Professional SasWash Roof Treatment
in the Pacific Northwest
A complete roof cleaning process by Squatch Roofing: debris removal, hand brushing, professional softwash formula application, and full gutter clean-out, all done by a licensed roofing crew.
The SasWash service is a complete multi-step roof cleaning process. It starts with a full roof inspection, then debris removal and hand brushing to clear approximately 80% of existing moss. From there, we apply a professional softwash formula to the full roof surface, where it penetrates to the granule level and breaks down the remaining organic growth at its base. The process finishes with a full gutter clean-out and a final walkthrough.
The service includes a full gutter clean-out and a roof inspection by the same crew that handles our repairs and replacements. You get a cleaner roof and an honest assessment of its condition, all in one visit.
What Makes SasWash Different
Most roof cleaning stops at the surface. Brushing removes the bulk of visible moss, but organic growth roots itself into the granule layer of the shingle over time. The SasWash process is built around this: after inspection, debris removal, and hand brushing, we apply a professional softwash formula at low pressure across the full roof surface. That formula breaks down organic material chemically, reaching what brushing alone leaves behind.
It is the combination of physical removal and chemical treatment, done in the right order, that makes the SasWash process more effective than either approach on its own. For roofs with established moss, lichen, or algae that has been in place for more than one season, this full process delivers a more complete clean than brushing or zinc prevention alone.
Signs Your Roof May Need the SasWash Treatment
The SasWash service is the right call for roofs with more significant organic growth that needs to be addressed at the source:
- Heavy Moss or Lichen Coverage: Thick moss patches have usually been growing for more than one season. They hold moisture against the shingle surface, lift edges, and create conditions for water to work its way underneath. The SasWash formula is designed to reach the growth at the base, not just knock the surface off.
- Black or Green Streaking Across Shingles: Algae staining spreads across roof surfaces in streaks that run with the water flow. Left untreated, it continues spreading and breaks down the protective coating on the shingle surface over time.
- Organic Buildup in Gutters: Moss fragments, algae, and debris that accumulate in gutters usually trace back to growth on the roof. Treating the roof surface clears the source so gutter blockages happen less frequently.
- A Roof That Has Not Been Treated in Several Years: In the Pacific Northwest, roofs in shaded or north-facing positions can develop significant growth within two to three seasons. A SasWash treatment with gutter clean-out gets the roof back to a clean baseline before the next growing season.
Why We Never Pressure Wash Roofs
Pressure washing strips granules from asphalt shingles, voids manufacturer warranties, and can drive water under shingle edges and into the underlayment. It is one of the most damaging things you can do to a roof under the guise of cleaning it. Squatch Roofing does not pressure wash roofs. The SasWash process uses debris removal, hand brushing, and formula application to deliver a thorough clean without shortening the life of your roof.
Our SasWash Service Process
Every SasWash service follows the same four-part process:
- 1Roof Inspection: We start by walking the full roof and assessing its condition, including shingle wear, flashing, drainage, and the extent of organic growth. This inspection is included with every SasWash service.
- 2Blow Off Large Debris: We clear the roof surface of loose debris including leaves, pine needles, and large moss chunks using a high-powered blower. This prepares the surface for effective brushing and formula application.
- 3Moss Removal by Hand Brush: We brush approximately 80% of moss off the roof by hand. Brushing is controlled and deliberate so granules stay intact. This step removes the bulk of established growth without damaging the shingle surface.
- 4SasWash Formula Application: We apply the SasWash softwash formula to the full roof surface at low pressure. The solution penetrates to the granule level, breaking down the organic material that brushing alone cannot fully remove. It treats moss, algae, and lichen at the root rather than just the visible growth on top, without the shingle damage that pressure washing causes.
- 5Full Gutter Clean-Out: We remove dirt, debris, and organic material from inside every gutter run and verify that all downspouts are draining freely. Roof cleaning and gutter cleaning are always done together.
- 6Final Walkthrough: We do a final inspection of the roof and grounds, confirm drainage is working, and walk you through anything that came up during the service. If we spotted anything on the roof that warrants follow-up, we will let you know.
The full service is handled by a licensed roofing crew, not a general cleaning company. That makes a real difference in what gets flagged and what gets missed during the inspection portion.
Why Homeowners Choose Squatch for SasWash
- Roofers Doing the Cleaning: Squatch Roofing sends trained roofing crews to every cleaning job. While we are working the roof, we are also looking at shingle condition, flashing, granule loss, and anything else that might need attention. You get a thorough cleaning and a real roof inspection in one visit.
- A Complete Process, Not Just a Single Step: The SasWash service covers inspection, debris removal, hand brushing, softwash formula application, gutter clean-out, and a final walkthrough. Each step is there for a reason, and skipping any of them produces a worse result. We do the whole thing every time.
- Formula Works at the Granule Level: The softwash formula we apply as part of the SasWash process reaches organic growth below the surface layer, not just what is visible. This is what separates a full SasWash from a simple brush-off, particularly for roofs with established lichen or deeply embedded moss.
- Gutter Cleaning Always Included: We do not separate roof cleaning from gutter cleaning. Debris cleared from the roof ends up in the gutters, and gutters that cannot drain properly create their own set of problems. The full service covers both.
- Licensed, Bonded, and Insured: Squatch Roofing is fully licensed and bonded in Washington State. Every crew member on your roof is covered. You are not taking on liability with an unlicensed cleaning operation.
A Cleaner Roof, Done the Right Way
Organic growth on a roof is not just a cosmetic problem. Left in place, it shortens shingle life, traps moisture, and creates the conditions for leaks and structural damage over time. The SasWash process addresses the problem at every stage: physical removal through brushing, chemical treatment through the softwash formula application, and drainage maintenance through the gutter clean-out. Squatch Roofing brings the same inspection-first approach to every cleaning job. Schedule your service and we will take care of the roof, the gutters, and give you an honest read on what we find up there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Squatch Roofing has a knowledgeable and experienced team that can help answer a variety of questions you may have.
How is SasWash different from the zinc sulphate cleaning service?
The zinc sulphate service is a maintenance-focused clean: hand brushing to remove moss, a zinc powder application to the ridge to slow future growth, and a gutter clean-out. SasWash is a more intensive multi-step process that adds a softwash formula application to the full roof surface, reaching organic growth at the granule level. It covers inspection, debris removal, hand brushing, formula application, gutter cleaning, and a final walkthrough. For roofs with heavier or more established growth, the full SasWash process delivers a more thorough result. We can help you decide which is the right fit during the inspection.
Does the formula damage shingles or surrounding landscaping?
No. The SasWash process is designed specifically for asphalt shingle roofs and does not strip granules or damage the shingle surface when applied correctly. We take care around gutters and landscaping during application to prevent runoff from concentrating in plant beds or on hardscape. Our crew handles the application and rinse carefully as part of the service.
Will the moss come back after treatment?
Some regrowth over time is normal in the Pacific Northwest climate. The SasWash formula addresses established growth at the granule level, which reduces how quickly moss reestablishes, but ongoing moisture and shade conditions will eventually allow new spores to take hold. Most homeowners in this region benefit from a cleaning service every one to three years depending on their specific roof conditions.
Is gutter cleaning always included with the SasWash service?
Yes. We always include a full gutter clean-out as part of the SasWash service. Material loosened from the roof during brushing and treatment ends up in the gutters. Clearing them is part of completing the job properly, not an add-on.
