Roof Soft Wash Cleaning – Vancouver, WA

Project Details
Location: 5500 NW 41st St, Vancouver, WA
Property Type: Two-story residential home
Project Timeline: One-day service completion with approximately 1 hour of active work time
Project Dates: Single-day service, start to finish in 8 hours
Products Used: Sodium hypochlorite treatment, surfactant solution, and professional soft wash equipment
Project Summary
This soft wash service addressed heavy moss and algae buildup on a two-story home in Vancouver, WA. Our crew worked as a team to clean the roof, protect the surrounding landscaping, and leave the shingles free of the growth that was affecting the home’s appearance and roof health.
The Challenge
The roof on this Vancouver, WA home had visible black streaking along with moss and algae growth across the shingles. The culprit was Gloeocapsa Magma, a type of algae that spreads through airborne spores and settles into roofing material over time. Left alone, it does more than make a roof look dirty. Moss holds moisture against the shingles, and standing water trapped underneath can lead to mold growth and premature wear on the roofing system. The homeowner wanted the buildup removed before it caused lasting damage or spread to nearby structures.
Our Solution
The Cherry Roofing team recommended a soft wash treatment rather than a pressure wash. Soft washing uses a low-pressure application paired with a cleaning solution to break down moss, algae, and grime without damaging the shingles underneath. Any repairs found during the initial roof inspection were addressed first, closing off potential entry points before the treatment was applied.
Materials Used
- Dedicated soft wash machine
- Sodium hypochlorite solution
- Surfactant, added to help the solution cling to the roof surface and break down algae and moss buildup rather than sliding straight off
- Hoses for the roof, house, and landscaping
Process
- One technician wets down the yard and surrounding foliage to protect it before treatment begins.
- A second technician heads onto the roof and pre-rinses the surface to clear away loose debris.
- The soft wash solution is applied to the roof and left to sit for a few minutes, breaking down moss and algae buildup.
- The roof is rinsed thoroughly to remove the solution and loosened growth.
- The ground technician continues rinsing the house, lawn, and landscaping throughout the process to keep the solution from affecting anything below.
Highlights
- Pre-treatment inspection to catch and repair any issues before the wash begins
- Two-person crew working the roof and ground simultaneously for a controlled, efficient process
- Landscaping and siding protected throughout the treatment with continuous ground rinsing
- Full-day service completed in a single visit
Results & Benefits
The finished roof was free of the black streaking, moss, and algae that had built up over time, restoring the home’s curb appeal. Removing the algae also reduced the chance of it spreading to neighboring roofs through wind-carried spores. With the moss cleared and the roof rinsed clean, the risk of trapped moisture, mold growth, and early shingle wear dropped significantly, helping the roofing system last as it was designed to.
Project Gallery
Key Specifications
|
Detail |
Information |
|
Service Type |
Roof soft wash cleaning |
|
Location |
Vancouver, WA |
|
Property Type |
Residential, two-story |
|
Project Duration |
8 hours, completed in one day |
|
Crew Size |
2 technicians |
|
Cleaning Method |
Soft wash (sodium hypochlorite and surfactant solution) |
|
Equipment |
Dedicated soft wash machine |
|
Cost |
Starting around $2,000 plus tax, based on roof size, pitch, access, and buildup |
Special Features
- Soft wash treatment instead of pressure washing, protecting shingle integrity while removing moss and algae
- Ground-level protection for landscaping and siding during the entire cleaning process
- Pre-treatment repairs completed first to prevent leaks during the wash
- Preventative roof maintenance service designed to extend the life of the roofing system
Keep Your Roof in Top Shape
Moss and algae buildup only gets worse with time, and catching it early saves homeowners from bigger repairs down the road. Cherry Roofing offers roof maintenance and cleaning services built to protect your roof and keep it looking its best. Schedule your roof cleaning today.



