Rusty's Pro Wash & Seal provides professional soft wash roof cleaning and gutter cleaning throughout Greater Tampa Bay — Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, and Manatee counties. Florida's heat, humidity, and heavy tree cover create some of the most demanding roof staining conditions in the country, and roofs and gutters work together to protect your home from that same climate. Algae, moss, and lichen shorten a roof's lifespan when left untreated, while clogged gutters send water straight into your fascia and foundation instead of away from them. We treat both the same way: with the right method, not the fastest one.
Soft Wash Roof Cleaning — The Only Method We Recommend
Soft wash roof cleaning is a low-pressure application of a professional-grade biocidal solution that kills algae, moss, lichen, and mildew at the biological root — rather than blasting them off with high-pressure water. We use dedicated soft wash equipment at 40–200 PSI, far below the 2,000+ PSI of a standard pressure washer, to penetrate and kill growth at depth rather than stripping it from the surface.
Soft washing is the ARMA (Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association) recommended method for asphalt shingle roofs, and it's the only appropriate method for tile roofing of any kind. It's also explicitly required to maintain warranty coverage on most major roofing brands. We follow manufacturer guidance on every roof we clean, tile or shingle, residential or commercial.
Why this matters: High-pressure washing on a roof strips protective granules from asphalt shingles, cracks tile, displaces ridge cap mortar, and can force water through flashing and underlayment. It also typically voids the manufacturer's roofing warranty. A pressure wash may look clean on the day of service, but the surviving algae recolonizes within months — and the mechanical damage doesn't reverse itself. Always confirm your roof cleaning company uses dedicated soft wash equipment, not a repurposed pressure washer.
What Causes Black Streaks, Algae & Organic Staining on Florida Roofs
Those dark streaks running down a Florida roof aren't dirt — they're Gloeocapsa magma, a cyanobacteria that produces a dark pigmented shield to protect itself from UV radiation, and that shield is what causes the visible streaking. It feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles and the calcium carbonate in concrete tile, and it thrives in Florida's warm, humid climate. Left untreated, it spreads across the roof, retains moisture against the roofing surface, and accelerates wear on the material underneath. On roofs with heavy tree cover, algae is rarely the only issue present — moss, lichen, and organic debris staining often show up at the same time.
We identify every stain type during the free estimate and build a treatment plan that addresses each source with the appropriate chemistry. A single-solution approach that only kills algae while leaving organic staining untreated is an incomplete result.
Tile, Shingle & Metal Roof Cleaning
Every roof type common across Greater Tampa Bay requires its own approach — solution concentration, dwell time, and technique all change based on the material. We calibrate treatment to your specific roof rather than running the same generic wash on every job.
Tile Roofs
Concrete and clay tile requires specialized soft-wash treatment with appropriate dwell time and solution concentration for the tile body and mortar.
- Algae, lichen & moss removal
- Ridge cap and mortar treatment
- Preserves tile glaze
- No pressure on tile surface
Shingle Roofs
Asphalt shingle roofs develop black streaks quickly in Florida's climate. Soft washing removes growth without stripping protective granules.
- Black streak (algae) removal
- Granule-safe treatment
- ARMA-recommended method
- Warranty-compliant process
Metal & Commercial Roofs
Standing seam metal and low-slope commercial roofing develop algae and surface film in Florida's humid environment. Soft washing cleans without abrasion or coating damage.
- Algae and mildew removal
- Safe for painted finishes
- No scratching or coating abrasion
- Suitable for commercial properties
Our Roof Washing Process
Every roof washing job we perform follows the same systematic process, whether it's a single-family shingle roof or a large tile roof with complex architecture. Here's exactly what's involved:
Free On-Site Assessment
We inspect the roof surface, identify every stain type and growth category present, note any existing damage, and build a treatment plan specific to your roof's material and condition. We don't quote roof jobs over the phone.
Landscape & Surface Protection
We pre-wet surrounding plantings, turf, and landscape features before any chemical application begins, and contain runoff from all treated surfaces throughout the job.
Debris Clearance
Before any chemistry is applied, we clear accumulated leaves, organic material, and debris from valleys, gutters, and roof edges — essential for effective treatment contact with the roofing surface.
Soft Wash Application
We apply the appropriate biocidal treatment solution at 40–100 PSI, calibrated for the specific growth and stain profile identified during assessment, working systematically from ridge to eave.
Dwell Time & Second Pass
The solution dwells for 15–30 minutes. On sections with heavy lichen or deeply established growth, we apply a targeted second pass before rinsing, at no additional charge.
Low-Pressure Rinse & Inspection
We rinse at low pressure, then perform a post-wash inspection, documenting the roof's condition and flagging any tiles, flashings, or areas that need attention — useful for insurance, HOA, or maintenance records.
Soft Washing vs. Pressure Washing
The method used to clean a roof matters more than almost any other decision in the process. High-pressure washing looks like a faster, cheaper option, but on every roof type common in Tampa Bay it trades a short-term appearance improvement for long-term, often irreversible damage.
- Safe for tile, shingle & metal roofs
- Kills growth at the cellular level
- No granule stripping or tile cracking
- No water intrusion at flashing points
- Preserves manufacturer warranty coverage
- Results last 18–36 months typically
- Strips protective shingle granules
- Cracks tile and displaces mortar
- Forces water through flashing points
- Voids roofing manufacturer warranties
- Only cleans the surface, not the root
- Growth returns in 3–6 months
Gutter Cleaning & Brightening
Clogged gutters are one of the most overlooked causes of home exterior damage in Florida. When leaves, seed pods, and shingle grit build up, water overflows during heavy rain instead of draining through the downspout — leading to fascia rot, foundation erosion, and even interior leaks. We clear debris from gutters and downspouts to restore proper flow, and offer gutter brightening to remove the black streaking and oxidation that builds up on the exterior of aluminum gutters over time, restoring a clean, finished look to your roofline.
How Often Should Roofs and Gutters Be Cleaned?
Most Tampa Bay roofs benefit from a professional soft wash every 2–3 years, though roofs under heavy tree canopy or near lakes and wetlands may need service closer to every 18–24 months due to elevated humidity and constant organic debris deposit. Gutters should be cleared at least once or twice a year — more often with significant tree cover — to keep them flowing properly through Florida's rainy season. We'll give you an accurate interval recommendation based on your specific site conditions during the free estimate.
Roof Washing Cost in Greater Tampa Bay
Roof washing across Greater Tampa Bay typically ranges from $0.20–$0.50 per square foot of roof surface, with tile and larger, more complex rooflines running toward the higher end. Several factors affect the final price:
- Roof size and pitch — larger and steeper roofs require more solution and time
- Roof material — tile roofs require more solution and dwell time than shingle
- Level of growth — heavy algae, moss, or lichen requires stronger treatment
- Debris volume — properties under heavy tree canopy require additional clearing time
- Property type — commercial and multi-family roofs are priced by total area and access
We don't quote roof jobs over the phone — a free on-site estimate is the most accurate way to price a job with this much variability. Call 813-445-3110 or submit your estimate request online and we'll respond within one business day.