The black streaks running down your roof are not dirt, and they are not age stains. They are a living blue-green algae called Gloeocapsa magma that feeds on the filler in asphalt shingles. It spreads downhill with every rain, settles on the shaded north and west slopes first, and makes a sound roof look old and neglected from the street.
The Neighbor's washes roofs across Madison and Rankin Counties, including Madison, Ridgeland, Brandon, Flowood, and the greater Jackson metro. We remove the streaks the right way, with low pressure and a roof-safe cleaning solution that treats the algae at the root rather than just rinsing the surface. We never put high pressure on a roof. Request a free quote and hear back within one business day.
How much does roof washing cost, and is it worth it?
Roof washing is priced by the size and pitch of your roof and how heavy the growth is, not by the hour. A single-story home with a simple roofline costs less than a large or steep multi-slope roof. The worth question is the easy part: a roof is the most expensive surface on your home to replace, so a periodic wash that keeps it sound and clean is one of the easiest maintenance decisions to justify. A wash is a small fraction of the cost of a new roof. Our fuller look at whether roof washing is worth it covers the cost and exactly what a clean roof protects.
We give you the full price before any work starts, with no surprise add-ons on the invoice, and homes on a recurring plan pay a reduced rate on every visit. For an exact figure, request a free quote and we will assess your roof and show you the one-time rate and the plan rate side by side.
How often should you wash your roof?
For most asphalt shingle roofs in this climate, every one to two years keeps the algae from taking over, depending on how much shade the roof gets and how fast the streaks return. Heavily shaded or tree-covered roofs do better on the shorter end of that range. The best time to act is at the first sign of streaking, before it spreads across the whole roof.
- Asphalt shingle roofs: every one to two years, depending on shade and how fast streaks return
- Heavily shaded or tree-covered roofs: on the shorter end of that range
- At the first sign of streaking: treat it before it spreads
What the black streaks actually are
The streaks are Gloeocapsa magma, a hardy algae that feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles. It takes hold on the slopes that stay damp longest and spreads from there, which is why the streaks almost always run downhill and show up worst on the shaded sides. Moss and lichen follow in the same shaded, moisture-holding spots, rooting into the granules and lifting shingle edges over time. Warm temperatures, high humidity, regular rain, and shade from mature trees give all of it an ideal home across the Jackson metro.
Why high pressure is the wrong tool for a roof
A pressure washer strips the protective granules off asphalt shingles, forces water up under the tabs, and can void your shingle manufacturer's warranty. Those granules shield the shingle from the sun and are not replaceable once they are gone. Major shingle makers and the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association point to low-pressure washing as the safe way to clean a shingle roof. We do not put high pressure on any roof, ever. The low-pressure method lets the cleaning solution do the work, which is what kills the algae at the root and keeps it from coming back as fast. For where each method belongs across the whole house, see soft washing vs pressure washing.
What we clean, and what we assess first
We wash asphalt shingle roofs and other delicate roofing where low pressure is required. We remove algae streaking, moss, lichen, and the dirt and organic growth that build up on a shaded roof.
We are honest about scope. Heavier or specialized staining gets assessed up front, and we tell you straight what we can and cannot do before we start. Some moss and lichen that has rooted deeply takes time to fully release after treatment, and we will explain what to expect rather than promise an instant result that the method does not deliver.
Why homeowners put their roof on a plan
A roof is the most expensive surface on your home to replace, which makes keeping it clean one of the easiest maintenance decisions to justify.
- Protects curb appeal and home value. Black streaks are the single most visible sign of a neglected exterior, and buyers and appraisers read them that way even when the roof is structurally fine.
- Keeps it from spreading. Algae, moss, and lichen move across the roof and onto gutters and siding when left alone. A regular treatment stops the spread at the source.
- Removes trapped moisture and heat. The dark algae mat holds moisture against the roof and absorbs heat. Clearing it keeps the surface drier and cooler.
- Protects your warranty. Cleaning by the method manufacturers approve keeps your shingle warranty intact, unlike high pressure cleaning.
- Cheaper than the alternative. A periodic wash is a small fraction of the cost of replacing a roof, and a clean roof simply lasts and looks better between now and then.
While we are already there
Most roof washing customers have us handle a few other things on the same visit, since the truck and the team are already on the property. We also clear gutters, wash siding, clean windows, clean driveways and concrete, and clean fences and decks. A roof wash and a gutter clearing on the same trip is a natural pairing, because both deal with what the trees drop and what the shade grows. Ask about adding services when you get your quote.
Serving Madison and the surrounding metro
We are based in the area and serve Madison and Rankin Counties, including Madison, Ridgeland, Brandon, Flowood, Pearl, Canton, and the greater Jackson metro. Locally owned and fully insured. We treat your home the way we would want ours treated, because the people we clean for are our actual neighbors.
Ready to clear the streaks?
Request a free quote and we will get back to you within one business day with a clear price, the one-time rate and the plan rate side by side. No pressure and no surprises on the invoice. Clear the streaks the safe way, and protect the most expensive surface on your home.