Roof Soft Wash · Dallas

Black streaks on the roof?Soft wash, never blast.

Those dark streaks are algae, and they come off without harming the shingles. Call any time and you will be put through to a local, owner-run company that soft washes roofs.

Call (469) 649-7066

Those black streaks are alive

The dark streaks running down so many Dallas roofs are not dirt or mold. They are a blue-green algae, usually Gloeocapsa magma, that feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles and turns black as it builds a protective coating against the sun. It spreads by wind and grows best on north-facing slopes and under shade trees, where the roof stays damp longest. Left alone, it slowly holds moisture on the shingles and can shorten their life. Lichen and moss can follow in heavily shaded spots.

Technician soft washing a home at low pressure — Soft washing uses low pressure and a cleaning solution, the same approach used on walls.

Never pressure wash a shingle roof

High pressure strips the protective granules off asphalt shingles, exposing the asphalt to the Texas sun and shortening the roof's life. It can also lift shingles and drive water under them. The asphalt roofing industry recommends against pressure washing shingles, and doing it can create problems with the shingle warranty.

Soft washing applies a diluted cleaning solution at low pressure, lets it kill the algae, and rinses gently or lets rain finish the job.
Plants and grass below the eaves are soaked before and rinsed after.
Gutters and downspouts are rinsed so runoff does not concentrate in one bed.
Nobody walks on a wet roof more than necessary. Much of the work is done from a ladder or the eaves.

The streaks may not vanish the same afternoon. Dead algae often fades over days to a couple of weeks as rain washes it away.

Keeping it from coming back

Algae returns eventually, often within a few years. Trimming branches that shade the roof helps. Strips of zinc or copper installed near the ridge release metal ions when it rains that slow regrowth. If the roof is ever replaced, many shingle lines come with algae-resistant granules that contain copper.

Clean home exterior and driveway in a Dallas neighborhood — A clean roof changes the look of a house from the street as much as fresh paint does.

Worth it before you sell

Buyers and inspectors notice a streaked roof. A soft wash before listing is a small cost against the question it can raise. It can also help lower cooling costs a little on lighter-colored roofs, which reflect more sun once the dark growth is gone.

What happens when you call

The line answers right away. Tell us the size and pitch of the roof, and you will be put through to a local, owner-run company that soft washes roofs across Dallas-Fort Worth for a price before any work starts.

Common questions

What causes black streaks on my roof?

Usually a blue-green algae called Gloeocapsa magma, which feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles and darkens as it grows. It thrives on shaded, north-facing slopes.

Can a roof be pressure washed?

An asphalt shingle roof should not be. High pressure strips the protective granules. Soft washing with a diluted cleaning solution at low pressure is the recommended method.

How long does a soft wash last?

Often a few years, depending on shade and moisture. Zinc or copper strips near the ridge can slow the algae's return.

Is soft washing safe for my plants?

When plants are soaked with water before and rinsed after, and runoff is managed, yes. Ask the crew how they protect landscaping.

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