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Asphalt shingle roof with black algae streaks half cleaned

Roof soft washing

Roof cleaning in New York City without damaging shingles

Black streaks are algae, not dirt. A low pressure soft wash treats them and leaves the shingle granules in place.

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  • Black algae and moss treatment
  • Low pressure, never a hard jet on shingles
  • Honest advice when a roofer should look first

What is roof cleaning and why is it done with soft washing?

Roof cleaning in New York City removes the black and green streaks that spread across shingle roofs. Those streaks are usually a type of algae, often called black algae. It feeds on moisture and on the limestone filler found in many asphalt shingles. Left alone, it spreads, holds moisture against the roof and can shorten the life of the shingles.

Soft washing treats the growth with a cleaning solution applied at low pressure. The solution kills the algae, and a gentle rinse carries it off. The shingles are never blasted. This matters because asphalt shingles are coated with small granules that shield them from sun and rain. A hard jet knocks those granules off for good.

Which roofs in New York City can be cleaned?

Pitched asphalt shingle roofs are the main candidates. They are common on houses in Queens, Staten Island, the Bronx, parts of Brooklyn and northern New Jersey towns. Moss and algae tend to grow on shaded slopes, on the side that faces away from the sun, and under trees.

Many roofs in the city are flat or low-slope, covered with tar, rubber or a modified membrane. Row houses and apartment buildings often have them. These roofs need different care, and their warranties and drainage details matter. Many flat roofs are best looked at by a roofer first. Tell us what roof you have, and we will say plainly whether soft washing is the right step.

What problems should I look for before a roof is cleaned?

Cleaning improves how a roof looks and removes growth. It does not repair damage. Before booking, walk around the house and look from the ground, or use binoculars.

  • Black streaks on the slopes that get the least sun.
  • Moss or green patches in damp, shaded spots.
  • Curling, lifted or missing shingles.
  • Dark granules in the gutters or at the bottom of downspouts.
  • Cracked flashing around chimneys, vents and skylights.

If you see damage, call a roofer first. Washing a roof with weak or broken areas can bring leaks to light, and a repair costs less before cleaning than after.

Roof size and pitch matter most, along with the number of stories and how heavy the growth is. Access changes the price too. On a row house, the crew may need to reach the roof through the building rather than from the yard. Plants, gutters, skylights and nearby windows all need protecting.

On co-op and condo buildings, the roof is usually shared property, so board approval and building rules come first. Access is often through a bulkhead or hatch, and the managing agent controls it. We will not work on a roof we cannot reach safely, and some steep or tall roofs are not suitable. Many owners pair roof cleaning with house washing, since the same growth often shows on both.

How long does it take and when should I call?

An average house roof is often treated within part of a day, with a dry stretch of weather needed for the job. Streaks may keep fading over the following weeks as rain rinses off the treated algae. We close windows, protect plants and rinse gutters and downspouts before leaving.

Call when streaks are visible from the street, when moss has started to build up, or before you list the house. Some buyers and insurers notice a stained roof. It also helps to schedule roof cleaning before a wall or deck job, so rinse water from above does not mark clean surfaces. If you also have a backyard deck, see our deck and fence cleaning page.

What you can expect

  1. Free written quotes

  2. Local crews

  3. Safe soft-wash methods

  4. Fast scheduling

Step 1 of 3

What needs cleaning?

Questions about pressure washing in New York City

Will soft washing void my shingle warranty?

Policies differ, so read your warranty or ask the shingle maker. Many manufacturers advise against high pressure on shingles, and some accept low pressure cleaning with the right solution. Roofs on co-ops, condos and rented homes may also be covered by a building policy. If a warranty matters to you, check the wording before booking, and tell us what you find so we can follow it.

Will the cleaning solution harm my plants?

It can if it is not managed. We wet plants first, cover delicate ones where practical and rinse them again afterward. Solution runs off the roof into gutters and onto the ground, so we plan where it lands. Let us know about gardens, planters or a rooftop terrace below the roof line when you request a quote.

How long do the results last?

That depends on shade, moisture and nearby trees. Algae can return, especially on slopes that stay damp, and growth in humid New York summers can start again within a few seasons. Treatment slows regrowth but does not stop it forever. Trimming branches that shade the roof and keeping gutters clear helps results last longer.

Can you remove moss from a roof?

Light moss can be treated and rinsed off with soft washing. Thick moss that has lifted shingle edges is a different problem, because pulling it off can damage the roof. In those cases we may suggest a roofer look at it first. We will tell you what we see from the ground and what we think is safe to do.

Can you clean a flat roof on a row house or apartment building?

It depends on the covering. Tar, rubber and modified membranes can be damaged by the wrong cleaner or by foot traffic, and many roofers give specific care advice. Roof access also needs permission from the owner or building. Tell us the roof type and who maintains it, and we will say whether soft washing is suitable or whether a roofer should handle it.

How it works

  1. Send photos or request a visit

    Tell us what needs cleaning.

  2. Get a written quote

    Clear price before any work starts.

  3. We clean and tidy up

    Rinse, check and leave the site clean.

Ready when you are

Call now or request a quote online.

(212) 555-0154
Call for a free quote Get my free washing quote
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