Extend your roof's lifespan and restore its beauty with our gentle, effective soft washing process. Gutter'Dun Home Services safely removes moss, algae, lichen, and stains without the damaging effects of pressure washing—protecting your investment and your home.
Roof soft washing is a specialized cleaning method that uses a low-pressure, professional-grade, biodegradable cleaning solution to safely remove organic growth from your roof. Unlike high-pressure washing—which can damage shingles, strip protective granules, and void warranties—soft washing is the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers recommended method for cleaning asphalt shingle roofs.
In Chilliwack and the Fraser Valley, our wet climate creates the
perfect conditions for moss, algae, and lichen growth on roofs.
These organisms aren't just unsightly—they're actively damaging your
roof. Moss grows underneath shingles, lifting them and allowing
water to penetrate. Gloeocapsamagma (those black streaks you see) feeds on the
limestone filler in shingles, gradually degrading them and holds water against your roof. Lichen, a symbiotic combination of algae and fungus, actually embeds roots into your
shingles that can break through the granule, asphalt, and fiberglass layers of your shingles causing gaping holes, commonly along the ridge caps of the roof.
It isn't simply just "moss," destroying your roof, it's every single organism designed to thrive in our environment doing what they do best.
Our soft washing process eliminates these threats at their source. The specialized cleaning solutions we use don't just wash away visible growth—they kill the spores and roots, preventing immediate regrowth. This means your roof stays cleaner longer, and you're not paying for the same service every few months. Most importantly, soft washing extends your roof's lifespan by years, potentially saving you tens of thousands of dollars in premature replacement costs. The cost of doing nothing is substantially higher than taking action. Contact us today.
At Gutter'Dun Home Services, we exclusively use the soft washing method to ensure your roof receives the safest, most effective cleaning possible.
We follow a meticulous, proven process to safely clean your roof and deliver results that last. Here's exactly what happens when Gutter'Dun Home Services soft washes your roof.
Before we begin any cleaning, we conduct a thorough inspection of your entire roof system. We walk the roof (if safe to do so) or use a professional drone to observe every section, looking for existing damage, loose or missing shingles, compromised flashing, or areas of concern. We document the extent of moss, algae, and lichen growth, taking photos when appropriate. This inspection helps us understand what cleaning approach will be most effective and identifies any repairs that should be addressed in addition to cleaning. Depending on the overall condition of the roof, we may recommend refurbishing the roof with GoNano to extend it's life by rehydrating the shingles with bio-oils and nano-silica. We may also recommend replacement if neither soft washing or GoNano would benefit your roof in it's current condition.
Safety and protection are paramount. We begin by covering and protecting all landscaping, plants, and shrubs around your home's perimeter. Our cleaning solutions are plant-safe when properly diluted and rinsed, but we take extra precautions by pre-wetting vegetation and using protective coverings where needed. We close all windows and doors, and we'll ask you to keep pets indoors during the service. Please move any outdoor furniture, grills, and decorative items away from the house before we arrive—due to liability, our team does not move these items. We clean gutters and downspouts before treating the roof, ensuring they're clear so the runoff from cleaning can flow freely without backing up. We use stand-offs on all ladders to prevent any damage to your home's exterior.
Following ARMA (The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association) recommended process for cleaning and maintaining your roof, we use specialized soft wash equipment, applying our professional-grade biodegradable cleaning solution to your entire roof surface. The solution is specifically formulated to cling onto and kill moss, algae, lichen, gloeocapsa magma, and their spores without harming your shingles or the environment. The application is done at very low pressure—about the same pressure as a garden hose—so there's absolutely no risk of damage to your shingles. For heavily affected areas with thick moss growth, we gently remove the bulk of the growth in order to ensure effective treatment and lower cleaning solution use. The cleaning agents begin working immediately upon contact, penetrating deep into the organic growth and breaking down the cellular structure. Unlike pressure washing which only removes what's visible on the surface, our soft wash solution kills the organism at its roots, including spores that haven't germinated yet. This is why soft washing provides such long-lasting results compared to other methods.
Once applied, the cleaning solution needs time to work its magic. We allow an appropriate dwell time—typically 15 to 30 minutes depending on the severity of growth and weather conditions—for the solution to fully penetrate and kill all organic matter. During this time, you may notice the moss and algae beginning to change colour, which is a sign the solution is working. This waiting period is crucial to the effectiveness of soft washing. The cleaning agents are breaking down the organisms' cell walls, killing them completely so they won't regrow. We monitor the roof during this time, reapplying to any areas that appear to need extra attention. For roofs with particularly severe organic growth, we may apply a second application as needed. This patience and thoroughness is what separates professional soft washing from quick, ineffective cleaning methods. We're not just cleaning your roof—we're treating it to prevent future growth.
