Soft Wash Only — Never High Pressure

Roof Cleaning in Cleveland, TN & the Chattanooga Area

Those black streaks on your roof aren't just ugly — they're alive, and they're damaging your shingles. We remove them safely with a low-pressure soft wash treatment that won't void your warranty or damage a single shingle.

What's Actually Happening

Those Black Streaks Are Alive — and Eating Your Roof

The dark staining you see on roofs throughout Tennessee isn't dirt or age — it's Gloeocapsa magma, a cyanobacteria (algae) that feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles. It thrives in the Southeast's humid climate and spreads from roof to roof on the wind.

Moss and lichen are even more destructive — their root-like structures physically lift and crack shingle granules, causing premature aging and voiding manufacturer warranties.

Left untreated, algae and moss significantly shorten your roof's lifespan. A professional soft wash treatment removes it completely and helps prevent regrowth.

Never use high-pressure washing on a roof. It strips granules, accelerates aging, and can void your shingle warranty. Only soft wash is safe.

What We Treat & Remove

  • Black Streaks (Gloeocapsa magma)The most common roof staining issue in the Southeast. Spreads without treatment.
  • MossHolds moisture against shingles and physically damages the surface over time.
  • LichenHarder to remove than moss — uses root-like structures that penetrate shingle granules.
  • General Algae & Organic GrowthGreen or brown discoloration from moisture and shade on the roof surface.

The Only Right Method

Why Soft Washing Is the Only Safe Way to Clean a Roof

The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) recommends low-pressure washing as the only approved cleaning method for asphalt shingles.

No Shingle Damage

Soft washing uses no more pressure than a garden hose — never enough to dislodge granules, crack shingles, or force water under flashing.

Warranty Safe

High-pressure washing voids most shingle manufacturer warranties. Soft washing preserves your coverage and protects your investment.

Kills at the Root

Our cleaning solutions kill algae, moss, and lichen biologically — not just washing away the surface appearance. Results last years, not weeks.

The Payoff

Why Roof Cleaning Is Worth Every Penny

Extends Roof Life

Regular cleaning can add 5–10 years to your roof's functional lifespan — a fraction of the cost of early replacement.

Avoids Costly Replacement

A roof cleaning costs a fraction of a new roof. Preventative maintenance is always cheaper than reactive repairs.

Improves Curb Appeal

A streaky, dark roof makes an otherwise nice home look neglected. A clean roof instantly transforms the appearance from the street.

Helps at Sale Time

Home inspectors notice roof algae. A clean roof signals a well-maintained home and can prevent inspection flags that delay your closing.

Our Process

How We Clean Your Roof

Safe, thorough, and designed to last.

1

Pre-Wet Landscaping & Gutters

All shrubs, plants, and lawn areas near the foundation are thoroughly saturated before we begin applying any cleaning solution.

2

Apply Soft Wash Solution

We apply a professional-grade, biodegradable algaecide/cleaning solution at low pressure from the ground or from eaves level — minimizing roof walking.

3

Dwell Time

The solution sits on the roof surface, penetrating and killing the algae, moss, and lichen at the cellular level rather than just washing the surface.

4

Low-Pressure Rinse

We gently rinse the roof, gutters, and all surrounding areas. Landscaping is rinsed a second time for extra protection.

5

Final Inspection

We walk the perimeter and confirm complete coverage before we leave. You'll receive photos if you weren't home for the job.

Is Your Roof Ready for a Cleaning?

Free quotes for Cleveland, Chattanooga, and all surrounding TN & GA communities. No pressure, just honest pricing.

Questions

Roof Cleaning FAQs

Will pressure washing damage my roof?
High-pressure washing absolutely can damage asphalt shingles — it strips granule coating and can void your roof warranty. That's why we only use soft washing: low pressure with professional cleaning solutions that kill algae and moss without any physical damage.
What are the black streaks on my roof?
Those black streaks are Gloeocapsa magma — a cyanobacteria (algae) that feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles. It's extremely common in the humid Southeast and will spread and worsen year after year if not treated.
How long does a roof cleaning last?
Most roofs stay clean for 2–4 years after a soft wash treatment. Shaded roofs with heavy tree coverage may need attention sooner. Some treatments include algae inhibitors that extend the clean period significantly.
Will cleaning my roof help it last longer?
Yes. Algae and moss hold moisture against shingles, accelerating granule loss and surface deterioration. Regular soft washing can add years to your roof's lifespan — far cheaper than an early full replacement.
Is soft wash roof cleaning safe for my landscaping?
Yes. We pre-wet all landscaping before application and rinse thoroughly afterward. Our biodegradable solutions are safe for vegetation when properly applied and rinsed as part of our standard process.

Get Your Free Roof Cleaning Quote

Serving Cleveland, Chattanooga, Ooltewah, and the surrounding area.

We respond same day, usually within a few hours.