Frequently Asked Questions

Those black streaks are caused by Gloeocapsa magma, a type of cyanobacteria that feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles. It's not just cosmetic — it actively deteriorates your roofing material over time, shortening your roof's lifespan and driving up energy costs by reducing heat reflection.

Yes. A new roof in Wisconsin typically costs $8,000–$15,000 or more. Soft wash roof cleaning delivers a like-new appearance for a fraction of that cost. If your roof's structure is sound but the surface is covered in algae, moss, or dark streaks, soft washing is the smart investment — restoring appearance while extending the roof's lifespan by 5–10 years.

No — it's actually the opposite. Soft washing is the only cleaning method recommended by shingle manufacturers like GAF and CertainTeed. High-pressure washing can void your warranty because it strips protective granules from shingles. Our low-pressure method keeps your warranty intact.

Most residential roofs take 2–4 hours depending on size, pitch, and the severity of growth. We handle everything from setup to cleanup, and you don't need to be home during the process.

Pricing depends on roof size, pitch, and condition. Most residential roofs in our Wisconsin service area range from $300–$600. We provide free, no-obligation estimates so you know exactly what to expect.

Yes. Our soft wash process is safe for all roof types including asphalt shingles, cedar shake, tile, metal, and slate. We adjust our solutions and technique based on the roofing material to ensure the best results without any risk of damage.

Absolutely. Vinyl siding is one of the most common surfaces we clean. Our low-pressure method kills algae, mold, and mildew at the source without warping, cracking, or forcing water behind the siding — which is a real risk with high-pressure washing.

Yes. Our soft wash process is safe and effective on stucco, brick, stone, fiber cement (Hardie board), and painted surfaces. We adjust our cleaning solutions based on the material to ensure optimal results.

North-facing walls receive less direct sunlight, which means they stay damp longer — creating the perfect environment for algae and mold growth. This is one of the most common issues we treat, and our solutions kill the growth at the source so it stays clean longer.

We recommend every 1–2 years for most homes. Properties in heavily shaded areas, near lakes, or surrounded by trees may benefit from annual cleaning. Regular maintenance prevents buildup from causing permanent staining or damage.

Yes. Oxidation (that chalky, faded look on vinyl siding) responds well to our cleaning process. While we can't reverse severe sun damage, most oxidation is significantly improved, restoring your siding's original color and shine.

High-pressure washing destroys wood fibers, raises the grain, and creates splinters. It also pushes water deep into the wood, which can cause warping, cracking, and accelerated rot. Our soft wash method penetrates deep to kill mold and algae at the root while preserving the integrity of your deck boards, railings, and stairs.

Yes. Our low-pressure method and specialized solutions are designed to clean log homes without stripping existing stain or finish. In fact, soft washing is the recommended preparation step before re-staining. We kill years of grime, green algae, and organic growth at the source without damaging the wood grain.

Absolutely. Soft washing is the ideal prep step before staining or sealing. It kills all organic growth, lifts gray weathering, and opens the wood pores so stain absorbs evenly and bonds properly. Many stain manufacturers recommend this exact process.

We recommend every 1–2 years, or before any staining or sealing project. Decks in shaded areas or near trees may benefit from annual cleaning to prevent mold and algae from taking hold.

Yes. Gray weathering is caused by UV exposure breaking down the wood's surface fibers. Our cleaning process lifts this weathered layer to reveal the natural wood color underneath, making your deck or log home look years younger.

Absolutely. Our low-pressure method is safe for chinking, caulking, and all the components of your log home's exterior. We take extra care around these areas to ensure a thorough but gentle clean.

We can significantly reduce or fully remove most oil stains depending on how long they've been there. Fresh stains respond best, but even old stains see dramatic improvement with our pre-treatment process. We use specialized degreasers before cleaning for maximum results.

Rust stains from irrigation systems, fertilizer, well water, and metal fixtures don't respond to regular cleaning. We use specialized rust treatment agents that break down iron oxide at the molecular level — dissolving the rust without etching or damaging the concrete surface.

At minimum, twice a year — once in late spring and once in late fall after leaves have dropped. Homes surrounded by pine trees or heavy tree cover may need more frequent cleaning. Clogged gutters can cause foundation damage, basement flooding, fascia rot, and ice dams.

Yes. We clean both the inside (debris removal and downspout flushing) and the outside of your gutters. Those dark streaks running down the face of your gutters are called "tiger stripes" — they're oxidation and dirt buildup that we can clean to make your gutters look new again.

Drain tiles are the underground pipes around your foundation that direct water away from your home. Over time, they can become clogged with sediment, roots, and debris. Our drain tile cleaning service uses professional flushing equipment to restore proper water flow and prevent foundation damage, basement flooding, and hydrostatic pressure cracks.

Yes. We serve businesses across select counties in South Central Wisconsin including storefronts, office buildings, restaurants, warehouses, HOA common areas, and multi-unit properties. We offer flexible scheduling including evenings and weekends to minimize disruption to your business operations.

You can request a free estimate by filling out the quote form on our website, calling us at (608) 697-5279 (hours: 7 AM – 7 PM), or messaging us on Facebook. We'll get back to you quickly with a no-obligation quote.

We proudly serve select counties across South Central Wisconsin: Dane, Columbia, Sauk, Juneau, Adams, Marquette, Waushara, Green Lake, Wood, and Portage counties. If you're not sure whether we cover your area, give us a call — we're always expanding.

Yes. Water Otter LLC is fully licensed and insured. We carry general liability insurance to protect your property during every job. You can request proof of insurance at any time.

No. As long as we have access to an outdoor water spigot and the areas to be cleaned, you don't need to be home. We'll send you before-and-after photos when the job is complete.

Light rain doesn't affect our soft washing process — the solutions still work effectively. However, if there's heavy rain or storms, we'll reschedule at no extra charge to ensure the best results and safety for our team.

Yes! We offer a 10% military and veteran discount as a thank you for your service. We also offer bundle pricing when you combine multiple services (for example, roof + siding + concrete). Ask about current seasonal specials when you request your free estimate.

Move any outdoor furniture, decorations, or vehicles away from the areas being cleaned. Close all windows and doors. Make sure we have access to an outdoor water spigot. That's it — we handle everything else, including protecting your landscaping.

Our phone lines are open from 7 AM to 7 PM. If you call outside those hours or we can't answer, please leave a voicemail or submit a quote request through our website — we'll get back to you as soon as possible.