Roof Soft Washing in Orlando: Cost, Process & When You Need It
Those black streaks on your Orlando roof aren't just dirt. They're algae that can make your roof wear out 25% faster. In Florida's humid weather, these tiny plants eat away at your shingles. They also make your home look old and dirty. According to Smithsonian Magazine, algae growth on roofs has become common in humid areas where moisture helps these organisms grow.
You've probably seen trucks advertising "$99 roof cleaning" around town. But there's a problem. High-pressure water can strip the protective coating off your shingles. It can also cancel your roof warranty. That's why soft washing works better.
This guide shows you how roof soft washing works and what it costs in Orlando. You'll learn what happens during the cleaning, what you'll pay for different roof sizes, how long the clean look lasts, and what questions to ask before you hire someone.
Is Soft Washing a Roof Worth It?
Yes, roof soft washing is worth it for most Florida homeowners. Soft washing safely removes algae, mold, and stains that make your roof wear out faster. It doesn't damage shingles like pressure washing does. A professional soft wash costs $350–$650 for typical Orlando homes. The clean look lasts 2–3 years. This stops you from replacing your roof too early (which costs $8,000–$15,000). Soft washing works best for shingle and tile roofs that have dark streaks or moss growing on them.
What Is Roof Soft Washing? (How It Differs from Pressure Washing)
Soft washing uses gentle water pressure (under 500 PSI) mixed with cleaning solution. This method kills algae, mold, and moss at the roots. It doesn't just blast the surface dirt away.
Pressure washing pushes water at 2,000+ PSI. That strong force strips the protective bits off shingles. It can also break the seal between shingle layers. Your roof looks clean for a while. But you've also made it wear out faster. You might have canceled your warranty too.
Our soft washing process kills the tiny plants causing those black streaks. The cleaning solution does the hard work. Gentle water pressure rinses everything away. We put the treatment on your roof. Then we let it sit for 15–20 minutes so it can work. After that, we rinse with low pressure.
Orlando homes usually have shingle, tile, or metal roofs. Soft washing works safely on all three types. We check your roof before we start. We look for loose shingles or damage. Then we adjust how strong we make the solution. This depends on whether you have tile or regular shingles. This protects your roof while removing stains.
Roof Soft Washing Cost in Orlando (By Size & Material)
Roof soft washing in Orlando costs $0.20 to $0.35 per square foot. Your final price depends on your roof size, how steep it is, how high it is, and how much staining needs cleaning.
Here's what you can expect to pay for common roof sizes:
Several things affect where your price falls. Steeper roofs need more safety gear. They take longer to clean. Two-story homes cost more than single-story homes. Heavy algae or moss needs stronger treatment and more time. Different materials matter too. Tile roofs often cost a bit more than shingle roofs because of their bumpy texture.
From our Orlando jobs, two-story homes with steep roofs usually add $100–$150. This covers the safety equipment and extra time needed.
Pressure washing might cost $50–$100 less. But it damages shingles and doesn't last as long. DIY soft washing costs $50–$100 just for chemicals. But you'll also need a pump sprayer ($100–$200) and safety gear. You also risk falling and getting hurt.
Professional service includes checking your roof, mixing the solution right, putting it on, watching the timing, rinsing gently, and flushing your gutters if needed. You get results that are guaranteed. You don't risk getting hurt or damaging your roof.
How Long Does Roof Soft Washing Last? (Maintenance & Results)
Roof soft washing usually lasts 2–3 years in Florida. Orlando's humidity and rain help algae grow back faster than in drier places. You'll notice the clean look starting to fade when black streaks begin showing up again.
Several things can make your roof stay clean longer:
- Zinc strips at the top of your roof – Rain washes zinc down the roof. This stops algae from growing.
- Cleaning your gutters regularly – This stops water from backing up and feeding algae.
- Cutting back tree branches that hang over your roof – Less shade and falling leaves means less growth.
