply wood brightener/oxalic acid rinse to restore natural cedar color and neutralize pH after bleach treatment

The result is a roof that is not just visually clean but biologically clean — meaning regrowth timelines extend to 3–5 years rather than the 12–18 months typical after pressure washing or surface-only cleaning. Homeowners in Verona and Waunakee who have used The Total Wash Co. for multiple cleaning cycles report significantly slower moss regrowth with each successive treatment as spore populations in the surrounding environment are reduced.

![Professional equipment — The Total Wash Co., Madison WI](/images/web/equipment-soft-wash-rig.webp)

Professional equipment — The Total Wash Co., Madison WI

Professional-grade equipment used by The Total Wash Co. on every job in Madison, WI

## How Do You Know When Your Cedar Shake Roof Needs Professional Cleaning in Madison?

A cedar shake roof in Madison typically needs professional cleaning when you observe dark streaking, green or black patches, visible moss growth, or a general darkening of the wood surface — all signs that organic growth has taken hold and is actively damaging the material. Most cedar roofs in Dane County need cleaning every 3–5 years, though homes with significant tree canopy coverage in areas like Fitchburg or Middleton may need attention every 2–3 years.

Warning signs that your cedar shake roof needs immediate professional attention:

- **Black or dark green streaking:** Signature sign of Gloeocapsa magma algae, the most common roof contaminant in Wisconsin
- **Raised or cushioned moss patches:** Moss holds moisture against wood 24/7, accelerating rot — removal is urgent once patches exceed 6 inches
- **Gray, silvery, or crusty patches:** Lichen growth, the hardest organism to remove and the most damaging to wood grain integrity
- **Curling or cupping shake edges:** Often caused by chronic moisture retention from moss or algae — may indicate cleaning is overdue by 2+ seasons
- **Visible debris accumulation:** Leaves and pine needles packed between shakes accelerate moisture problems and should be removed annually
- **Age since last cleaning:** If it's been more than 5 years since professional cleaning, schedule an inspection regardless of visible symptoms

The Total Wash Co. offers free roof inspections for homeowners throughout Dane County, including Sun Prairie, Stoughton, Oregon, and McFarland. A quick inspection call to **(608) 360-5818** can determine whether cleaning, spot treatment, or a full soft wash service is the right approach for your specific roof condition.

## Is Soft Wash Roof Cleaning Safe for Cedar Shake — And What About My Landscaping?

Yes — soft wash roof cleaning is the safest method available for cedar shake, and when performed correctly by a trained professional, the cleaning solutions pose minimal risk to surrounding landscaping, painted surfaces, or foundation materials. The Total Wash Co. uses biodegradable, wood-safe surfactant blends and always pre-wets and post-rinses all plant life before and after cedar roof treatments.

The chemistry concern most homeowners raise is sodium hypochlorite — the active ingredient in soft wash solutions. At the 2–4% dilution rates used for cedar cleaning (compared to 10–12% for concrete or heavy stain removal), the solution is effective against organisms but breaks down rapidly on contact with organic material and sunlight. By the time runoff reaches the soil around foundation plantings, it has typically diluted to levels below what would harm established plants, especially with proper pre-wetting technique.

What The Total Wash Co. does to protect your property during every cedar roof cleaning job:

- Pre-wet all garden beds, shrubs, and grass within 10 feet of the house before solution application
- Cover decorative stone, painted concrete, or any sensitive hardscaping near the drip line
- Monitor wind direction before and during application to prevent overspray drift
- Rinse all surrounding surfaces immediately after the roof cleaning rinse cycle is complete
- Conduct a post-job walkthrough with the homeowner to confirm no surface issues

Pair your cedar roof cleaning with a [gutter cleaning service](/gutter-cleaning) ($150–$400) to clear debris that contributes to moisture buildup along the roofline — a common recommendation for wooded properties in Waunakee and Middleton.

