Towslee's Got Pressure

Roof Cleaning in Duluth, MN. Black Streaks, Moss & Lichen Removed Without Pressure

Those black streaks running down your shingles aren't dirt or tar bleeding through. They're a bacteria called Gloeocapsa magma that feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles. Moss and lichen do the same thing and hold water against the roof through every freeze-thaw cycle. We clean roofs across Duluth, Hermantown, Cloquet, Carlton and Esko with a no-pressure soft wash that kills the growth and lets the rain rinse it away.

Clean asphalt shingle roof and white siding on a garage after soft washing, Chisholm, Minnesota

Why a stained roof is more than a cosmetic problem

Algae and moss shorten a shingle roof’s life. The organisms eat the mineral filler, the granules loosen, and moss lifts the shingle tabs so wind and ice can get under them. Insurance companies and home inspectors flag heavy roof growth, some carriers will require cleaning or replacement at renewal. A soft-wash cleaning costs a small fraction of a re-roof and, on most roofs, restores the look and buys years of life. Cleaning before you list a house is one of the cheapest curb-appeal wins there is.

How we clean roofs (and why we never pressure wash them)

Pressure washing a shingle roof strips granules and voids most manufacturers’ warranties. We apply a roof-safe cleaning solution at very low pressure, let it work, and rinse gently or let it weather off. Black streaks typically disappear within hours to days; heavy moss dies immediately and sheds over the following weeks with rain. Gutters and downspouts are flushed after treatment, and landscaping below the drip line is protected and rinsed.

What affects the price

Roof size and pitch, how much moss versus streaking, number of stories, and access. Steep or complex roofs cost more because of setup and safety time. We can quote from your address and photos in most cases.

Our work

Roof Cleaning: before and after

Roof Cleaning questions

Is soft washing safe for asphalt shingles?
Yes. It is the method recommended by the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association. We never use pressure on a roof; the cleaning solution does the work and the roof is rinsed gently or left to weather clean with rain.
How long will the results last?
Most roofs in Northern Minnesota stay clean for three to five years after treatment. Roofs with full sun exposure last longer; roofs under heavy tree cover may need treatment sooner.
Will the moss be gone the same day?
Black streaking typically disappears within hours to a few days. Moss dies immediately but takes several weeks to release and wash away with rain. This is normal, and we explain what to expect before we begin.
Do you clean metal, cedar, or other roof types?
Yes. We adjust the solution and process for the material. Please note the roof type when requesting a quote so we can prepare the correct approach.
Should the house or the roof be cleaned first?
If the roof has streaks or moss, we recommend cleaning it first so runoff does not affect the siding. We regularly complete both in the same visit, and bundling the two services is usually more economical.
Reviews

What Duluth-area homeowners say

★ 5.0 on Google. Read all reviews
★★★★★

“We had Towslee's Got Pressure out to clean the outside of our windows and couldn't be happier with the results. The technician took the time to ensure all of the build-up was removed and he made sure we were satisfied with the results. We would highly recommend this company to anyone needing their services and we will be using them again in the future.”

North Western Heating and Cooling · Window cleaning, commercial · Google review
★★★★★

“Great communication and amazing work. Highly recommend.”

Jeremy C. · Exterior cleaning · Google review
★★★★★

“It was a very pleasant experience to have Devan work on my home. The results were perfect. I highly recommend his services.”

Kathy Adams · House washing · Google review
Where we work

Roof Cleaning across our service area

Based in Carlton, Minnesota. We serve the Twin Ports, Carlton County, the Iron Range, and northwestern Wisconsin from Superior to the Bayfield Peninsula.

Also serving Proctor · Esko · Wrenshall · Moose Lake · Hibbing · Ashland, WI

Free quote

Request a roof cleaning quote

Tell us what needs cleaning and your address. We prepare a written quote, in most cases without a site visit.

Or call (218) 451-6780

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