Those Black Streaks Are
Alive — and They're Eating Your Roof.
N&K's soft-wash roof cleaning safely eliminates algae, moss, and lichen from shingle surfaces without voiding your warranty or damaging your roof.
It's Not Dirt. It's a Living Organism —
and It's Shortening Your Roof's Life.
Those dark black streaks that appear on asphalt roofs aren't dirt, aging, or water damage. They're Gloeocapsa Magma, a cyanobacteria that feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles.
Moss and lichen are equally damaging. Moss traps moisture against shingles while lichen physically bonds to the shingle surface and pulls granules away over time.
The solution isn't pressure washing. Soft washing safely removes biological growth without damaging your shingles or voiding your warranty.
- Safe for all shingle types — asphalt, metal, tile, and more
- Warranty-compliant — ARMA-recommended soft-wash method
- Plant-safe treatment — landscaping protected before and after
- Kills at the root — full biocide treatment
- Results last 2–5 years depending on canopy coverage and climate
- Can extend shingle lifespan by removing organisms that accelerate aging
ARMA specifically recommends low-pressure soft washing for algae removal and warns against pressure washing asphalt shingles.
Dark roof surfaces absorb more heat and increase attic temperatures. Cleaning your roof can help lower cooling costs during summer.
Three Biological Threats
to Your Roof
Not all biological roof growth is the same. Each organism damages your roof differently and requires the correct treatment approach.
Those black streaks on your roof are usually algae. It feeds on the limestone filler inside asphalt shingles and spreads through airborne spores. Over time it reduces reflectivity and accelerates granule loss. Soft washing kills it at the root and rainfall naturally rinses the dead growth away.
Moss traps moisture against shingles and creates ideal conditions for rot, freeze-thaw damage, and premature roof aging. Heavy moss growth often develops on shaded roof slopes and valleys where moisture stays longer.
Lichen bonds directly to the shingle surface using root-like structures. Attempting to remove it aggressively can tear away granules. Our soft-wash method safely treats and loosens lichen without damaging the roof.
Why Pressure Washing
Is the Wrong Answer
Pressure washing may clean a roof quickly, but it damages shingles and shortens roof lifespan. Soft washing is the manufacturer-approved solution.
- ✗ High-pressure water strips protective granules
- ✗ Can void manufacturer warranties
- ✗ Doesn't fully kill algae or moss at the root
- ✗ Forces water beneath shingles and flashing
- ✗ Increases long-term roof damage risk
- ✗ Can damage gutters, siding, and landscaping
- ✗ Shortens roof lifespan significantly
- ✓ Low-pressure cleaning protects shingles
- ✓ ARMA and manufacturer approved
- ✓ Kills algae, moss, and lichen completely
- ✓ Safe for asphalt, tile, metal, and cedar roofs
- ✓ Landscaping protected before and after treatment
- ✓ Helps extend overall roof lifespan
- ✓ Delivers long-lasting results with less regrowth
Clean Roof. One Visit.
Done Right.
Our soft-wash process is designed to safely eliminate roof growth without damaging shingles, landscaping, or surrounding surfaces.
We pre-rinse landscaping, inspect the roof, and prepare surrounding areas before treatment begins.
Our professional soft-wash solution is applied at low pressure to safely kill algae, moss, and lichen at the root.
The treatment is allowed to dwell before a careful low-pressure rinse removes loosened debris and residue.
We complete a final walkthrough, verify results, and explain what to expect over the next few weeks as rainfall finishes the rinse cycle.
What a Clean Roof
Actually Gives You
Roof cleaning is more than appearance. It protects your shingles, improves efficiency, and helps avoid premature replacement costs.
Removing algae and moss helps prevent moisture damage, granule loss, and premature aging that shorten roof life.
Professional roof cleaning costs far less than replacing an otherwise healthy roof system.
Removing black streaks instantly improves how your home looks from the street and increases visual value.
Clean roofs reflect more sunlight and reduce attic heat buildup during summer months.
Soft washing follows manufacturer-approved guidelines and helps maintain warranty compliance.
Cleaning removes buildup so underlying roof issues become easier to inspect and identify early.
Real Reviews from
NWI Homeowners
"Our north-facing roof was covered in black streaks for years. After N&K cleaned it, the house looked completely different. Neighbors thought we replaced the roof."
"We had heavy moss growth on the back side of the house. N&K explained the process clearly and cleaned everything safely without damaging the shingles."
"We cleaned the roof before listing our house for sale and it made a huge difference in curb appeal. Great crew, fair pricing, and professional communication."