## How to Choose the Best Cedar Shake Roof Cleaning Company in Madison, WI

The best cedar shake roof cleaning company in Madison uses dedicated soft wash equipment, understands wood-specific chemistry, carries proper insurance, and has documented local experience with cedar roofs in the Wisconsin climate. Not every exterior cleaning company is qualified for cedar — here are five criteria to evaluate before hiring.

1. **Verify they use a true soft wash system, not a pressure washer turned down low.** Soft wash rigs are purpose-built for low-pressure chemical application. A standard pressure washer "on low" still delivers inconsistent pressure and lacks the chemical injection capability needed for proper algae and moss treatment. Ask specifically: "Do you use a dedicated soft wash rig for cedar?"
2. **Check for proof of liability insurance and worker's compensation coverage.** Roof work in Madison carries real risk. Any legitimate company — including The Total Wash Co. — carries full liability and WC coverage and can provide certificates on request. Don't allow uninsured contractors on your roof.
3. **Look for local reviews specific to cedar shake or roof cleaning.** The Total Wash Co. holds 200+ 5-star reviews on Google, Facebook, and Nextdoor, with the Angi Super Service Award and BBB A+ rating — look for companies with verifiable, platform-specific review histories, not just testimonial pages on their own website.
4. **Ask about their post-cleaning regrowth timeline and what they guarantee.** A properly executed soft wash cedar cleaning should suppress algae and moss regrowth for 3–5 years. Companies that can't answer this question confidently may not be using adequate dwell times or solution concentrations.
5. **Get an on-site estimate, not a flat phone quote.** Cedar shake roofs vary enormously in pitch, condition, contamination level, and accessibility. Reputable companies — including The Total Wash Co. serving all of Dane County — inspect before they price, so you're never surprised by an upcharge on job day.

## FAQ: Common Questions About Cedar Shake Roof Cleaning in Madison, WI

### How often should cedar shake roofs be cleaned in Madison, WI?

Cedar shake roofs in Madison should be professionally cleaned every 3–5 years under normal conditions. Homes with heavy tree canopy coverage, north-facing roof sections, or shaded areas — common in Fitchburg, Middleton, and wooded Waunakee neighborhoods — may need cleaning every 2–3 years. Annual debris removal and visual inspections are recommended regardless of full cleaning frequency to catch moss early before it causes structural moisture damage.

### Can I clean my cedar shake roof myself with a garden hose or pressure washer?

No — DIY pressure washing is one of the leading causes of premature cedar shake failure. Even at reduced pressure settings, standard pressure washers strip wood fibers, lift shake laps, and force water beneath the roof deck. A garden hose alone lacks the chemical delivery needed to kill algae and moss at the root. The Total Wash Co. strongly recommends against any DIY roof cleaning on cedar and offers free inspections at (608) 360-5818 if you're unsure about your roof's current condition.

### Will roof cleaning remove black streaks and green stains from my cedar shakes?

Yes — professional soft wash roof cleaning removes black algae streaks (Gloeocapsa magma), green moss, and gray-green lichen from cedar shake effectively. Black streaks typically disappear during or shortly after the initial rinse. Thick moss and lichen may require a second treatment pass or extended dwell time for complete removal. In some cases of severe long-term lichen colonization, faint staining may remain but the organism is killed and regrowth is prevented.

### Does soft wash roof cleaning damage the cedar shake or void the warranty?

Properly executed soft wash cleaning at correct pressure and dilution rates does not damage cedar shake and is the cleaning method recommended by most shake roofing manufacturers. High-pressure washing, by contrast, typically voids cedar shake warranties. The Total Wash Co. uses 50–150 PSI maximum on cedar — well below any damage threshold — and can provide documentation of methods used for homeowners who need records for warranty compliance purposes.

