If you’re seeing dark streaks, moss, or piles of leaves on your roof, it may seem like a minor cosmetic issue, but it’s quietly costing you years off your roof’s life. A roof that should last 30 years barely makes it to 15 when it’s ignored.
Every year, we meet homeowners in Central PA and Indiana who think their roof is fine—until a leak, warranty void, or costly replacement proves otherwise. Even the best roofing materials can’t stand up to years of neglect.
At Equity Roofing, we've cared for roofs in areas like Lancaster, Mechanicsburg, Harrisburg, and Elkhart—each with its own roof challenges. Our crew has seen the same pattern again and again: small maintenance tasks skipped today lead to major expenses down the road. Many homeowners don’t know how to properly take care of their roof, which is why we’ve created this guide.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
Let’s start from the top—literally!
The short answer is yes, but fortunately, it doesn’t need to be part of your weekly chores. The most important thing is to keep your roof free of moss, algae, and debris.
When left unchecked, moss and algae pull essential oils from shingles, causing cracking and premature wear. Lichens, formed by a combination of fungi and algae, dig into the shingles' surface and tear off protective granules when they die. Moss roots can also wedge under shingles like a crowbar, lifting them up or even penetrating through to the wood decking below.
Leafs, branches, and storm debris should all be removed from your roof. Think of it this way: the only thing that needs to be on your roof is your shingles (or metal panels).
The issue is that debris creates improper drainage. When leaves or pine needles pile up, they trap water that seeps underneath shingles, leading to wood rot and leaks. By the time you see water damage inside, you're looking at much bigger repair bills.
Regular cleaning extends your roof's lifespan by 5–10 years, preserves your warranty (many manufacturers require proof of maintenance), and protects your home's value. It's not just smart homeownership, it's essential.
We recommend cleaning and inspecting your roof at least once a year, ideally in the spring or fall.
If your roof includes rubber sections, increase this to every 6 months. Rubber can be punctured easily by sticks and various other debris, so never let anything sit on it for too long.
| Task | Recommended Frequency |
| Roof inspection + light debris removal (all roofs) | 1×/year (spring or fall) |
| Rubber roof debris check (if applicable) | Every 6 months |
| Gutter cleaning | 2×/year (fall + spring) |
| Spot moss/algae treatment (localized) | As needed when growth appears |
| Whole-roof soft wash (asphalt) | Every 3–5 years only if needed |
| Fastener/washer check (metal roofs) | Every 2-3 years |
| Ventilation check (attic/moisture) | 1×/year |
Your local climate and environment can have a big impact on the state of your roof. Clean more often if you:
When cleaning your roof, make sure that you’re not causing more harm than good—especially if you have a shingle roof, which can be damaged by the wrong cleaning methods.
Metal roofs rarely grow moss and don't suffer from organic growth issues. If leaves sit for more than a week, brush them off. The main concern is making sure fasteners stay tight. Schedule an annual inspection to confirm screws are seated properly and rubber grommets aren't wearing out.
You should never pressure wash your roof. High pressure water reduces the protective granules on a shingle roof. Without them, UV rays and water wreak havoc on underlayments and decking. We can't count how many homeowners proudly tell us they just power-washed their roof, not realizing they've taken years off its life.
A soft wash is the better method of cleaning your roof to keep your shingles healthy and intact.
Look for cleaners specifically geared towards roofs, such as the Wet & Forget Outdoor cleaner at Lowe's or Home Depot in the roofing or cleaning section.
Avoid products like:
Asphalt reacts poorly with most chemicals, so use products designed specifically for roofing.
DIY is fine—if you're confident and cautious. If you're steady on your feet and understand roof safety, you can handle light cleaning. But fear and hesitation cause accidents and shingle damage. The worst thing you can do on a roof is be afraid.
| Type of Cleaning | DIY or Professional Recommended |
| Light debris removal (leaves, twigs, small branches) | DIY—safe if the roof is low-pitch and stable |
| Spot moss or algae cleaning (small areas) | DIY—use roof-safe cleaner only |
| Rubber roof cleaning (EPDM, TPO) | DIY—with professional inspection every 1-2 years |
| Attic inspection for moisture or staining | DIY—safe to do from indoors |
| Gutter cleaning | DIY or Pro—depends on home height and comfort level |
| Whole-roof soft wash treatment | Professional—requires correct dilution and pressure |
| Tree trimming near roofline | Professional—safety hazard |
| Snow or ice removal from roof | Professional—safety hazard |
Safety tips for walking on your roof:
Confidence is key when walking on a roof. If you're nervous, afraid of heights, or don’t have the right safety equipment, we recommend staying off your roof.
In Central PA and Indiana, our homeowners spend between $0.15 and $0.28 per square foot for a professional soft wash on their roof. This is typically done every three to five years, or whenever moss, algae, or dark streaks start to appear.
The price to clean your roof with a soft wash depends on the size and complexity of your roof. The larger and more complex your roof is, the longer it will take to clean properly.
| Home Size | Typical Roof Area (sq. ft.) | Typical Price Range | Approx. Cost per Sq. Ft. |
| Small Ranch Home | 2,200–2,900 sq. ft. | $500–$600 | $0.17–$0.27 |
| Medium Cape Cod Home | 2,500–3,300 sq. ft. | $600–$700 | $0.18–$0.28 |
| Large Complex Home | 3,600–5,500 sq. ft. | $800–$1,000 | $0.15–$0.28 |
A basic cleaning (including inspection and light debris removal) runs about $300 per home.
In between cleanings, perform annual maintenance on your roof to keep it lasting as long as possible.
Homeowners should take the time to inspect their roof once a year, ideally in the fall before any winter frost sets in.
Annual Roof Checklist:
While a soft wash is recommended every 3-5 years, it ultimately depends on the unique needs of your roof. So long as you don’t see any visible growth issues during inspection, it’s generally fine to skip a roof cleaning.
Ignoring roof maintenance can shave years off its lifespan and cost thousands in repairs. If you see streaks, moss, or debris, don't wait. Whether you handle it yourself or call in a pro, a little care now saves a lot of stress later.
Too many homeowners wait until there’s roof damage to take action, and by then, the fix is far more expensive. But now that you know what to look for, how to clean safely, and when to call a pro, you’re in a much better position to protect your home—and your wallet.
If you’ve noticed your granules are becoming brittle and bare during cleanings, roof rejuvenation may be the next best step for you. This scientifically backed, oil-based product restores moisture and flexibility to asphalt shingles. It can extend your roofs life anywhere from 5 to 15 years.
At Equity Roofing, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners across Central PA and Indiana catch problems early, avoid costly repairs, and build maintenance plans that extend their roof’s lifespan. Let us do the same for you.