- Good attic airflow – This keeps your roof temperature even and reduces moisture.
When we talk about results, we mean all the algae and moss is gone. Your roof looks great again. And new growth is stopped. Your roof will look years younger. It will stay that way for multiple seasons.
You'll know it's time to clean again when black streaks start showing up. Or when you see small moss patches forming. Some roofs in very shady spots may need cleaning every 18–24 months. Roofs in full sun can go 3+ years.
Between cleanings, get yearly roof checks. Keep your gutters clear. These simple steps protect your investment. They make the time between professional cleanings longer.
When to Soft Wash Your Roof (Best Time of Year in Orlando)
The best months for roof soft washing in Orlando are late fall through early spring. That's October through April. These cooler, drier months let cleaning solutions work without extreme heat messing them up.
Summer has problems for roof cleaning. Orlando's afternoon storms can wash the treatment away before it finishes working. Temperatures above 95°F also make solutions dry too fast. The heat makes roof surfaces hot to walk on. It also makes the work more dangerous.
Hurricane season runs June through November in Florida. We suggest scheduling roof cleaning either before June 1st or after November 30th when you can. If you need service during hurricane season, we watch weather forecasts closely. We schedule around storms that are coming.
Plan to soft wash your roof every 2–3 years. Some homeowners prefer cleaning on a schedule. Others wait until they see stains. Both ways work. It depends on how important your home's appearance is to you.
Timing also matters if you're getting a roof check or preparing to sell your home. Schedule soft washing a few weeks before the inspection. This way algae won't make people worry about your roof. For home sales, clean your roof 2–4 weeks before listing. This gives you fresh curb appeal without rushing.
DIY Roof Soft Washing vs. Hiring a Professional
DIY roof soft washing needs the right chemical solution, a pump sprayer, a safety harness, special shoes, and ladder holders. You'll need to mix chemicals just right. Too weak won't kill algae. Too strong can damage plants or shingles.
The dangers are real. Falls from roofs cause most homeowner injuries during outside maintenance. One wrong step on wet shingles can mean broken bones or worse. Wrong chemical mixes can kill your yard plants. They can also leave uneven clean spots. Many roof warranties say homeowners can't clean their own roofs. They require professional service.
DIY chemical costs run $50–$100. But a pump sprayer adds $100–$200. Safety gear like harnesses and ladder holders adds another $50–$100. You're looking at $200–$400 total. Plus a lot of time and physical danger.
DIY only makes sense in certain situations. Single-story homes with roofs that aren't steep. Homeowners who feel safe working high up. And only light staining that needs gentle treatment.
Professional service gives you insurance coverage if something goes wrong. We know Orlando's roof types. We know how different materials respond to treatment. You get guaranteed results. You don't spend your weekend on a hot roof. We've fixed roofs where DIY tries with wrong bleach amounts caused plant damage or uneven cleaning. Our mixing rules prevent this.
Questions to Ask Orlando Roof Soft Washing Contractors
Ask these questions before you hire a roof soft washing contractor in Orlando:
- Are you licensed and insured? Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers' comp coverage. Check their license with Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
- What cleaning solution do you use? Good contractors use sodium hypochlorite solutions at specific strengths. They should explain the mix and say it's safe for your roof type and plants.
- How do you protect my property during treatment? Ask about plant protection, gutter covering, and how they stop spray from getting on windows, siding, and cars.
- What's your exact process? The answer should include how they apply it, dwell time (usually 15–20 minutes), how they rinse, and checking after they're done.
- How do you price your service? Make sure you know if they charge flat rates or by square foot. Ask what's included. Does the price cover gutter flushing, removing small debris, or follow-up spot treatment if needed?
- What warranty or guarantee do you offer? Good contractors guarantee their work for at least one year. Ask what's covered. Will they re-treat problem areas for free?
- Can I see photos of similar Orlando homes you've cleaned? Look for before-and-after examples that match your roof type and staining. Ask for references from recent customers in your area.
