See those dark streaks running down your roof? That’s not dirt and it won’t rinse off in the rain. It’s algae, and it’s slowly working on your shingles. Late summer into fall is the right window to deal with it, and to get gutter guards in before the leaves bury your gutters.
Short answer: The black streaks on your roof are algae that should be removed with a gentle, low-pressure soft wash, never a high-pressure blast. Pair it with gutter guards now and you cut down leaf cleanups all winter.
What those roof streaks really are
The dark stains are a hardy algae that feeds on the materials in your shingles and spreads across the shaded, damp sections of the roof. Beyond looking rough, it holds moisture against the shingles and can shorten their life if it’s left for years. The fix is a soft wash, using low pressure and a cleaning solution that kills the algae without tearing up the shingles the way high pressure would.
Why not just blast it off?
Because a pressure washer will strip the protective granules right off your shingles and can void some roofing warranties. Roofs should always be soft washed. It’s gentler, it’s what the shingle makers recommend, and the results actually last because the growth is killed at the root instead of just knocked loose.
Get ahead of leaf season with gutter guards
Fall is coming, and so are the leaves. Gutter guards keep the bulk of them out, so your gutters keep draining instead of clogging and overflowing against the house. They aren’t fully hands-off, but they cut way down on how often the gutters need clearing, which is a real relief if you’ve got a lot of trees. 🍃
One trip, roof and gutters both
Since we’re already up there, roof cleaning, gutter cleanouts, and guard installation make sense to handle together. It’s all part of our exterior cleaning service, and doing it in one visit saves you time and setup.
Beat the leaves and the black streaks. 🏡
Request a free quote or call 704-946-7659.
Frequently asked questions
What causes black streaks on a roof?
It’s algae, which feeds on shingle materials and spreads on shaded, damp areas of the roof. It’s common on Charlotte-area homes and should be cleaned before it shortens shingle life.
Can I pressure wash my roof?
No. High pressure strips the protective granules off shingles and can void warranties. Roofs should be soft washed with low pressure and a cleaning solution.
Are gutter guards worth installing before fall?
For homes with a lot of trees, yes. Installing them before leaf season means fewer clogs and cleanups through the fall and winter.