Owning a historic home is a unique privilege. These properties are more than just houses; they are tangible links to the past, filled with character, craftsmanship, and stories. From the intricate woodwork to the classic architectural lines, every detail matters. And no detail is more critical to the preservation of your historic home than its roof. Whether it’s the timeless elegance of slate, the rustic charm of cedar, or the distinctive profile of tile, your roof is the home’s first line of defense against the elements. But when it comes to cleaning these specialized materials, the stakes are incredibly high. The wrong approach can cause irreparable damage, which is why so many homeowners are hesitant to address the unsightly streaks and growth that inevitably appear.
At Forza Roof Cleaning, we understand this concern because we are not just roof cleaners; we are roof treatment experts specializing in the preservation of historic homes. We have spent over a decade perfecting a process that is both highly effective and exceptionally gentle, ensuring the integrity of your irreplaceable roof. We’ve successfully cleaned over 1,500 roofs, from quaint trailers to sprawling mansions, including the prestigious Wedgewood Country Club in Powell. Our extensive experience across Central Ohio and seven other states, from Wisconsin to Connecticut to Tennessee, has given us an unparalleled understanding of the unique challenges posed by historic roofing materials.
Historic roofs are not like modern asphalt shingle roofs. They are crafted from natural materials that require a delicate touch and a deep understanding of their properties. Slate, cedar, and tile each present their own set of challenges, and a one-size-fits-all cleaning method simply will not do.
A slate roof can last for a century or more, but it is also incredibly brittle. Walking on slate tiles can easily cause them to crack or break, leading to costly repairs and compromising the roof's ability to shed water. Furthermore, the dark stains that often appear on slate are typically caused by Gloeocapsa magma , a type of algae that feeds on the mineral deposits in the slate and organic matter on its surface. Attempting to remove this growth with high pressure can etch the surface of the slate, discolor he surface like a chicken pox scar, and dislodge or break the tiles. Our gentle roof cleaning service is designed to eliminate this risk entirely.
Cedar shake roofs offer a beautiful, natural aesthetic, but they are also susceptible to moss, lichen, and algae growth. This organic matter traps moisture against the wood, accelerating rot and decay. While it may be tempting to blast this growth away, pressure washing is one of the worst things you can do to a cedar roof. The high-pressure stream can strip away the wood's natural protective oils, splinter the shakes, shred the wood fibers and force water underneath them, leading to leaks and structural damage. A gentle, professional approach is essential for cedar roof cleaning to preserve the life and core structure of the wood.
Clay and concrete tile roofs are known for their durability, but they are not immune to problems. The porous nature of some tiles can make them a breeding ground for algae and mold, which can be difficult to remove from the nooks and crannies. Like slate, tile roofs can be damaged by excessive foot traffic. Moreover, the underlayment beneath the tiles is a critical component of the roofing system, and forcing water underneath the tiles with a pressure washer can lead to serious leaks that go undetected for years. Removing a slate roof just to get to the rotten wood beneath is a nightmare nobody should endure.
Given the risks involved, it’s no surprise that many roofing and exterior cleaning companies refuse to work on historic homes. They lack the specialized equipment, the in-depth knowledge, and the confidence to tackle such a delicate job. They know that a single mistake could lead to thousands of dollars in damage and a ruined reputation. These companies often rely on a single tool—the pressure washer—and when that tool is not appropriate for the job, they are left with no other options.
This is where Forza stands apart. We have built our entire business around a proprietary professional roof treatment process that is specifically designed for delicate materials. We don’t just clean roofs; we restore them to their original beauty and help to extend their lifespan. Our 256 five-star Google reviews and perfect 5.0 rating are a testament to our commitment to excellence and our ability to deliver on our promises.
Our process is the result of over a decade of refinement and a deep respect for the homes we work on. It is a systematic, multi-step approach that prioritizes safety, effectiveness, and the long-term health of your roof.
It all begins with a free, non-invasive drone assessment. This allows us to get a detailed look at the condition of your roof without ever setting foot on it. We can identify areas of concern, assess the extent of the growth, and develop a customized treatment plan. Our drone assessment is a key part of our commitment to a no-damage process.
Once the job is scheduled, our experienced crew arrives and conducts a thorough walk-around safety assessment. We use professional-grade ladder standoffs that rest on the eaves of the roof, not the shingles or tiles themselves. This ensures that we can access the entire roof without ever walking on it, eliminating the risk of cracking or breaking delicate materials. Our industrial-grade pumping system allows us to apply our solution from a single anchor point, with a spray range of 30-50 feet. This minimizes our movement on the roof and ensures a safe and efficient application.
The heart of our process is our proprietary blend of roof-safe algaecides and fungicides . This biodegradable, water-soluble solution is gently applied to every inch of the roof, working its way into the pores of the material to kill the algae, moss, and lichen at their roots. Unlike the harsh bleach-and-water mixtures used by so-called "soft washing" companies, our solution is designed to be tough on growth but gentle on your roof and the surrounding environment. We work systematically around the entire roof, ensuring complete coverage and a uniform result.
After the treatment is complete, we conduct a post-treatment drone verification flight to ensure that every area has been properly addressed. We then clean up the entire work area, leaving your property looking even better than when we arrived. Finally, we do a walkthrough with you to answer any questions and ensure your complete satisfaction. We are so confident in the effectiveness of our process that we offer a quality guarantee.
Our expertise is not just theoretical; it is proven in the field. We have had the privilege of working on some of the most beautiful historic homes in the region. In Delaware, we were called in to treat a stunning historic slate roof that was covered in decades of grime and biological growth. The owner was rightfully concerned about potential damage, but our gentle process restored the slate to its original glory without a single cracked tile. In Worthington, we treated a classic cedar shake roof on a home in the historic district, carefully eliminating the moss that was threatening to destroy the wood and preserving the home’s rustic charm. And in New Albany, we have worked on numerous estate homes with complex tile roofs, each time delivering a flawless result that enhances the home’s curb appeal and protects its value.
Your historic home is a treasure, and its roof is its most important protector. Don’t trust its care to a general-purpose cleaning company with a pressure washer. Choose a team of dedicated professionals with the experience, the equipment, and the proven process and track record to do the job right. At Forza Roof Cleaning, we treat every historic roof with the respect and care it deserves. We are a family-owned business with a decade of experience and a passion for preservation. We are not just cleaning your roof; we are helping you to protect your investment and preserve a piece of history for generations to come.
Serving Columbus and Central Ohio: Forza Roof Cleaning provides professional roof cleaning in Columbus, Ohio and all surrounding communities. Call (888) 516-0008 for a free drone assessment.
Get a free drone assessment and see why 256 homeowners trust Forza with a perfect 5.0-star rating. Call (888) 516-0008 or request your free estimate today.
Get a free drone assessment and no-obligation estimate today.