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Asphalt shingle roof with black algae streaks beside a clean slope

Roof soft washing in Greensboro, NC

Roof cleaning in Greensboro, NC, done at low pressure

Remove black algae streaks and moss from asphalt shingles without stripping them. We quote in writing before any work starts.

  • Low pressure soft wash only
  • Black streaks and moss addressed
  • Gutters and landscaping protected

Step 1 of 3

What needs cleaning?

What are the black streaks on my Greensboro roof?

Those dark streaks are usually a type of algae that spreads by wind and thrives in warm, humid weather. It is very common across the Southeast. It tends to start on the shadier slopes and spread down the roof in long stains that look like dirt or water marks.

On asphalt shingles, the algae feeds on the limestone filler in the shingle. At first it is mostly cosmetic. Over time it holds moisture against the surface and can speed up wear. Shaded slopes under trees may also grow green moss, which lifts the edges of shingles as it thickens.

If your roof looks streaky, you are far from alone, because this is one of the most common exterior complaints in the area. For a look at the whole exterior, see house washing.

How does roof soft washing work?

Roof cleaning is not pressure washing. A crew applies a cleaning solution at low pressure, much like a garden hose, and lets it work on the algae and moss. Then the roof is rinsed gently. The aim is to kill the growth and let the rain finish the job over the following weeks, not to scrub the surface.

Here is the usual order of work:

  1. Wet and protect plants, shrubs and anything delicate near the house.
  2. Apply the solution to the roof from a safe position.
  3. Allow it to dwell for the right amount of time.
  4. Rinse the roof, gutters and nearby surfaces at low pressure.
  5. Rinse the plants again and check the ground.

The streaks often fade over days or weeks as rain washes away the dead growth. Not every stain disappears in one visit.

Why not use a pressure washer on shingles?

Shingles are covered with small mineral granules that protect the asphalt from sun and rain. High pressure knocks those granules loose and can force water under the edges of the shingles. The damage may not show until a leak appears weeks later.

Roofing manufacturers and industry groups generally advise against pressure washing asphalt shingles, and it may affect your warranty. Check the paperwork for your roof, and ask any contractor how they plan to clean it and what pressure they use.

We cover this topic in more detail in our blog article on why high pressure power washing can damage roof shingles. The short version is that a low pressure soft wash protects the roof you already paid for.

Roof size and pitch are the biggest factors, followed by how heavy the growth is, how many stories the house has, and how easy the roof is to reach. Steep or complex roofs with many valleys take longer and cost more than simple ones. Landscaping near the house affects the prep work too.

Most roofs are a part-day job. On the day, expect the crew to set up near the house, protect plants and run hoses to the roof. You do not need to be home, but let us know about pets, gates and any skylights or solar panels.

You get a written quote once we know the roof type, age and condition. We do not quote a number sight unseen, and we will tell you if the roof looks too worn to clean.

When should I call a roof cleaning crew instead of a roofer?

Call for cleaning when the shingles are in decent shape but streaked, mossy or stained. Call a roofer when you see missing, curled or cracked shingles, bare patches, sagging areas or water stains on your ceilings. Cleaning is not a repair, and it will not fix a leak.

If you are not sure which you need, send photos with the short form or call (336) 555-0141. We would rather tell you the roof needs a roofer than clean it and hide the problem.

It often makes sense to clean the roof and house together so runoff does not restreak the siding. Take a look at our driveway cleaning page or go back to the home page.

What you can expect

1

Free written quotes

2

Local crews

3

Safe soft-wash methods

4

Fast scheduling

Questions about pressure washing in Greensboro

Is cleaning my roof really necessary?

It is not an emergency, but algae and moss hold moisture against shingles and can shorten their life over time. Streaks also make a house look older than it is. Many people clean for looks, before a sale, or to slow wear. If the roof is in poor shape, a roofer should look at it first.

Will the stains come off right away?

Often the algae is treated on the day, but the stains may take days or weeks to fade as rain rinses them away. Deep or long-standing staining can take longer, and some marks do not fully disappear. We will explain what to expect for your roof before the work starts.

Is soft washing safe for all roof types?

It suits most asphalt shingle roofs when done at low pressure. Metal, tile and wood roofs each need their own approach, and old or brittle roofs may be too fragile to walk on or clean. Tell us the roof material and age so we can say whether cleaning makes sense.

Do zinc or copper strips help prevent streaks?

They can slow algae growth. Rain washes tiny amounts of metal down the roof, and that makes it harder for algae to grow below the strip. They do not work on every roof, and results vary. If you are re-roofing, ask your roofer whether strips make sense for your home.

What should I do to get ready for roof cleaning?

Move vehicles, patio furniture and grills away from the house. Close windows and doors. Trim tree branches that hang over the roof if you can, and tell us about pets, skylights, solar panels or any other roof features. Make sure gates are unlocked so the crew can reach the whole house.

How it works

  1. Send photos or request a visit

    Tell us what needs cleaning.

  2. Get a written quote

    Clear price before any work starts.

  3. We clean and tidy up

    Rinse, check and leave the site clean.

Step 1 of 3

What needs cleaning?

Ready when you are

Call now or request a quote online.

(336) 555-0141
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