Ascension Home Services | San Diego, CA

You just want a clean roof.

You glance up and notice unsightly black streaks, maybe some moss or algae growing across your shingles. It doesn’t look good—and worse, it’s probably shortening the life of your roof. You hop online and search “how to clean your roof yourself,” thinking it’ll be a weekend project.

It seems simple enough…until it’s not.

At Ascension Home Services, we’ve helped countless San Diego homeowners who thought they could handle roof cleaning on their own—until they realized how dangerous, damaging, and costly it can be. If you’re considering going the DIY route, this is your sign to think twice.

Let’s break down the real risks of DIY roof cleaning—and why calling a pro could save your roof, your health, and your wallet.

Slippery Surfaces + Heights = Serious Injury Risk

This is the #1 danger—and it’s no joke. Roof cleaning involves climbing a ladder with equipment in hand, walking on sloped surfaces, and potentially dealing with slick moss or wet shingles. It’s a perfect storm for falls and injuries.

According to the CDC, falls from ladders account for over 500,000 injuries and 300 deaths annually in the U.S. Many of those injuries happen during household maintenance tasks just like this one.

Unless you’re trained and equipped for working safely at heights, it’s simply not worth the risk.

 Using the Wrong Cleaning Methods Can Destroy Your Roof

Search “DIY roof cleaning” and you’ll find all kinds of suggestions—bleach, pressure washers, even homemade chemical mixes. But what these tutorials don’t tell you is how easily the wrong technique can void your warranty or cause permanent damage.

High-pressure washing can strip away protective granules on asphalt shingles or crack tile roofing—two common roof types in San Diego. Harsh chemicals can corrode metal flashing, discolor shingles, and harm surrounding landscaping.

At Ascension Home Services, we use manufacturer-approved soft washing techniques designed specifically for your roof type. That means safe cleaning with the right balance of pressure and environmentally friendly detergents.

Improper Roof Cleaning Can Lead to Bigger (and Costlier) Repairs

You might think you’re saving money by doing it yourself, but one misstep could lead to costly damage.

We’ve seen homeowners accidentally:

• Break tiles on clay roofs

• Blow water under shingles, causing mold in attics

• Kill plants from chemical runoff

• Cause leaks that require major interior repairs

By contrast, professional roof cleaning not only preserves the life of your roof but can also prevent expensive damage before it starts. Our technicians are trained to spot early warning signs—like soft spots, missing flashing, or algae that’s begun to lift shingles—so you can take care of problems early.

You May Miss Hidden Hazards

Roof stains and growth aren’t just ugly—they’re often symptoms of bigger issues. What looks like dirt might actually be Gloeocapsa magma, a bacteria that feeds on the limestone in shingles and slowly degrades them. Left unchecked, it can lead to premature roof replacement.

Professionals know how to identify and treat the root cause, not just the surface stain.

When you call Ascension Home Services, you’re not just getting a roof wash—you’re getting an expert inspection that helps protect one of your home’s biggest investments.

 It’s Not Just Your Roof at Risk—It’s Your Landscaping, Gutters, and More

DIY roof cleaners often overlook how runoff can affect everything below. That includes:

• Landscaping plants burned by bleach

• Overflowing gutters clogged by debris

• Paint or siding stained from runoff

Our crew uses controlled washing systems with proper containment and runoff management. We also rinse vegetation and protect your property before, during, and after service. That’s the kind of detail a YouTube tutorial won’t cover.

Why Homeowners in San Diego Trust Ascension Home Services

We’re more than a cleaning company—we’re your home exterior care partners. As a locally owned business, we understand the unique conditions San Diego roofs face, from salty coastal air to sun exposure and marine-layer moisture.

When you hire Ascension, you get:

✅ Licensed & insured technicians trained in roof safety
✅ Soft wash technology that’s safe for tile, asphalt, and metal
✅ Eco-conscious cleaning that’s tough on stains, gentle on your home
✅ Peace of mind knowing the job’s done right—without risk to your safety or your roof

Don’t Put Yourself in Harm’s Way

Your roof isn’t just a surface—it’s a system that protects your entire home. Trying to clean it yourself might save a few bucks now, but it could cost you thousands later in repairs or replacement.

Let Ascension Home Services take that burden off your shoulders.