Soft Washing Cedar Shingle Roofs in Fort Wayne
Cedar shingles must be soft washed, never pressure washed — high pressure strips the wood fibers, drives water under the shingles, and cuts years off your roof's life. Soft washing applies an algaecide at garden-hose pressure, killing moss, algae, and mildew at the root. The wood stays intact, and the roof stays clean for years.
Why Pressure Washing Ruins Cedar Shingles
A pressure washer pushes 1,000-3,500 PSI water through a narrow tip. Cedar shingles are thin, soft wood — that force strips the top layer of fibers right off the shingle. Once those fibers are gone, the wood absorbs water faster and rots sooner.
High pressure also drives water up and under the shingles, soaking the underlayment and the roof deck. In a Fort Wayne winter, that trapped moisture freezes and expands, lifting the shingles and breaking the seal between them.
The result is a roof that looks clean for a few weeks and fails years early. Cedar roof manufacturers and the NRCA warn against pressure washing cedar — it voids the warranty on most shingle lines.
The Soft Wash Process Step by Step
Low Pressure. Chemistry Does the Work.
Inspect the roof
We walk the roof — or scope it from a ladder on steep pitches — and identify the type of growth: algae, moss, mildew, or lichen. That decides the concentration we mix.
Protect plants and property
We pre-wet landscaping, cover delicate plants, and dilute runoff to safe levels before any solution touches the shingles.
Apply algaecide at garden-hose pressure
We spray a cedar-safe algaecide solution at roughly 40-60 PSI — the force of a garden hose. No high-pressure nozzle, no etching.
Let it dwell and kill at the root
The solution sits for 10-15 minutes, breaking down moss, algae, and mildew at the root level so it cannot regrow quickly.
Low-pressure rinse and verify
We rinse with low pressure and confirm every streak and patch is gone before we leave.
What It Costs in Fort Wayne
Honest Range — No Surprise Fees
Most cedar roof washes run $400-$900 depending on roof size and steepness. Steeper roofs and larger footprints take more time and solution. We give you the exact price after a free inspection — you approve it before any work starts.
How Often a Cedar Roof Needs Cleaning
Every 2-4 years in our climate. Fort Wayne's humid summers and long, wet falls mean algae and moss take hold faster here than in drier regions.
Shaded roofs under heavy tree cover lean toward the 2-year end. Sunny, exposed roofs can stretch to 4 years. We tell you exactly where your roof falls after the first inspection.
Staying on schedule is what keeps a cedar roof alive for 30+ years instead of 15.
Signs Your Cedar Roof Needs Attention
Don't Wait for Rot
Green or black streaks
Algae and mildew feeding on the cedar surface, visible as dark streaks running down the shingles.
Moss at the shingle edges
Moss holds moisture against the wood and works its way under the shingles, lifting them.
Soft or spongy spots
Wood that has stayed wet too long is starting to rot. Soft spots mean cleaning and drying are overdue.
Slippery walkway near the roof line
Algae and organic growth dripping down signals a roof that needs treatment.