Roof Washing in Northbrook, IL
Low-pressure soft washing for asphalt shingles and cedar shake roofs. Removes algae, moss, and black streaks without damaging shingles. Waterproof seal for cedar shakes included as an add-on.
Soft Washing for Every Roof Type
Two different roof types require two different approaches. We specialize in both — low-pressure cleaning that actually works without damaging your roof.
Asphalt Shingle Soft Wash
Low-pressure cleaning removes black algae streaks, moss, and organic buildup from asphalt shingles. Safe for all shingle types — protects granules and preserves manufacturer warranty.
Cedar Shake Soft Wash
Gentle cleaning removes mold, mildew, algae, and grey weathering from cedar shake roofs. Restores the natural warm colour of the wood. Waterproof seal available immediately after cleaning.
Waterproof Seal — Cedar Only
Applied directly after soft washing while the wood is clean and pores are open. Penetrating waterproof sealant protects cedar shakes from moisture, UV, and freeze-thaw damage. Extends roof life significantly.
Moss & Algae Removal
Moss holds moisture against your roof surface — accelerating decay in both cedar and asphalt. Algae (black streaks) feeds on limestone filler in shingles. We remove both completely with professional cleaning solutions.
Black Streak Removal
Those dark streaks on asphalt shingles are Gloeocapsa magma algae — not dirt. They spread across the roof over time and degrade shingles. Soft washing eliminates them without stripping the granule layer.
Gutter Flush After Washing
After the roof is washed, debris and cleaning solution flow down into gutters. We recommend combining roof washing with a gutter cleaning in the same visit — ensures everything flows cleanly.
Asphalt Shingles vs Cedar Shakes — What's the Difference?
Both common in Northbrook and the North Shore. Both cleaned with soft wash. Cedar needs an extra step.
🏠 Asphalt Shingles
- Most common roof type in Northbrook — post-WWII through modern builds
- Black algae streaks (Gloeocapsa magma) are the #1 issue — spreads from spore to spore
- High-pressure washing strips granules and voids warranty — soft wash only
- Cleaned every 3–5 years depending on tree coverage and sun exposure
- No sealant needed — cleaning alone restores appearance and extends life
🌲 Cedar Shake Roofs
- Historically common on North Shore luxury homes — Northbrook, Glencoe, Winnetka, Glenview
- More susceptible to moss, mold, and mildew — wood holds moisture naturally
- Cleaning removes buildup but leaves wood vulnerable — waterproof seal is essential after
- Cleaned and resealed every 2–3 years to prevent wood decay and splitting
- Seal applied immediately after washing — clean, open pores absorb it best
Never High Pressure on a Roof
High-pressure washing destroys asphalt shingles by stripping the granule layer — the protective coating that shields the asphalt from UV. It also drives water under cedar shakes, accelerating rot. Soft washing uses low pressure and professional cleaning solutions that kill algae and moss at the root level without physical damage.
Kills Algae at the Root
Soft wash solutions penetrate and kill algae, moss, and mold at the biological level — not just washing it off the surface. Results last 3–5× longer than pressure washing alone.
Preserves Shingle Granules
Granules on asphalt shingles are the UV and weathe r shield. High pressure strips them. Soft wash cleans the algae and staining without touching the granule layer — your shingles look new without losing years of life.
Protects Manufacturer Warranty
Most asphalt shingle manufacturers (GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed) explicitly recommend soft washing and void warranties if high pressure is used. We follow manufacturer guidelines on every job.
How We Wash Your Roof
Safe, effective, professional — every time.
Free Assessment
We inspect your roof type, condition, and level of algae or moss growth. Clear written quote before any work begins.
Property Prep
We wet down and protect plants, landscaping, and surfaces below the roofline before applying any cleaning solution.
Soft Wash Application
Professional cleaning solution applied at low pressure — kills algae, moss, and mold at the root. Rinse thoroughly from ridge to eave.
Cedar Seal (if applicable)
Waterproof sealant applied immediately after washing while wood pores are open and clean. Full coverage, even absorption.
Roof Washing Questions
What Northbrook homeowners ask us most before booking.
No — soft washing uses low pressure with professional cleaning solutions, which is the only safe method for asphalt shingles. High-pressure washing strips granules from shingles, shortens roof life, and voids most manufacturer warranties. Our technique cleans thoroughly without touching the granule surface.
Cedar is a natural wood — once cleaned of moss, algae, and debris, the pores are open and absorbing moisture freely. Applying a waterproofing sealant right after cleaning drives into the clean wood and protects it from moisture infiltration, UV damage, and the freeze-thaw cycles that cause splitting and decay. It's the most effective time to apply it.
Most residential roofs take 2–4 hours for soft washing. Cedar shake roofs with the waterproof seal application take a full day — the sealant needs adequate dry time. We'll give you a time estimate with your free quote.
Every 3–5 years for asphalt shingles in the Chicago area. Cedar shake roofs benefit from cleaning and resealing every 2–3 years due to Illinois's moisture cycles. If you notice dark streaks (algae), green patches (moss), or grey discoloration (weathering), it's time to schedule.
Black streaks on asphalt shingles are caused by Gloeocapsa magma — a form of algae that feeds on the limestone filler in shingles. It spreads from spore to spore across the roof and causes premature shingle degradation. Soft washing removes it completely. Left untreated, it shortens your roof's lifespan significantly.
Yes — many homeowners combine roof washing with gutter cleaning in a single visit. After the roof is washed, debris flows into the gutters anyway — cleaning them immediately after makes practical sense. Just mention both services when requesting your estimate.
Discounts & Savings
We proudly support seniors and veterans, and we love rewarding first-time customers.
Senior Discount
Homeowners 65 and older receive 5% off any service. Just mention it when you call or submit a request.
Military & Veteran Discount
Active duty, veterans, and first responders receive 5% off as our sincere thank-you for your service.
First-Time Customer? Save 5%
Roof Washing Near You
Serving Northbrook and 30+ communities across Chicago's North Shore and suburbs.
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Request a Roof Washing Quote
Tell us your roof type and we'll give you a clear written estimate. No obligation, no pressure.