A technological revolution is quietly unfolding atop Pasadena’s iconic terra cotta and concrete roofs. It’s all about the unexpected marriage of drones, robots and advanced cleaning techniques that are reshaping how homeowners maintain their most valuable asset.
The latest aerospace technology has seamlessly integrated with more standard methods, like hydraulics and controlled pressure, according to Willem Downing, the Pasadena-based owner of Window Wizards.
“Before we do the project, we shoot full drone photography of the roof,” Downing explains. These aerial surveys serve multiple purposes, from identifying damaged tiles to providing crucial before-and-after documentation for insurance companies.
This use of drones represents just the first step in a process that has more in common with a Silicon Valley startup than a traditional cleaning service.
Downing’s company has seen demand skyrocket, with nearly 200 roofs serviced in the first half of 2024—a dramatic increase from the 30 to 40 they cleaned the previous year.
The surge in business isn’t just about cleaner roofs; it’s a response to increasingly stringent insurance requirements. Major insurers like Safeco and Liberty Mutual are reportedly refusing to renew policies for homes with algae-covered roofs, making high-tech cleaning services an essential part of home maintenance.
The cleaning process itself is a marvel of modern engineering.
“We use a combination of pressure and steam, which is a very intricate process,” Downing says. This method allows for thorough cleaning without risking damage to delicate roofing materials. After steam cleaning, Downing’s team applies a chemical post-treatment to ensure all microscopic algae spores are eliminated.
Environmental concerns play a crucial role as well. Downing’s team employs a sophisticated water reclamation system, ensuring that no runoff enters local storm drains.
“We reclaim all of the water,” he emphasizes. “Any water that touches the street gets pumped back out.” This is not just an ecological choice—companies can face hefty fines of up to $10,000 for allowing algae-laden runoff to enter storm drains.
Data management forms another pillar of this tech-driven approach.
Detailed documentation, including drone footage and standardized invoices, is provided to homeowners and insurance companies. This digital paper trail has proven invaluable, with Downing reporting that none of his customers have had their policies non-renewed after receiving his company’s documentation.
The impact of this technological approach extends beyond individual homeowners. Insurance companies are taking notice, potentially reshaping their assessment and policy renewal processes based on the data provided by these high-tech cleaning services.
As climate patterns continue to shift, bringing new challenges to home maintenance, the demand for these technology-driven services is likely to grow. Downing sees this as an opportunity to further innovate in the field of home care.
“It works really well and it makes people very, very happy, which is why I started this company,” he says with a smile.
For homeowners looking to stay ahead of maintenance issues and insurance requirements, Downing’s advice emphasizes the technological aspect: “Definitely give us a call. I would be happy to come out and take a look, put the drone up… and then just kind of talk to you about what would make sense.”
To speak with Will Downing call (323) 640-5425 or email him at will@windowizardsla.com.
