Soft-wash roof cleaning removing algae and black streaks from a shingle roof
Service

Roof Soft Washing

Kill algae and moss without damaging your shingles.

Overview

About our roof soft washing service

Those black streaks on roofs across the Tennessee Valley aren't dirt — they're a living algae called Gloeocapsa magma. It thrives in North Alabama's humid climate, especially on north-facing slopes and shaded roofs. Beyond looking bad, it can shorten your roof's lifespan by feeding on the limestone filler in shingles.

Soft washing is the right way to remove it. We apply a roof-safe cleaning solution at low pressure, dwell for the right amount of time, then gently rinse. The algae and moss die at the root, the streaks lift, and the shingles look new — without losing a single granule. High-pressure washing (which some companies still use) strips shingle granules and voids most manufacturer warranties.

Soft washing also kills moss, which is more common in shadier neighborhoods and around tree cover. Moss holds moisture against shingles and accelerates wear, so getting it off before it spreads is a small investment in roof lifespan. Most North Alabama homes do well with a soft wash every 2–3 years.

  • Shingle-safe low pressure
  • Kills algae & moss at the root
  • Restores curb appeal
  • Extends roof lifespan
How it works

Our soft washing process

  1. 01

    Free assessment

    We come out, identify the type of algae or moss, and confirm soft washing is the right treatment for your roof.

  2. 02

    Property protection

    We tarp landscaping, pre-wet plants and grass, and protect any exterior surfaces below the roofline before applying solution.

  3. 03

    Soft-wash application

    Roof-safe cleaning chemistry applied at low pressure, allowed to dwell, then gently rinsed. The algae dies at the root.

  4. 04

    Final rinse & cleanup

    Final rinse, gutter clear-out, and cleanup. The roof looks new and stays clean for 2–3 years in most North Alabama climates.

Frequently asked

Common soft washing questions.

What are the black streaks on my roof?
Black streaks are Gloeocapsa magma algae — a humidity-loving micro-organism common across North Alabama. It's not just cosmetic; it feeds on shingle limestone and shortens roof lifespan.
Why not just pressure wash my roof?
High-pressure washing strips shingle granules, shortens roof lifespan, and voids most manufacturer warranties. Soft washing kills the algae chemically at low pressure with no damage.
How much does roof soft washing cost?
Most North Alabama soft-wash jobs run $400–$1,200 depending on roof size and accessibility. We provide a free written estimate after a quick assessment.
How long does soft-wash treatment last?
In North Alabama's humidity, expect 2–3 years before regrowth requires another treatment. North-facing or shaded roofs may regrow sooner.
Will soft washing harm my landscaping?
We pre-wet and tarp plants near the roofline before applying solution, then rinse thoroughly. Properly performed soft washing is safe for landscaping.
Can soft washing remove moss?
Yes. Soft-wash chemistry kills both algae and moss. Moss may need a second visit a few weeks later to fully release from the shingles.
Where we work

Roofing across the Tennessee Valley.

Click your city for local pricing, neighborhoods we serve, and city-specific FAQs.

Get a free soft washing estimate today.

We'll come out, walk your roof, document anything we find, and explain your options. No obligation.

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