Read our FAQs

We’ve gathered some of our most frequently asked questions. Find the answers to your questions here! If still have questions that we have not addressed on here, please feel free to contact us.

What are the black stains on my roof?

You most likely are noticing it the most on the north side of the roof and in shaded areas. Those “stains” are actually a type of algae (Gloeocapsa magma) that feeds on the limestone in your shingles.This algae thrives on dark, damp areas. It travels from house to house by spores that are carried by the wind.

Why do I need to clean my roof?

In addition to looking ugly, the root system of the various types of algae dislodges the granules that protect and give color to your shingles. Over time, the mildew and algae slowly work to deteriorate the integrity of your shingles and gives your home an old, dirty ugly appearance. Ultimately, it reduces the lifespan of your roof.

How often should I get my roof cleaned?

Once it has been professionally cleaned, it should look good for 5-6 years. But it depends on environmental conditions and the number of trees in close proximity to the house. The algae will come back quicker in a wooded area as it thrives in damp, dark areas.

Will Soft Washing harm my lawn or plants?

We use a naturally occurring bleaching and sanitation agent that is derived from simple sodium to safely and effectively free your home from bacterial and fungal infections. Our technicians will rinse your plants and spray our protective Plant Wash over any plants or bushes that are near the area we are cleaning. We suggest that our clients also spray those areas with a garden hose the evening after we are there and for a couple of days afterward to help keep them saturated.

Why not power/pressure washing?

Pressure/power washing blasts away at the surface algae, fungus and mold but does not kill it. It will return much quicker than if you had Soft Washing done. Soft Washing kills the algae and treats it like a pest not a stain. The Soft Wash cleaning lasts 4-6 times longer than pressure/power washing. Pressure washers cannot be used on roofs (it blasts away the valuable granules in the shingles) and can damage siding. We use pressure washers only in specific instances where we know it will not cause damage.

How does Soft Washing work?

A gentle spray of cleaning agents is applied to the affected areas and our specially formulated wash kills the algae present all the way down to the roots.

Will I notice an immediate difference?

In most cases you will notice an immediate difference- especially if you have black algae stains on your roof. If you have moss or lichen, it is a growing organism that we will kill but we cannot force it off your roof. The roots go into the shingles and forcing it off would cause damage. The dead moss or lichen will eventually fall off after several hard rains over a couple of months.

Do you offer a warranty?

We offer a limited 5 year warranty on an entire roof cleaning. If the algae returns on the roof within the year, we will return and spot clean the affected areas at no charge. If it returns in 2-5 years after it was cleaned, we will clean the entire roof again at 50% of the retail cost.

Are you insured?

We carry liability insurance and workman’s compensation insurance. Our employees are verified through a third party security company called Ask the Seal.