Roofs
Asphalt shingle and slate roofs: black streaks, algae, moss and lichen
Soft Washing for Roofs & Siding
Remove black streaks, algae, mold and mildew with gentle, low-pressure cleaning. No blasting. No damage.
We have the most competitive prices in Bergen County.
Soft Washing
Those Black Streaks Aren’t Dirt. They’re Alive.
The dark streaks on many roofs are a type of algae called Gloeocapsa magma. It travels through the air and settles on roofs, and it can turn a light roof brown or black. Green growth on siding is algae and mildew too. Because it’s alive, it won’t rinse away with plain water, and blasting it with a pressure washer can do more harm than good.
Soft washing takes the gentle route: low pressure and a professional cleaning solution that treats the growth at the surface so it can be rinsed away.
BeforeAfterDrag to compareWhat We Soft Wash
Gentle Cleaning for Delicate Surfaces
Siding
Vinyl, painted, stucco and more: green algae, mildew, dirt, spider webs
Whole-house washing
A full-exterior refresh: siding, trim, soffits and more. Tell us what you have and we’ll scope it at your estimate.
Slate Roof Cleaning
Slate Roofs Take Real Experience
We’re one of the only companies around that’s been properly trained in slate roof cleaning, with hundreds of slate roofs behind us. It’s similar to a shingle roof soft wash, but it’s not the same process.
We’ve cleaned slate roofs that are 100 years old or more, including commercial buildings and churches.
Why Low Pressure
Why We Don’t Blast Your Roof
- Shingles are protected by granules. Those tiny granules shield the roof from sun and weather. High pressure can knock them off and shorten the life of your roof.
- We follow ARMA’s recommendations. ARMA, the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, is the trade group for the companies that make asphalt shingles. It warns against high-pressure washing of shingles and recommends a gentle, low-pressure cleaning approach, and that’s exactly how we clean your roof.
- Siding isn’t watertight. Forcing high-pressure water up and behind siding can push water behind the panels. Low pressure keeps it where it belongs.
- It treats the cause. Soft washing is built to clean what’s growing there, not just push it around.
- Your insurance and warranty are watching. Over the last five to ten years, homeowners insurance companies have become increasingly vigilant about roofs that need cleaning. And if a roof is cleaned the wrong way, the shingle manufacturer can void its guarantee, or your insurance company could drop your coverage. Cleaning by ARMA’s recommendations helps keep your roof, your warranty and your coverage protected.
- Check your warranty. Every roof warranty is different. We use low-pressure methods that line up with manufacturer guidance, and we’re happy to talk through yours.
How It Works
Four Simple Steps
Look
We check the surface and plan the approach.
Protect
Plants and landscaping are wetted down and covered or rinsed.
Treat
A professional cleaning solution is applied at low pressure and left to work.
Rinse or Let It Weather
Siding gets a gentle rinse. On roofs, we rinse when you need it clean right away, or let the rain finish the job. We check the results either way.
Rinse or No Rinse?
Two Ways to Finish a Roof
There are two schools of thought on rinsing a roof after a soft wash. Some companies say it’s important to rinse the roof right away. Others let the weather do it, since rain naturally rinses the treated growth off over time. That route takes longer to show the full result, but it works.
Danny leans toward the no-rinse approach for most roofs because it’s much cheaper for the homeowner. Roof cleaning that includes a full rinse can sometimes cost almost double, so skipping the rinse saves you real money. We’re also happy to rinse the roof when it makes sense. We do a lot of work for real estate listings and sales, where the roof needs to look its best right away, and a full rinse gets you there.
Ultimately, it’s whatever you, the homeowner, want. Danny typically recommends the no-rinse approach and letting the weather do the work, because it’s the safest option, especially for older roofs. Just tell us your timeline and we’ll talk it through at your estimate.
Benefits
What Soft Washing Gets You
A roof that looks years younger.
Dark streaks gone.
