We are proud to offer soft wash roof cleaning! If your roof is black, streaky, and/or stained, that can mean more than just dirt and generally looking unattractive.
Those black streaks & stains of your roof are Algae, Lichen, and the roots of Moss… plant matter that is actually feeding and growing on your roof ! To put it simply, that means that slimy algae is growing on your roof and eating the shingles, which will cause major damage. Untreated, this will result in premature roof failure, requiring expensive and time consuming repair and replacement.
The scientific name for this Algae on your roof is Gloeocapsa Magma. It’s a very hardy strain of blue-green algae that typically grows on the shady north side of your home.
Today’s asphalt shingles contain a large amount of crushed limestone that provides UV protection for your shingles. Gloeocapsa Magma feeds on this limestone in your shingles and as the algae multiplies it begins to form the unsightly black streaks that you see on your roof. As the algae grows, it takes root into the surface of your shingles and slowly begins to dislodge these protective limestone granules. Overtime the shingles will retain more moisture & heat and this further assists in the growth and spread of the black streaks.
Even before roof failure occurs, bad things can happen as a direct result of these algae. Shingles that are darkened retain heat and as a result the surface temperatures of these algae infested shingles can be 10% – 20% higher than clean shingles. This decreases the efficiency of your air conditioning system and increases your energy usage.
In extreme cases, as more and more granules are dislodged, the protective asphalt layer of your shingles get further exposed and can begin to break down. This will eventually lead to premature roof failure.
No matter how severe your case is, the roof will look MUCH better when we leave. All of the unsightly black streaks will be gone from your shingles within a day or two after we are finished.
However, any spots of heavy lichen or thick moss will need time to die (you’ll see it change colors) so it might remain for a few weeks. It took a long time for heavy Moss & Lichen roots to grow into your shingle granules and they have a very strong grip… it always takes extra time (and sometimes a second treatment) before they will release. After about two weeks, those thick moss & lichen roots will become very brittle, and after some heavy rainstorms they will finally disappear from your roof.
Your Time is Very Important
You will love our efficiency. We return calls promptly, don’t waste your time once on the phone, and most importantly don’t take ALL DAY to finish the job. An average size home with 25-50 windows takes us about 2 hours to complete. From the first patio door to the last window sill, we maintain a quiet, steady pace. Even the large homes pictured here, were finished in less than a day.
If you value your time, then don’t try this at home… trust us with the job…
We’re professionals!
