Black streaks you see on roofs across Northern New Jersey is a type of roof algae called Gloeocapsa Magma. It thrives on the north side of roofs, in the shade and feeds on the crushed limestone that is used in asphalt shingles. Rain spreads the algae down the roof causing unsightly black streaks.
Unlike other debris on a home’s roof, moss, algae, mold, and mildew continue to grow over time! These contaminants can work their way under a home’s roofing shingles and eventually dislodge those tiles as they continue to spread. Never assume that you can ignore moss, algae, and other such growth on your roof, as overlooking needed washing can lead to a damaged roof and dangerous interior water leaks.
North Jersey Soft Washing can kill and remove the algae, using eco-friendly detergents and low-pressure washing for quality roof cleaning, making your roof look new again!

A homeowner should never wait until they see lines of algae or moss along roofing shingles or roof edges to schedule roof washing for their home. Regular, professional roof power washing will restore the overall appearance of your home’s roof, removing built-up soot, grime, dust, and other debris, as well as various stains and areas of discoloration. Roofing shingles and tiles will then look fresh and vibrant so that your entire home seems cleaner and newer.
Soft Washing and Asphalt Roof Cleaning
North Jersey Soft Washing uses a roof cleaning technique called Soft Wash Roof Cleaning. Roof cleaning by this method focuses on using soaps to clean your roof rather than high pressure power washing. This form of roof cleaning is what is currently being taught in power washing schools. It’s also what is recommended by the Asphalt Roof Manufacturing Association and roof manufacturer GAF. GAF is the largest roofing manufacturer in the United States.
The reason power washing schools are teaching the Soft Wash Roof Cleaning technique, and the manufactures are recommending it, is because it doesn’t damage the shingles by removing the granules on the surface of the shingles. Using any amount of pressure to clean a roof removes some of the granules and when granules are removed, the roof doesn’t have as much protection from the sun and elements. This results in the roof not achieving its full life expectancy and may void the roof’s warrantee.
Another reason pressure washing your roof is not recommended is because what you see on your roof is one of several forms of organic growth, not dirt. Some of these growths include gloeocapsa magma, moss, and folios lichens. The key to properly cleaning the roof is having the right blend of soaps. If you don’t have the right soap blends you will not properly remove the organic staining or kill the organisms that are growing on your roof.
Some of the benefits of Soft Wash Cleaning your roof are that it does a much better job of cleaning the roof, it doesn’t require high pressure so it will not damage the singles, it will not void your warrantee, it kills the organisms growing on the roof, and it lasts longer than traditional power washing. Most of our roof cleaning jobs should last for about 5 years. As an added bonus we also fertilize all of the plants that are in the cleaning area.
Our North New Jersey Roof Washing Services Include:
Asphalt Roof Cleaning
Laminated Roof Cleaning
Clay Roof Cleaning
Wood Roof Cleaning
Slate Roof Cleaning
Solar Roof Cleaning
Metal Roof Cleaning
Cool Roof Cleaning
Concrete Roof Cleaning
Composite Roof Cleaning
Rubber Roof Cleaning
Copper Roof Cleaning
Free Quote
North Jersey Soft Washing offers free estimates and consultations to North Jersey residents and all customers throughout Bergen County. Call today, and we will be there right away with simple, honest pricing and a full job breakdown.
(551) 404-5992
northjerseysoftwashing@gmail.com