Roof Cleaning in Southeast Idaho: What Your Roof Actually Needs

If your roof has dark streaks running down it, or green patches on the north-facing slopes, it is not old age and it will not rinse off in the rain. It is living growth, and getting it off the right way matters as much as getting it off at all.

What those streaks and patches actually are

The black streaks are a hardy algae (Gloeocapsa magma) that feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles. The green fuzz is moss and lichen, which hold moisture against the roof and, over time, lift and separate shingles. Southeast Idaho's mix of strong summer sun and long, damp winters gives both plenty to work with, especially on shaded and north-facing slopes.

Why you should never pressure wash a roof

It is tempting to blast it off, and it is a mistake. High pressure strips the protective granules off asphalt shingles, voids many manufacturer warranties, and forces water up under the shingles. You trade an algae problem for a leak-and-wear problem. The correct method is soft washing: low pressure and the right cleaning solution that kills the growth at the root and lets the roof rinse clean without damage.

Roof, house, and the rest of the exterior

Roof washing usually travels with the rest of the outside of the house. The same organic growth and grime show up on siding and shaded walls, which is where pressure and soft washing come in, done at a pressure matched to the surface. Doing them together means one visit and a whole exterior that matches.

Get it looked at before it spreads

Algae and moss only spread, and moss in particular gets more expensive to deal with the longer it sits. If you are seeing streaks or green from the driveway, it is worth a look. Request a free estimate or call Wake Window Cleaning at (208) 604-2307; send a photo of the roof and we can usually tell you what you are dealing with.