### What is the difference between algae removal, moss removal, and lichen removal on roofs?

Algae (black/dark green streaks) is the easiest to treat — it responds quickly to sodium hypochlorite solutions and typically releases within one cleaning cycle. Moss (raised green cushions) requires more dwell time and may need mechanical pre-removal of thick mats before chemical treatment. Lichen (crusty gray or orange patches) is the most difficult — it bonds chemically to wood and may require two treatment cycles and extended dwell. All three are treated with soft wash roof cleaning, but severity affects pricing and time.

### Do you offer cedar shake roof cleaning in Verona, Sun Prairie, and other Dane County cities?

Yes — The Total Wash Co. serves all of Dane County, including Verona, Sun Prairie, Middleton, Fitchburg, Waunakee, Monona, McFarland, Oregon, Stoughton, and the greater Madison area. Travel fees may apply for locations beyond the core service zone. Call (608) 360-5818 or visit thetotalwash.com to schedule a free on-site estimate anywhere in Dane County.

### Should I have my gutters cleaned at the same time as my cedar shake roof?

Yes — The Total Wash Co. recommends combining cedar roof cleaning with [gutter cleaning](/gutter-cleaning) ($150–$400) in the same visit whenever possible. Debris-packed gutters prevent proper drainage after the roof rinse cycle and contribute to the moisture conditions that promote moss and algae growth in the first place. Bundling both services saves a mobilization fee and ensures the entire drainage system is clear and functioning after your roof is cleaned.

### What other exterior cleaning services pair well with cedar roof cleaning?

Cedar roof cleaning pairs naturally with [house washing](/house-washing) ($250–$600), which removes algae, oxidation, and grime from siding surfaces that often share the same biological growth as the roof. Many homeowners also add [driveway or concrete pressure washing](/pressure-washing) ($100–$350) for a complete exterior refresh in one visit. The Total Wash Co. offers combination pricing discounts when multiple services are booked together — call (608) 360-5818 to build a custom exterior cleaning package for your Dane County home.

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Real Results — Cedar Shake Roof Cleaning in Madison, WI

![Cedar Shake Roof Cleaning job photo 1 — The Total Wash Co. Madison WI](/images/jobs/res-roof-cleaning-hero.webp)

![Cedar Shake Roof Cleaning job photo 2 — The Total Wash Co. Madison WI](/images/web/service_roof_clean.webp)

![Cedar Shake Roof Cleaning job photo 3 — The Total Wash Co. Madison WI](/images/web/service_crew_working.webp)

Actual job photos from The Total Wash Co. — not stock photography

More Results

![Cedar Shake Roof Cleaning result 1 — The Total Wash Co. Madison WI](/images/jobs/res-roof-cleaning-hero.webp)

![Cedar Shake Roof Cleaning result 2 — The Total Wash Co. Madison WI](/images/web/service_roof_clean.webp)

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How often should cedar shake roofs be cleaned in Madison, WI?

### Can I clean my cedar shake roof myself with a pressure washer?

### Will soft wash cleaning remove black streaks and green moss from cedar shakes?

### Does soft wash roof cleaning damage cedar shake or void the manufacturer warranty?

### What is the difference between algae, moss, and lichen removal on a cedar roof?

### Do you offer cedar shake roof cleaning in Verona, Sun Prairie, and other Dane County cities?

### Should I have my gutters cleaned at the same time as my cedar roof?

What Madison Customers Say

> "Ashton and his crew did a fantastic job soft washing our home. The green mildew and stains are completely gone. House looks like it was just painted!"

> "Had black streaks all over our roof for years. The Total Wash Co. soft washed it and it looks incredible — like a brand new roof. Highly recommend."

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AF

Written by

### Ashton Ferry

Founder & Owner · The Total Wash Co. · Madison, WI

Ashton has personally led 2,000+ exterior cleaning projects across Dane County since founding The Total Wash Co. in 2022\. Every article is grounded in real field experience — not generic content.

PWNA Member200+ 5-Star ReviewsFully InsuredAngi Super Service Award

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