Helps protect your shingles.
Removing algae without blasting off granules.
Brighter siding and trim.
Green and gray film, mildew and spider webs gone.
Safer for delicate surfaces.
Vinyl, painted wood, stucco and more.
Longer-lasting clean.
Treating the growth, not just rinsing the surface, helps it stay clean longer than a quick rinse.
Boosts curb appeal and resale impressions.
Buyers and realtors notice a clean roof and siding.
Costs far less than replacement.
A soft wash is a fraction of the price of reroofing or repainting.
Real Results
Soft Washing, Before & After
Drag the slider on each photo to compare.
BeforeAfterDrag to compare
BeforeAfterDrag to compareBeforeAfterDrag to compareThe Risks of Skipping
What Happens If You Leave It
- It spreads. Algae doesn’t stop. Streaks widen and darken across the roof, most visibly on the shaded side.
- A roof that looks worn out early. Streaked shingles make a roof look older and neglected long before it needs replacing.
- Moss and lichen. They hold moisture against the roof and can lift shingle edges, leading to leaks.
- Siding that stays green and stained. Algae and mildew on siding eat at the finish, stain and are harder to remove the longer they sit.
- Slippery, unhealthy surfaces. Mold and mildew thrive in damp New Jersey conditions.
- Higher cost later. Waiting means heavier growth, tougher cleaning, and sometimes premature repairs or repainting.
- Buyer turn-off. A streaked roof and green siding stand out in listing photos.
FAQ
Soft Washing Questions, Answered
What’s the difference between soft washing and power washing?
Soft washing uses low pressure and a cleaning solution, which makes it right for roofs, siding and other delicate surfaces. Power washing uses higher pressure and is for hard surfaces like concrete.
Will soft washing damage my shingles?
It’s designed not to. The low-pressure method avoids stripping the granules that protect your roof.
Will it void my roof warranty?
Warranties differ, so check yours. Shingle manufacturers generally say not to pressure wash shingles, and low-pressure cleaning is the method they point to. Ask us if you’d like help reading your warranty.
Are the black streaks really algae?
In most cases, yes. It’s usually a common airborne algae, Gloeocapsa magma, that shows up as brown-to-black streaks. It’s most visible on lighter roofs, but it affects most roofing types.
Will the streaks come back?
They can. Algae in the air can land again, especially on shaded or damp roofs. Regular cleaning keeps it in check, and algae-resistant shingles slow it when it’s time to reroof.
How long does it take to see results?
Siding looks better right away. Roofs often brighten gradually over days to weeks as the treated growth rinses off in the rain.
Is the cleaning solution safe for my landscaping, kids and pets?
We use professional solutions, protect and rinse plants, and let you know what to keep clear while we work.
Do you clean the siding too?
Yes. We soft wash vinyl siding and many other exterior surfaces. Tell us what your house has when you request an estimate.
How often should I soft wash?
Many homes do well with a soft wash every one to three years. Shady, damp or tree-covered homes may need it more often.
Do you clean slate roofs?
Yes. We’re one of the only companies around that’s been properly trained in slate roof cleaning, and we’ve cleaned hundreds of slate roofs, some 100 years old or more, including commercial buildings and churches. It’s similar to a shingle roof soft wash, but not the same process.
How much does it cost?
It depends on your home’s size and the work. Estimates are free, and we have the most competitive prices in Bergen County.
Neighbors
What Our Neighbors Say
“Danny and Gary came to my house for a full makeover. They cleaned the roof, my house, the pool patio and Trex deck and my walkways. I've had companies power wash before and this was by far the best work done at my house. The price was also much better than the two other companies I've had come.”
“Better price and better service with these guys. I won't look anywhere else again and neither will my friends. Danny is a solid guy.”
“My realtor recommended Danny and his team. I was thrilled with his work.”
Give Your Roof & Siding a Gentle Refresh
Free estimate. Low pressure. Real before and after photos.