Shine City Pressure Washing cleans roofs and removes moss, algae and lichen for houses, townhouse complexes and commercial buildings across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. We are based in Surrey, 5-star rated with 300+ Google reviews, and we clean roofs with a low-pressure soft wash instead of a high-pressure blast. This page explains what the service covers, how the work is done and how to get a price for your own roof.
Table of Contents
What Roof Cleaning Includes
A roof cleaning visit is more than a rinse. Each job covers:
- An inspection of the roof before we start.
- Hand removal of thick moss.
- A soft wash treatment that kills moss, algae, lichen and mildew down to the root.
- A low-pressure rinse.
- Clearing the roof debris that ends up in your gutters and downspouts during the job.
- A moss-inhibiting treatment to slow regrowth.
- A final inspection once the roof is done.
A full gutter cleaning is a separate service that can be added to the same visit.
How We Clean a Roof, Step by Step
- Inspect. We note the roofing material, the severity of growth and any existing damage, so the solution strength and technique suit your roof.
- Protect the garden. Plants and garden beds near the house are soaked with fresh water before the treatment, kept wet while we work and rinsed again afterwards.
- Clear heavy moss. Thick pads are lifted off by hand with plastic scrapers and soft tools so the solution can reach the roots underneath.
- Apply the treatment. The cleaning solution goes on evenly at low pressure and is left to work.
- Rinse gently. We rinse from the ridge down to the eaves, the same direction rain runs off.
- Flush and check. Gutters and downspouts are cleared of what washed down, then we inspect the finished roof.
Why low pressure? High-pressure water strips the protective granules from asphalt shingles, splinters cedar, can crack tiles and can void a shingle warranty. Soft washing works the other way round: the cleaning solution does the job, applied at low pressure (typically under 500 PSI), and it kills growth at the root instead of knocking off only what you can see. High-force pressure washing is never used on shingles or cedar. On very heavy moss we may recommend a follow-up treatment.
Why Moss Matters on a Coastal BC Roof
Moss needs moisture, shade and something to grip. The Lower Mainland supplies all three: a long wet season, mild winters and plenty of tree cover.
- It holds water. A mat of moss behaves like a sponge and keeps the roof surface damp.
- It lifts shingles. Growth pushes under shingle edges, opening gaps where water can reach the roof deck.
- It speeds up wear. Moss and algae accelerate granule loss on asphalt shingles. The black streaks you see on many roofs are an algae called Gloeocapsa magma.
- It blocks drainage. Moss and debris wash into gutters and clog them.
Roof Types We Clean
- Asphalt shingle. Soft wash only, so the granule layer stays in place.
- Cedar shake. Adjusted solution ratios and very low pressure, so the shakes are not split.
- Concrete and clay tile. Solution and pressure are matched to the tile so it is not cracked or chipped. See our tile roof cleaning page.
- Metal. Algae, lichen and oxidation staining are removed without scratching the finish.
- Flat and torch-on. Cleaned gently to protect the membrane, with drainage points cleared.
How Often and the Best Time of Year
Most Lower Mainland roofs do well with a professional cleaning every two to three years. Roofs under heavy tree cover or on a north-facing slope need it more often, while sunny, open roofs can often go three to four years.
We clean roofs year-round. Spring and fall are the most popular times, and the warm, dry summer months let the solution work well and the roof dry fully. Between cleanings, trimming overhanging branches and keeping the roof and gutters clear of debris slows moss down.
Homes, Townhouses and Strata
We clean single houses, townhouses and multi-building complexes with the same process. For strata councils we prepare a proposal priced by building, by unit or for the whole project, whichever suits your budgeting, and cleaning several roofs in one visit lowers the cost per unit. Annual maintenance contracts are available. Details are on our strata roof cleaning page.
Roof Cleaning Pricing
The price of a roof cleaning depends on the size of the roof, its pitch, the number of storeys, the roofing material and how much moss has built up. Steep or hard-to-reach roofs take longer. For properties farther from Surrey, a travel charge may apply and is shown in your quote before you book.
Example quote from our calculator (calculated October 3, 2026): 1,400 sq ft footprint, 1 storey, 4:12 pitch, asphalt in average condition: $405 before GST. Your property and selected services determine your personal quote.
Our roof cleaning cost guide explains each factor. For your own roof, use the fast quote form. Quotes are free and carry no obligation.
Roof Cleaning by City
We clean roofs from Vancouver to Chilliwack. Choose your city for local details:
- Surrey
- Vancouver
- Burnaby
- Langley
- Coquitlam
- Richmond
- Delta
- North Vancouver
- New Westminster
- Port Coquitlam
- Port Moody
- Maple Ridge
- Pitt Meadows
- White Rock
- Abbotsford
- Chilliwack
- Mission
- Sechelt
Neighbourhoods: Cloverdale,Guildford, Newton, South Surrey, Willoughby, Fort Langley, Brentwood, Metrotown, Burke Mountain, Lonsdale, Lynn Valley, Deep Cove and Steveston.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will roof cleaning damage my shingles?
Not when it is done by soft wash. High pressure is what harms shingles, which is why we do not use it on them.
How long does a roof cleaning take?
Most houses are finished in a few hours. Size, pitch and the amount of moss set the time, and a large or complex roof with heavy growth can take a full day. You get a time estimate with your quote.
Do I need to be home?
No. We need access to water and to the areas around the house. We send before and after photos with a summary of the work.
Can you clean a roof in the rain?
Light rain is fine. Heavy rain can dilute the treatment before it has worked, and we do not work in heavy rain or high winds. If the weather forces a change, we let you know ahead of time.
Is the treatment safe for my garden?
Looking after your landscaping is built into the job. Plants, shrubs and garden beds around the work area are soaked with fresh water before, during and after the treatment to dilute anything that lands on them.
Can I combine roof cleaning with other services?
Yes. Many customers add gutter cleaning or house washing so the whole exterior is done in one visit. Each service is measured and priced in your written quote, along with any saving that applies.
Get a Roof Cleaning Quote
Working on a wet, mossy roof is dangerous. Our technicians are trained and insured, work with harnesses and fall protection, and are covered by WorkSafeBC. Call Shine City at (604) 229-5354, request a price through the quote form, or send a question through our contact page.