If you’ve gotten a letter from your HOA about the condition of your roof or driveway, you’re not alone, and it’s not personal. In Broward County communities like Weston, Coral Springs, Parkland, and Pembroke Pines, appearance standards for exterior surfaces are written into the governing documents, and algae staining is one of the most commonly cited violations we hear about from customers. Here’s what we’ve learned helping homeowners get back into compliance over the past 12 years.
This is general information based on what we commonly see in Broward County communities, not legal advice. Always check your own community’s governing documents or ask your property manager for specifics.
What HOAs Typically Flag
Most violation notices we see reference the same handful of issues:
- Roof staining. Black streaking from algae is one of the most common triggers, since it’s visible from the street and from neighboring properties.
- Driveway mold and mildew. Green or black discoloration on concrete or pavers is an easy target for a drive-by inspection.
- Faded or stained pavers. Pool decks and paver driveways that have lost their original color get flagged almost as often as ones that are visibly dirty.
- Dirty siding or stucco. Especially on north-facing walls that stay shaded and damp longer after rain.
How Much Time You Usually Get to Fix It
Most Broward HOA governing documents we’ve seen referenced by customers use something in the range of a 30-day cure period after a violation notice, though this varies by community and it’s worth confirming with your specific HOA rather than assuming. If the issue isn’t resolved in that window, the typical next step is a fine, sometimes recurring, until the property is back in compliance.
One thing we recommend to every customer dealing with a violation: keep your documentation. Take before photos, keep the invoice or receipt from your cleaning service, and take after photos once the work is done. If there’s ever a dispute about whether or when the work happened, that paper trail is what settles it.
What HOAs Usually Require, and What They Usually Don’t
Most HOA rules are less complicated than homeowners expect. In our experience, the typical requirement is simply that surfaces be free of visible mold, mildew, or discoloration, not a specific cleaning method or product. That said, a few things are worth checking before you book anyone:
- Some communities restrict work hours for noise, so early morning appointments may not be allowed.
- Some HOAs specify or restrict driveway sealant colors if resealing is part of the job, particularly in higher-end communities with strict paver or stamped concrete standards.
- Gated communities often require contractors to be on an approved vendor list or to check in with security, so it’s worth telling your HOA who you’ve hired ahead of time.
Choosing a Compliant Contractor
Licensed and insured isn’t just a nice-to-have here, it’s often written directly into HOA vendor requirements, and some property managers will ask for a certificate of insurance before work begins. We provide that on request, and every technician we send out is licensed and insured, which is one less thing to sort out while you’re already dealing with a violation deadline.
It’s also worth asking any contractor how they plan to clean your specific surfaces. A company that pressure washes a roof at full PSI to save time can solve your algae problem and create a new one, a cracked tile or a voided shingle warranty, which is its own kind of expensive mistake to explain to an HOA board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my HOA make me pressure wash my house?
Yes, if your governing documents include appearance or maintenance standards, which most Broward County HOAs do, the board can require it and issue fines for non-compliance.
Who pays for pressure washing in an HOA community?
For individual homes, the homeowner typically pays. HOAs generally only cover cleaning of common areas, like community entrances, sidewalks, or shared amenity spaces, not individual driveways or roofs.
What’s a reasonable timeline to fix a violation?
Many Broward communities use roughly a 30-day cure period, but this varies. Check your specific notice and governing documents, and don’t hesitate to call your property manager to confirm the exact deadline.
Do I need to notify my HOA before hiring a pressure washing company?
It’s not always required, but in gated or higher-security communities it’s common courtesy and sometimes mandatory so the crew can get through the gate.
Can pressure washing damage my property and cause a different violation?
Yes, if it’s done wrong. High-pressure washing on a roof can crack tile or strip shingles, and too much pressure on stucco or siding can force water behind panels. That’s why we match the method, soft washing versus hot-water pressure washing, to the surface.
Get Back in Compliance
If you’re working against an HOA deadline, we can usually get you scheduled fast and provide documentation for your board. Call (954) 395-7572 or request a free quote. We handle roof cleaning, driveway cleaning, and paver cleaning for HOA communities throughout Broward County, and every technician is licensed and insured.