Most common
Asphalt Shingle
Shingles get the gentlest treatment of all. The solution does the cleaning, and the rinse is no stronger than a garden hose, so the protective granules stay right where they belong.
Soft wash roof cleaning
Roof Cleaning in Spring, TX
Those black streaks running down your shingles are algae, and they won't wash off in the rain. We soft wash them away at low pressure, so the roof comes clean without losing granules or cracking tile.
What you're looking at
Those Black Streaks Aren't Dirt
Most of the dark streaks you see on roofs around Houston come from a type of algae that spreads from roof to roof on the wind. It feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles, and it loves our heat and humidity, which is why it shows up first on the shady north and west slopes and then keeps spreading.
Moss and lichen tend to follow wherever trees hang over the roof. They hold moisture against the shingles, they lift the edges as they grow, and they're a lot harder to get rid of once they've settled in.
Rain won't wash any of it off, and scrubbing or blasting it does more harm than good. What works is a soft wash: a cleaning solution that kills the growth, applied at low pressure and rinsed gently, so the roof is left clean and the shingles are left alone.
Every kind of roof
We Clean the Roofs You See Around Here
Each type of roof needs a slightly different approach, and we'll tell you exactly how we plan to clean yours before we start.
Clay and concrete
Tile Roofs
Tile holds onto mildew in every curve and joint. We soft wash it at low pressure and watch where we step, because tile can crack under a careless foot.
Metal tile and panels
Metal Roofs
Metal doesn't feed algae the way shingles do, but it collects grime, pollen and mildew along the seams. A soft wash brings back the finish without scratching it.
Why we'll never pressure wash your roof. Shingle makers warn against it because the force strips away the granules that protect each shingle from the sun, and on tile it can crack pieces or push water up under the edges. If someone offers to blast your roof clean, that's your cue to keep looking.
Why it's worth doing
A Clean Roof Does More Than Look Better
Curb Appeal
The roof is a huge part of what people see from the street, and a streaked one makes the whole house look tired.
Less Wear on the Roof
Moss and algae hold moisture against the surface. Getting rid of them takes away a slow source of damage.
A Cooler Surface
A dark film of growth soaks up sun. A clean roof doesn't hold quite as much heat through a Texas summer.
Fewer Red Flags
Home inspectors and buyers notice a streaked, mossy roof. Cleaning it before you list takes that off the table.
While we're up there
Pine Needles, Leaves and Branches Come Off Too
If you've got pines or oaks hanging over the house, the roof collects more than algae. Needles pile up in the valleys and behind the chimney, leaves pack into corners, and small branches land wherever the last storm dropped them. All of it traps water and feeds the moss.
We can clear that debris off the roof as part of the job, and it makes sense to have your gutters cleaned on the same visit, since most of what's on the roof is headed for them anyway.
Commercial roofs
Office buildings, retail centers and apartment communities get the same soft wash approach. We'll work out a schedule that keeps the job out of your tenants' way and let you know what we need from you before the crew shows up.
Common questions
What Homeowners Ask About Roof Cleaning
Will the black streaks come back?
Eventually, yes, because the algae travels on the wind and our climate is perfect for it. A soft wash kills what's on the roof now, though, so it takes a long time to build back up, far longer than if it had just been rinsed or scrubbed.
Is soft washing safe for my shingles?
It's the method shingle makers recommend over pressure washing. There's no scrubbing and no high pressure, so the granules stay on the shingles and your roof isn't being worn down to get it clean.
What happens to my plants and lawn?
We're careful with the runoff and with the plants below the roofline. The runoff comes off the edge of the roof, so the beds right under the eaves are the ones we watch most closely while we work.
How long does it take?
A steep roof or one covered in moss takes longer than a simple one-story, and we'll tell you how long yours should take when we price it.
Can you clean the roof and the house on the same day?
Yes, and that's usually the best way to do it. The roof gets cleaned first so nothing runs down onto freshly washed walls, then we wash the house.
How much does roof cleaning cost?
It depends on the size and pitch of the roof, how many stories it is and how much growth is on it. We'll look it over and give you a free estimate, so you know the price before we start.
Other Services Homeowners Add On
Free roof cleaning estimates
Ready to Get Rid of the Streaks?
Send us your address and a quick note about the roof, or just call. We'll come take a look and give you a price before any work begins.