Are Ugly Black Streaks Ruining Your Roof?
That's not dirt—it's a living organism eating away at your shingles. We offer the only manufacturer-approved method to safely remove it and restore your roof's beauty.
Get My Free Quote NowThe Hidden Danger on Your Roof
Those black streaks, known as Gloeocapsa magma, are more than an eyesore. This algae feeds on the limestone granules in your asphalt shingles, a critical component that protects your home from the sun's harsh UV rays.
Letting it grow can lead to:
- Costly, Premature Replacement: The algae dislodges shingle granules, shortening your roof's lifespan by up to 50%.
- Voided Insurance Policies: Many insurance carriers can deny claims or cancel policies for roofs that are not properly maintained.
- Higher Energy Bills: A dark, algae-covered roof absorbs more heat, making your A/C work harder in the Tennessee summer.
- Water Damage: Algae can lead to moss and lichen, which trap moisture and can lift shingles, allowing water to penetrate your roof deck.
The ONLY Safe Solution: Our Soft Wash Process
High-pressure washing will blast away your shingle granules and void your roof's warranty. Southern Solution uses the professional soft washing method recommended by the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA). Here’s how our meticulous process works:
What is Soft Washing?
Soft washing is a cleaning technique that uses very low pressure (less than a garden hose) to apply a specialized, biodegradable cleaning solution. This solution is formulated to kill 100% of organic growth like algae, moss, and lichen at the root, rather than just blasting the surface layer away. It's the safest and most effective way to achieve a long-lasting clean without damaging your property.
Our 4-Step Cleaning Process:
Inspect & Protect
We begin by inspecting your roof and protecting all delicate landscaping, downspouts, and property with sheeting and by pre-soaking plants with water.
Apply Solution
We apply our specialized soft wash solution using dedicated low-pressure pumps, ensuring complete coverage to neutralize all organic growth.
Gentle Rinse
After the solution has done its job, we perform a gentle, low-pressure rinse to wash away the initial layer of grime and dead organisms.
Final Cleanup
We conduct a thorough final cleanup, removing all protective coverings and ensuring your property is left spotless. Nature and rain do the final rinse, revealing a perfectly clean roof over time.
Specialized Cleaning for Every Roof Type
Different roofing materials require different techniques and levels of care. Our team is trained to identify and apply the correct, manufacturer-approved method for your specific roof, ensuring a perfect clean without the risk of damage.
Asphalt Shingles
This is the most common roof type in Middle Tennessee and our specialty. We use our standard soft wash process with precisely calibrated solutions to kill the Gloeocapsa magma algae that cause black streaks, as well as moss and lichen, without dislodging a single shingle granule.
Metal Roofs
While durable, metal roofs can accumulate dirt, pollen, and algae, especially on lower-pitched sections. We use a specialized soft wash solution that is safe for painted and galvalume finishes. We also offer oxidation removal to restore the original luster of older metal roofs.
Tile Roofs (Clay & Concrete)
Tile roofs are beautiful but their porous nature makes them a haven for moss and algae growth in the joints. High pressure can easily crack tiles. Our soft wash process gently removes all organic matter and dirt, restoring the rich color of the tiles without risk of breakage.
Slate Roofs
Slate is an extremely delicate, premium roofing material that should never be subjected to pressure. We use a soft wash-only method with extreme care, applying solutions that kill organic growth without the need for any significant rinsing, protecting the integrity of each individual slate tile.
Cedar Shake Roofs
Cedar shake requires specialized care to clean without damaging the soft wood fibers. Our process involves applying a specific cleaning agent to kill mold, mildew, and moss, followed by a gentle rinse and the application of a wood brightener to restore the cedar's natural, warm tones.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roof Cleaning
Absolutely. Our soft wash process is the only method approved by roofing manufacturers because it's completely safe for shingles. We take extensive measures to protect your property, including pre-soaking all surrounding landscaping with water and using gutter bags to collect runoff, ensuring your plants are safe.
You will see a dramatic improvement immediately. Your roof will be about 80% clean upon our departure. The full cleaning effect is activated by rain, which gently rinses away the now-dead organic matter. Any remaining moss will typically dry up and fall off naturally within 1-3 months.
No. On the contrary, it protects your roof. We never use high-pressure washers on shingles. Our soft wash system uses a pressure similar to a garden hose, relying on our cleaning solution to do the work. This is the only method recommended by the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) and will not void your roof's warranty.
We stand behind our work with confidence. Our roof cleaning service comes with a 3-5 Year "Green-Free" warranty, guaranteeing that no new algae growth will appear during that period.
Don't Replace Your Roof—Restore It!
A professional roof cleaning costs a tiny fraction of a full replacement. Protect your investment and restore your home's curb appeal with the trusted, veteran-owned team at Southern Solution.
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