Roof Washing

What causes black streaks on roofs

The black streaks running down so many Houston-area roofs are Gloeocapsa magma, an algae that spreads by airborne spores and feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles. Humidity and shade make north Houston, Spring and The Woodlands ideal for it. Moss and lichen often follow on shady slopes. Left alone, the growth holds moisture against the shingles and can shorten the life of the roof.

Why we soft wash roofs instead of pressure washing

Pressure washing a shingle roof blasts off the protective granules and can lift shingle edges. Soft washing uses low pressure and a cleaning solution that kills the algae, moss and lichen at the root. The streaks disappear as the growth dies and rinses away, and the clean roof stays clean longer than one that has only been sprayed off.

We pre-rinse and protect landscaping before we start and rinse plants again when we finish.

Signs your roof needs cleaning

Look for dark streaks running down the slopes, green or gray patches of moss or lichen on shaded sides, and a roof that looks noticeably darker than neighboring roofs of the same age. Many homeowners schedule a roof cleaning before selling a home or after receiving an HOA or deed-restriction notice.

What affects your quote

Every roof cleaning is custom quoted based on the roof's size and pitch, how many stories the home is, how heavy the algae, moss or lichen growth is, and access around the house. Many customers pair a roof cleaning with a house wash and gutter cleaning so the whole exterior is done at once.