Roof Cleaning in Vancouver, WA

Clearly Amazing provides low-pressure roof cleaning. Vancouver, Washington homeowners get a cleaning solution applied at low pressure, not a pressure washer, and a free estimate done at the house.

Call (360) 571-2997 for a free on-site estimate.

Vancouver’s moss advice and your roof

The city’s pollution-prevention page for homeowners says moss thrives in the Pacific Northwest “courtesy of our rainy, mild winters.”

The same page asks residents to avoid pressure washing on residences built between 1950 and 1980. Its reasoning: PCBs can be found in buildings built or renovated in those years, and high-pressure washing can dislodge them from materials that include caulking, paint, sealants, siding joints and roofing material. The alternatives the city lists are soft or low-pressure washing, hand scrubbing and wet wiping.

Moss is more than a looks problem. Washington State University Extension’s demossing study manual, a statewide guide last revised in 2014, notes that moss tends to cause problems on roofs, patios, sidewalks and steps that see little use and stay wet for extended periods, and it warns that uncontrolled moss will shorten a roof’s life. Algae streaking is a different matter; the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) describes it as discoloration. Taking a heavy layer of moss off the shingles helps prevent the water retention and granule loss that come along with it.

What the roofing industry says about cleaning

ARMA warns never to pressure wash an asphalt shingle roof. Only trained professionals should walk or work on a roof, according to ARMA, which also encourages professional shingle cleaning. GAF, CertainTeed and Owens Corning advise against power washing asphalt shingles. ARMA also cautions that cleaning results are only temporary and that discoloration may reappear.

Call (360) 571-2997 for a free on-site estimate in Vancouver, or request one online.

When to book Vancouver roof cleaning

NOAA’s 1991–2020 normals for Portland International Airport put July and August together at about an inch of precipitation (1.05 inches), compared with 5.77 inches in December alone and 36.92 inches over a full year. That makes midsummer the easiest window, since a dry roof is simpler and safer to work on.

Other months are fine, too. A roof that turned green over the winter, a house you’re getting ready to list, or gutters that keep filling with roof debris are all good reasons to call as soon as you notice them. Moss and algae can come back, so it helps to treat roof cleaning as regular maintenance.

Roof cleaning, Vancouver and nearby towns

We handle roof and gutter cleaning across Vancouver and in the surrounding area, including Salmon Creek, Felida, Hazel Dell, Cascade Park, Camas, Washougal, Battle Ground, Ridgefield and La Center. We also clean roofs on commercial properties across the same area. If you aren’t sure whether your street is covered, give us a call and we’ll confirm.

Your roof cleaning questions, answered

Is there anything I can do to slow the moss down between cleanings?
Yes. The city’s tips are to trim trees, remove leaves and fir needles, and use a dry brush. WSU’s manual also lists taking out overhanging branches that shade the roof. Do that kind of work from the ground or a stable ladder where you can, because a roof covered in wet moss is very slippery, and a fall from one can do real harm.

The branch hanging over my roof belongs to a street tree. Can I just cut it back?
Check with the city first. Vancouver’s Urban Forestry program says the adjacent property owner is responsible for maintaining street trees, and that a Tree Permit must be secured from the city before any work begins. The city adds that skipping the permit results in a violation and monetary fines.

How long will my roof stay clean?
There is no fixed schedule. Plan on every few years, depending on shade.

Who’s covered if something goes wrong on my roof?
Every crew is insured with general liability and workers’ comp. We can share a certificate on request.

Estimates are free and done on site, so we can look at your roof before recommending anything. Learn more about our roof cleaning service, or request a free estimate online.