Those dark black streaks running down your roof are a living algae called Gloeocapsa magma, and in Florida's heat and humidity it spreads fast, holds moisture against your shingles or tile, and can shorten the life of your roof. Roof soft washing removes black streaks, algae, mold, and lichen safely and restores your roof's clean, uniform appearance — without ever touching it with high pressure.
How we do it: A roof is never pressure washed — high pressure cracks tile, strips the protective granules off shingles, and can void your roofing warranty. We exclusively soft wash, applying biodegradable cleaning solutions at low pressure that kill the algae and mold at the root, then rinsing gently. This protects your granules and warranty while clearing the growth completely. We always pre-treat and protect your landscaping and plants from any runoff.
Soft washing is the correct and manufacturer-recommended method for every roof type, including:
- Asphalt and architectural shingle
- Concrete and clay tile
- Metal roofing
Beyond looks, removing that algae helps your roof reflect heat better and stops the organic growth that traps moisture and degrades materials over time — a real concern in our climate.
Will Florida insurance companies care if my roof has black streaks or algae? Yes — and it matters more than most homeowners realize. Florida insurers can require a condition inspection on aging roofs, evaluating remaining useful life rather than calendar age alone. What inspectors look for: active signs of deterioration — granule loss, moisture retention, material degradation. Gloeocapsa magma, the black-streak algae spreading across your roof, holds moisture against shingles and tile, accelerates granule loss, and is exactly the kind of active growth a condition inspection flags. Annual professional soft washing removes the algae at the root, protects your granules and roof surface, and gives you a documented maintenance history — a record that shows your roof has been actively cared for, not left to deteriorate. Cleaning method matters here too: the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) recommends low-pressure soft washing for asphalt shingles and explicitly cautions against pressure washing, which strips protective granules and can void your manufacturer's warranty. We never pressure wash a roof — only soft wash — so each cleaning protects both the appearance and the structural integrity that insurers are evaluating.
How pricing works: We price a roof soft wash by your actual roof, not a flat rate, so you only pay for what it needs. The number is built from the size of your roof (which tracks with your home's square-footage band), how many stories tall and how steep it is — a higher, harder-to-reach roof takes more reach, setup, and care — and what the roof is made of, since asphalt shingle, concrete or clay tile, and metal each take a different solution and dwell time. How heavy the black-streak algae and lichen has gotten factors in too: a roof that hasn't been treated in years is a bigger job than one kept on a schedule. Cleaning more than one surface in the same visit — pairing the roof with a house wash, driveway, or gutters — earns a multi-surface discount over booking each separately. Tell us the basics and we'll give you an exact, no-obligation number in under two minutes. Get your instant estimate →
Maintenance plans: Because we kill the growth at the source, a roof soft wash typically stays clean for 6 to 12 months or longer — though shaded, tree-covered, and coastal roofs regrow faster and benefit from annual or more frequent service. Our scheduled maintenance plans keep streaks from ever returning and are available at a discount versus one-time cleanings.
You get a clean, streak-free roof and protected warranty and granules — all backed by our Spotless Promise: if anything isn't perfect, we re-clean it free within 72 hours. We're fully licensed and insured, and every job starts with a free, exact, no-obligation estimate.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between soft washing and pressure washing?+
Pressure washing uses high pressure for hard surfaces like concrete; soft washing uses low pressure plus cleaning solutions for delicate surfaces like roofs, siding, and screens. We use the right method for each surface.
Is it safe to pressure wash my roof?+
No — high pressure damages roofs. We soft wash roofs, which safely removes algae and black streaks at the root and protects your warranty.
What are the black streaks and green stains on my roof and siding?+
The black streaks are a hardy algae called Gloeocapsa magma, and the green or gray patches are mold, mildew, and lichen — all of which thrive in Florida's heat, humidity, and summer rainy season. They hold moisture against your roof, stucco, and screens and spread fast once the rains set in. Soft washing kills the growth at the root with low pressure so it doesn't simply return after the next storm, which also protects your shingles, tile, and paint.
How much does pressure washing cost?+
It depends on the surfaces and square footage — a driveway is very different from a full house-and-roof soft wash. We give you a free, exact quote up front.
How often should I wash my home's exterior?+
Soft-wash results on a roof or exterior typically last 6–12+ months; driveways do well about once a year. Florida's humidity speeds up regrowth, so coastal and shaded homes may want it more often.
Will it damage my plants or pavers?+
No — we pre-treat and rinse landscaping and use the correct low-pressure approach for each surface, so your plants, pavers, and screens are protected.