Is Washing a Roof a Good Idea?
What is growing on my roof? What are those black stains? Everything Long Island homeowners need to know before a routine roof soft wash.
We drive around our neighborhoods admiring beautiful homes with well-kept landscaping — and then notice the marring black stains on the roofs and a green north side that makes everything look unkept. Most roofs on Long Island are well past due for a routine roof wash. Look up: if your roof has black streaks, moss or oil-burner soot stains, it needs a soft wash cleaning.
What is growing on my roof?
Moss, lichen and Gloeocapsa magma. North-facing surfaces stay wet longer because they receive far less light and warmth, and our towering oaks plus the humid climate make a perfect environment for algae growth. That’s why the north side always turns green first.
What are the black streaks?
Most roof stains in Suffolk County are Gloeocapsa magma — an airborne bacteria that travels from rooftop to rooftop like a virus. Entire neighborhoods end up with black-stained roofs, and unfortunately the next color is green: moss. Once black stains appear, it’s time for a professional soft wash treatment. According to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA), shady wet areas collect dirt and hold moisture, breeding algae, fungus, mold and moss.
What is soft washing, and is it safe for a roof?
Soft washing is the low-pressure application of a detergent solution followed by a low-pressure rinse — similar to a heavy rain. Professionally applied soft wash detergents are environmentally friendly and biodegradable. We keep vegetation wet before, during and after application to ensure no adverse effects, and we reclaim detergent solutions as good practice.
DIY roof cleaning is not recommended: it involves chemicals, ladder work, a high-volume pump and roof walking.
How do I get rid of moss on my roof?
Moss is usually rooted into your shingles and cannot be brushed off completely. Never pressure wash a roof — it cuts through shingles, causes leaks, knocks off protective granules and shortens the roof’s life. We soft wash the moss with an ARMA-approved solution, rinse, and let the treated growth shrivel; the rains eventually wash it clean. It is the least harmful way to clean a roof.
Keeping up with roof cleaning prolongs the life of the roof and keeps it shedding water and heat the way it was designed to. If you live in Suffolk County and your roof needs a soft wash, get in touch — estimates are always free.