Professional Commercial Roof Washing Throughout Michigan

Why Commercial Roof Washing Matters

Commercial roofs cost tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars to replace. Proper maintenance dramatically extends roof lifespan, delaying expensive replacement projects and improving return on building investment. Algae and moss don't just look bad—they cause real damage. Black algae (gloeocapsa magma) feeds on limestone fillers in roofing materials, literally consuming shingles and degrading membranes. Moss root systems penetrate roofing, lifting materials and creating pathways for water infiltration that leads to leaks and interior damage.

Beyond protection, roof cleanliness affects energy costs and property appearance. Dark algae staining on white or light-colored commercial roofs reduces reflectivity, increasing solar heat absorption and raising cooling costs. Studies show algae-covered roofs can increase surface temperatures by 10-15 degrees, significantly impacting HVAC efficiency and operating costs. From the ground or aerial views (increasingly important given drone photography for marketing), clean roofs enhance property appearance and signal professional management that attracts quality tenants and supports property values.

Our Commercial Roof Washing Process

1. Roof Assessment & Planning: We conduct thorough roof inspection to identify roofing type, assess condition, document areas of concern like damaged flashings or questionable penetrations, and plan safe access approaches. We coordinate with property managers regarding scheduling, building occupant notifications, and any special requirements. Safety planning includes establishing fall protection systems and ensuring OSHA compliance for all roof work.
2. Site Preparation & Protection: Before cleaning begins, we protect building features including HVAC units, skylights, roof-mounted equipment, and electrical components. Gutters and downspouts are checked for proper function to handle cleaning runoff. We establish clear perimeters around buildings and notify occupants regarding temporary restrictions on window opening or outdoor areas during treatment.
3. Soft-Wash Application: Using low-pressure equipment (under 500 PSI) and professional cleaning solutions, we apply treatment to roof surfaces. Chemical action breaks down algae, moss, and organic growth without mechanical force that damages materials. We work systematically across roof areas, ensuring complete coverage while protecting sensitive features and avoiding ponding in low areas of flat roofs.
4. Gentle Rinse & Final Inspection: After appropriate dwell time for solutions to work, we gently rinse treated areas using low pressure that removes dead growth and residual cleaning solution without damaging roofing materials. We conduct final inspection to document completed work, note any roofing issues discovered during cleaning, and provide recommendations for any repairs or maintenance needs identified.

Commercial Roofing Types We Clean

• TPO & PVC Membrane Roofs: Single-ply thermoplastic membranes common on commercial flat roofs. Soft-washing removes algae and staining without damaging heat-welded seams or membrane integrity. Restores white reflective surfaces for energy efficiency.
• EPDM Rubber Roofs: Black rubber membrane systems benefit from cleaning that removes organic growth potentially compromising material integrity. Gentle treatment protects seams and adhesive bonds critical to waterproofing performance.
• Metal Roofing Systems: Standing seam, corrugated, and architectural metal roofs require pH-neutral cleaning solutions that won't corrode protective coatings. We remove algae, moss, and staining while protecting factory finishes and painted surfaces.
• Modified Bitumen: Built-up roofing systems with granulated surfaces. Soft-washing removes growth without dislodging protective granules that high-pressure washing strips away, extending roof lifespan significantly.
• Commercial Asphalt Shingles: Low-slope and steep-slope commercial shingle roofs. Treatment removes black algae streaking and moss without the granule loss and damage high-pressure washing causes.
• Tile & Specialty Roofing: Concrete tile, slate, and specialty roofing materials receive customized cleaning approaches appropriate for material type and condition.

Specialized Treatment Approaches

Different roofing systems and conditions require specialized cleaning approaches:

• Moss Removal: Heavy moss growth requires careful treatment that kills root systems without aggressive mechanical removal that damages roofing. We apply moss-killing solutions, allow adequate time for complete die-off, then gently remove dead moss using soft brushing techniques that protect underlying materials.
• Algae Stain Treatment: Black algae staining responds to biocide treatments that kill organisms at cellular level. Multiple applications may be needed for severe staining, but patience achieves better results than high pressure that damages roofing while leaving algae roots that quickly regrow.
• Flat Roof Ponding Areas: Areas where water ponds after rain accumulate organic growth rapidly. We treat these areas carefully to prevent additional ponding during cleaning and may recommend drainage improvements to prevent recurrence.
• Penetration & Flashing Areas: Roof penetrations for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems require careful cleaning around flashings and seals. We protect these critical waterproofing details while removing growth that could compromise them.

Benefits of Professional Commercial Roof Washing

• Extended Roof Lifespan: Removing damaging organic growth extends roof service life by years, delaying expensive replacement and improving building investment returns.
• Improved Energy Efficiency: Clean, reflective roof surfaces reduce heat absorption and cooling costs. Particularly important for cool roof systems designed for energy efficiency.
• Leak Prevention: Early treatment prevents moss and algae damage that creates leak pathways. Identifying roof issues during cleaning allows timely repairs before interior damage occurs.
• Enhanced Property Appearance: Clean roofs improve property appearance from ground level and aerial perspectives increasingly important for marketing and property valuations.
• Warranty Compliance: Many roofing warranties require proper maintenance. Documented professional cleaning demonstrates compliance with manufacturer maintenance requirements.
• Tenant Satisfaction: Proactive roof maintenance demonstrates professional property management commitment to building care that tenants appreciate and value.

Safety & Compliance

Commercial roof work requires strict safety protocols and regulatory compliance. All our technicians receive training in fall protection, ladder safety, and OSHA requirements for roof access and work at height. We maintain comprehensive general liability insurance and workers compensation coverage specifically for commercial roofing services. Certificates of insurance are available for property management companies and building owners as needed.

We establish fall protection systems including guardrails or personal fall arrest equipment for all roof work on buildings requiring such protection under OSHA standards. Safety perimeters protect building occupants and ground-level personnel during roof cleaning operations. All work complies with local building codes and safety regulations applicable to commercial properties.

Roof Maintenance Programs

We offer comprehensive roof maintenance programs for commercial properties. Scheduled cleaning every 2-4 years keeps roofs consistently clean and protected. Multi-building or portfolio contracts are available for property management companies overseeing multiple commercial properties. Program benefits include priority scheduling, predictable maintenance budgeting, consistent service documentation for property records, and early identification of roof issues before they become expensive problems.

Maintenance programs can coordinate with other building services including gutter cleaning, building washing, and parking lot maintenance for comprehensive property care. Scheduled service eliminates emergency cleaning needs before property sales, refinancing inspections, or tenant lease negotiations where property appearance matters to outcomes.

Serving Commercial Properties Throughout Michigan's Thumb

We provide commercial roof washing services throughout Huron, Tuscola, and Sanilac Counties. Michigan's humid climate with frequent rain and moderate temperatures creates ideal conditions for algae and moss growth on commercial roofs, making regular maintenance particularly important in our region.

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Frequently Asked Questions