For asphalt shingle roofs, the cleaning solution is designed to breakdown and evaporate naturally—rinsing is not necessary and would not provide additional benefit. For metal roofs, we do perform a gentle rinse to ensure all residue is removed. Any remaining treated moss and organic material will breakdown and wash away over time. The rain and natural weathering will continue the cleaning process over the following weeks, and you'll notice your roof looking progressively better. After treatment, we rinse down all siding, windows, and landscaping to remove any residual cleaning solution. Your gutters and downspouts are checked to ensure they're flowing freely.
We complete the job by thoroughly cleaning up the work area. All protective coverings are removed, and your landscaping is gently rinsed one final time. We walk the entire property perimeter, picking up any debris and ensuring your yard looks exactly as it did before we arrived—actually, it looks better because your roof is now clean! We remove all our equipment and take a final "after" photo to document the immediate results. Then, we take time to walk through the results with you, explaining what you should expect over the coming weeks as the treatment continues working. Some moss may remain visible initially, but will wither and wash away with the weather over the next couple months. We provide guidance on maintenance, discussing when you should schedule your next soft wash (typically every 2-3 years for most Chilliwack homes, though this varies based on tree coverage and sun exposure). We also answer any questions you have about the process, results, or ongoing roof care. Our goal is to leave you informed, satisfied, and confident that your roof has received the best possible care.
Investing in regular roof soft washing is one of the smartest decisions you can make as a homeowner in Chilliwack. The financial benefits alone are substantial—a typical asphalt shingle roof costs between $15,000 and $30,000 to replace, depending on size and material quality. By soft washing your roof every 2-3 years at a fraction of that cost, you can extend your roof's lifespan by 5-10 years or more. That's potentially tens of thousands of dollars saved.
Beyond the financial savings, a clean roof dramatically improves your home's curb appeal and resale value. Real estate professionals consistently note that homes with clean, well-maintained roofs sell faster and for higher prices than comparable homes with stained, moss-covered roofs. The difference in appearance is striking—a soft-washed roof can make a 20-year-old roof look nearly new again, while an uncleaned roof of the same age may appear ready for replacement.
Energy efficiency is another often-overlooked benefit. Dark algae stains absorb more heat from the sun, increasing your cooling costs during summer months. A clean, light-colored roof reflects more sunlight, keeping your home cooler naturally and reducing strain on your HVAC system. Some homeowners report noticeable decreases in their energy bills after having their roof professionally cleaned.
Regular soft washing also provides an opportunity for ongoing roof inspection. Each time we service your roof, we're checking for potential issues like damaged shingles, deteriorating flashing, or developing leaks. Catching these problems early—before they cause interior damage—can save you thousands in repair costs. Think of soft washing as preventative maintenance that protects your entire home, not just your roof.
Finally, there's peace of mind. Knowing your roof is clean, healthy, and functioning as designed allows you to worry about other things. You won't cringe every time you pull into your driveway or worry about what potential buyers will think. You won't wonder if that moss is causing damage or if your insurance company will raise concerns during an inspection. A clean roof means one less thing to stress about as a homeowner—and that's priceless.
At Gutter'Dun Home Services, we're committed to protecting the environment while protecting your home. Our soft washing solutions are:
Spring (March-May): Perfect for removing winter moss growth before summer. Ideal weather conditions for application and drying.
Summer (June-August): Warm, dry weather ensures optimal results and faster treatment. Great for preparing your roof for fall rains.
Fall (September-October): Clean before wet winter weather arrives. Removes summer growth and prepares roof for winter protection.
We recommend avoiding soft washing during freezing temperatures or heavy rain periods.
How long does it take?
Most residential roofs take 3-4 hours depending on size and complexity.
Will I see immediate results?
Yes! You'll see significant improvement immediately, with continued improvement over 4-8 weeks as dead growth washes away.
Is it safe for my roof warranty?
Absolutely. As per ARMA (The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association), soft washing your roof is the manufacturer-recommended cleaning method and won't void warranties.
How often should I have it done?
Typically every 2-3 years, though homes with heavy tree coverage may benefit from annual service.
Our Guarantee
2-Year Moss-Free Guarantee — If moss returns within two years, we'll re-treat your roof at no additional cost.
Contact Gutter'Dun Home Services today for a free roof assessment and quote.
Professional roof soft washing services available in Chilliwack and surrounding areas. Click on your city to learn more about our services in your community.
Our home base with same-day service available
Complete exterior cleaning for Abbotsford homes
Professional services for Hope residents
Trusted services throughout Mission BC
Expert cleaning for lakeside properties
Reliable service for Agassiz homeowners
Call us at (250) 371-1474 or request a free quote