Roof Cleaning & Soft Wash
Madison, WI — Safe for All Roofs
Soft wash vs pressure wash: Soft wash (our method) uses under 100 PSI with SH-based chemistry — it kills black algae, moss, and lichen without damaging shingles. Pressure washing strips protective granules and voids manufacturer warranties. We only soft wash. Starting at $299 for typical Madison homes.
Is roof cleaning safe? Yes — with the right method.
Soft washing is the only method recommended by ARMA (Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association) and major shingle manufacturers including GAF, CertainTeed, and Owens Corning. At under 100 PSI, there is no mechanical damage to shingles — the chemistry does the work. We apply a sodium hypochlorite solution that kills biological growth at the cellular level. Shingle granules stay intact. Manufacturer warranties stay valid. The biology dies and doesn't return for 3–5 years.
Soft Wash vs Pressure Wash — Why It Matters for Your Roof
The method is the difference between extending your roof's life and shortening it. Here's why soft washing is the only acceptable approach for asphalt shingles.
Soft Wash (our method)
- Under 100 PSI — no mechanical damage
- SH chemistry kills biology at the root
- ARMA & manufacturer approved
- Shingle granules preserved
- Algae stays dead 3–5 years
Pressure Wash (wrong method)
- High PSI strips protective granules
- Voids most shingle manufacturer warranties
- Doesn't kill biology — regrows quickly
- Accelerates UV aging of asphalt substrate
- Can force water under shingles
Ashton Ferry, Owner — The Total Wash Co.: "I've been called to quote re-roofing jobs that turned out to be a $400 soft wash. The black streaking on north-facing shingles looks terrible and homeowners sometimes assume it's shingle failure — but in most cases it's Gloeocapsa magma, a biology issue that responds completely to SH-based chemistry. The critical thing to understand is that pressure washing will not fix it and will damage the shingles in the attempt. I've seen roofs that were pressure washed clean looking, but the granules were stripped in the process — shortening the roof life by years. Soft washing at under 100 PSI, with chemistry that actually kills the organism, is the approach that works. In Madison specifically, the lake humidity and campus canopy create aggressive conditions for roof biology. North-facing sections on homes in Shorewood Hills, Nakoma, and Westmorland need attention on a 3–5 year cycle to prevent significant granule loss."
What's Actually on Your Roof — Black Streaks, Moss & Lichen Explained
Black algae streaks
Gloeocapsa magma
A cyanobacterium that feeds on limestone filler in asphalt shingles. Spreads roof-to-roof by wind and rain. Common in Madison's humid lake corridor — Lake Mendota, Lake Monona, and Yahara River neighborhoods.
Moss
Various bryophytes
North-facing shaded sections accumulate moss that retains moisture against shingle surfaces. In Madison's freeze-thaw climate (45+ cycles per year), moisture retention accelerates granule loss and shingle cracking through winter.
Lichen
Algae + fungus symbiont
The most damaging roof organism — lichen physically bonds to shingle granules and pulls them loose when removed. Requires professional SH treatment for safe removal. Common on roofs in Shorewood Hills and Nakoma.
Our 5-Step Soft Wash Roof Cleaning Process
Every job documented with before/after photos. Landscaping protected. Shingle condition reported.
Roof inspection & photo documentation
We photograph the full roof surface before treatment — you see exactly what biology we're dealing with and which sections need attention.
Vegetation & landscaping protection
We pre-wet and cover all plantings near the home. Our chemistry is diluted and biodegradable, but direct saturation of landscaping is avoided.
Low-pressure SH application
Sodium hypochlorite solution applied at under 100 PSI — kills Gloeocapsa magma, moss, and lichen at the cellular level without stripping shingle granules.
Dwell time & rinse
Chemistry dwells on the roof surface for full biological kill. Light rinse removes dead material and neutralizes chemistry residue.
After photos & condition report
Before/after photos delivered. We document any areas of shingle concern — missing granules, cracked tabs, loose flashing — so you have a full roof health record.
Roof Cleaning Cost in Madison, WI
Transparent pricing. No surprises. Free instant quotes online.
Single-story
$299–$399
Standard pitch, moderate growth
Two-story
$399–$499
Higher pitch, increased coverage
Estate / complex
$499–$799+
Mixed materials, steep pitch, heavy moss
Includes full biological treatment (algae, moss, lichen), before/after photos, landscaping protection, and a shingle condition report. Historic homes with slate or clay tile sections quoted individually.
Pairs perfectly with house washing — save with a bundle
Most Madison homeowners clean their roof and exterior on the same visit. Book roof cleaning together with house washing and save on the combined service.
See Bundle PriceReal Madison Roof Cleaning Jobs
What we actually find — and treat — on Madison roofs.
1928 Tudor Revival with original slate sections
Challenge: Mixed-material roof — asphalt sections with heavy black streaking plus original slate sections; slate cannot receive any pressure
Result: All algae removed from asphalt; slate section moss controlled without pressure contact; historic material preserved
Mid-century ranch — north-facing roof section
Challenge: North-facing roof section with 8 years of accumulated Gloeocapsa magma (black algae); homeowner was quoted re-roofing by a contractor who said it was shingle failure
Result: Black streaking eliminated; re-roofing avoided; shingles confirmed to have years of serviceable life remaining
Wooded lot home — heavy moss growth on north sections
Challenge: Dense moss growth on all north-facing shingles from campus canopy shade; moss was retaining moisture and accelerating granule loss
Result: Moss killed; began detaching from shingles within 2 weeks; full clearance within 4-6 weeks of natural rainfall
We Serve All of Madison & Dane County
From Shorewood Hills to Stoughton — same-day quotes, priority scheduling for recurring customers.
Not listed? Get a quote — we cover all of Dane County.
Roof Cleaning Questions — Madison, WI
Answered by Ashton Ferry, owner of The Total Wash Co.
More questions? Call us directly at (608) 360-5818
Get Your Instant Price. No Surprises.
See exact pricing in 60 seconds — no call, no pressure. No surprises, no hidden fees — just honest pricing.
What you'll receive:
- Written estimate with line-by-line pricing
- Scope of work explained — no jargon
- Scheduling options that work around your life
- Zero pressure. Take your time.
The Total Wash Promise
If you're not 100% happy with our work, we'll come back and make it right — same day if possible, no questions asked. That's The Total Wash Promise.
Get Your Instant Price
See exact pricing in 60 seconds — no phone call, no obligation. Book your date and pay online when you're ready.
Prefer to talk? (608) 360-5818