Kill the Black Streaks, Save Your Roof
Those dark stains aren't dirt, they're gloeocapsa magma, a hardy algae that eats the limestone filler in your shingles. We never blast a roof with pressure; our soft-wash treatment kills it safely and brings your roof back to life.
Why Pressure Is the Wrong Tool for Roofs
High pressure tears the protective granules off asphalt shingles, shortening their life and often voiding the manufacturer warranty. The industry-recommended method, endorsed by ARMA (the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association), is low-pressure soft washing.
Those granules are the shingle's sunscreen and armor. Once a pressure washer strips them, the asphalt underneath is exposed to UV and weather and ages fast, you trade a cosmetic problem for a structural one. Soft washing sidesteps that entirely: the detergent does the cleaning, so the roof never sees damaging force.
- No granule loss, we use low pressure and the right detergents.
- Kills algae & moss at the root so streaks don't snap right back.
- Extends roof life and restores curb appeal in one visit.
Every Roof, the Gentle Way
Asphalt & architectural shingles
The most common roof in the Piedmont Triad, and the most prone to streaking.
Metal & low-slope roofs
Gentle treatment that lifts grime without scratching coatings.
Moss & lichen
Heavier growth treated and cleared so it stops trapping moisture.
Not All Roof Growth Is the Same
People lump it all together as "dirt," but each type behaves differently, and our climate grows all three:
- Algae is the flat black streaking. It spreads by spores on the wind, which is why a whole street can streak the same year.
- Moss is the thick green growth on shaded, damp slopes. It holds water against the shingles and can lift their edges.
- Lichen roots into the granule surface and is the most stubborn, it needs treatment and patience, never scraping.
If you want the deeper story on the streaks specifically, we wrote about what those black streaks really are.
How a Roof Soft Wash Works
Slow and chemical beats fast and forceful, every step protects the roof and the property below it.
Protect
We pre-wet plants, shrubs, and the lawn around the house, and plan our runoff so the cleaning solution is diluted and directed away from sensitive beds.
Treat & dwell
A low-pressure application of professional detergent coats the shingles and is given time to kill the algae, moss, and lichen at the root, no scrubbing, no blasting.
Rinse gently
A soft rinse clears the dead growth, and a final landscape rinse leaves your plantings as we found them. Results brighten over the following days as rain finishes the job.
Roof Cleaning Pricing, Explained
Roof soft washing starts at $349. A few honest variables move that number, and we confirm yours before any work begins.
Size, pitch & stories
A larger footprint, a steep pitch, or a tall multi-story home takes more product, setup, and care than a simple single-story ranch.
Type & severity of growth
Light algae streaking is straightforward. Heavy moss and lichen need more treatment and a gentler, slower approach, which affects the price.
Access & add-ons
Tight access, complex rooflines, or pairing the wash with gutter brightening or a house wash all factor in, often at a bundle saving.
Doing the roof and siding together is the most cost-effective combination, ask about pairing it with a house wash, or keeping it maintained through the Curb Appeal Club at 20% off recurring visits.
Roof Cleaning FAQ
Does soft washing void my shingle warranty?
No, the opposite risk applies: high-pressure washing can void it. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association recommends low-pressure cleaning, which is exactly what a soft wash is, so it keeps your roof within manufacturer guidance.
How long does a roof soft wash last?
Most roofs in the Triad stay clear of visible streaks for three to five years, because the treatment kills the algae rather than just rinsing the surface. North-facing and tree-shaded slopes can regrow sooner, so some homeowners add a lighter maintenance treatment in between.
Do you walk on the roof to clean it?
We minimize foot traffic. Most of a soft wash is applied and rinsed from ladders and the edges, so we only step onto the roof when access genuinely requires it, and only on safe, dry footing. Less walking means less wear on your shingles.
What's the difference between the moss and the black streaks?
The flat black streaks are algae. Moss is the thick, green, three-dimensional growth that takes hold on shaded, damp roofs and in shingle gaps. Moss holds moisture against the roof and can lift shingles, so it needs treatment and gentle clearing, not scraping.
Will the cleaning solution hurt my plants or gutters?
We protect landscaping by pre-wetting it and rinsing afterward, and we control runoff at the downspouts. Our detergents are applied at safe concentrations and rinsed thoroughly, so your beds, gutters, and downspouts are looked after throughout the job.
How often should a roof be cleaned in North Carolina?
In our humid climate, every three to five years is typical for asphalt shingles, or sooner if you see streaks returning or moss taking hold. Catching it early keeps the job lighter and protects the granules that determine how long the roof lasts.
Restore Your Roof the Safe Way
Free quotes across the Piedmont Triad, usually back the same day. While we're out, ask about a house wash or driveway cleaning to refresh the whole property at once.