Those dark black streaks running down your roof aren't dirt — they're a cyanobacteria called Gloeocapsa magma. It feeds on the limestone filler in your shingles, and here in Central Kentucky we have no shortage of limestone. Once it takes hold, it spreads fast, and it's not just ugly — it actually shortens the life of your roof by holding moisture and heat against the shingles.
I'm Mike Inman with Inman ProWash, and I've been cleaning roofs in Lexington since 2009. I use the soft wash method, which is the only method recommended by shingle manufacturers like GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed. That matters because if someone pressure washes your roof, you may void your warranty. Pressure blasts away the protective granules on your shingles and causes immediate damage. Soft washing uses zero pressure on the roof surface — just a professional cleaning solution applied gently that kills the bacteria and algae completely.
On job day, I'll set up ground-level application equipment so I'm not walking all over your roof and risking damage to shingles or flashing. I pre-soak all landscaping, gutters, and surrounding surfaces to protect them from runoff. The cleaning solution goes on, dwells for 15 to 20 minutes, and then I rinse at low pressure. The roof looks dramatically better immediately, and any remaining staining continues to fade over the next few weeks as rain washes away the dead bacteria. The whole process usually takes 2 to 4 hours.
Roof cleaning in Lexington typically runs $300 to $600, depending on the roof's size, pitch, number of stories, and how heavy the staining is. Steep or complex rooflines take more time and care. I provide an exact quote before I start — no hidden fees.
Here's the reality: a new roof costs $8,000 to $15,000 or more. A professional soft wash cleaning every 3 to 5 years keeps your existing roof looking great and lasting its full lifespan. Insurance companies have been known to flag heavily stained roofs during inspections, so keeping it clean can also prevent headaches down the road. I'm $2 million insured with a 5.0 Google rating across 226 reviews and an A+ BBB rating.
Common Questions About Roof Cleaning
Will soft washing damage my shingles? No. Soft washing is the manufacturer-recommended cleaning method. There is no high pressure involved — the solution does all the work. Pressure washing a roof is what causes damage, and I never do that.
How long does a roof cleaning last? In our Kentucky climate, most roofs stay clean for 3 to 5 years after a soft wash treatment. Roofs shaded by large trees may see regrowth sooner since they stay damp longer.
My roof looks worse a few days after cleaning — is that normal? Yes. As the dead bacteria and algae dry out, they can temporarily appear slightly darker before rain washes them away. Within a few weeks, the roof reaches its final clean appearance.
Do you clean metal or tile roofs too? Yes. I adjust my approach based on the roofing material. Metal, tile, slate, and composite roofs all benefit from soft wash cleaning. I'll let you know exactly what to expect during the estimate.
