The Gold Standard, Every Time
ARMA-Approved Roof Cleaning
Why the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association says chemical-only cleaning is the only safe method.
What ARMA Says About Roof Cleaning
The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) is the trade organization representing North American asphalt shingle manufacturers — the companies that make the roof over your head. Their position on roof cleaning is unambiguous: chemical-only soft washing is the only approved cleaning method for asphalt shingle roofs.
ARMA’s technical bulletin explicitly states that high-pressure washing strips protective granules from shingles, voids manufacturer warranties, creates leak paths, and accelerates roof failure. Even “moderate” pressure (1,500–2,000 PSI) damages shingle surfaces.
The approved method is low-pressure application (under 300 PSI) of sodium hypochlorite-based cleaning solutions that chemically kill Gloeocapsa magma (black algae), moss, lichen, and other biological growth. The solution is applied, allowed to dwell, and rinsed at garden-hose pressure.
This is not a suggestion — it is the manufacturer’s stated requirement for maintaining warranty coverage. Any company that pressure washes your asphalt shingle roof is directly violating the manufacturer’s approved cleaning method.
No Pressure on Shingles
ARMA prohibits pressure washing shingle roofs. Period. Chemical-only treatment is the sole approved method.
Warranty Implications
Pressure washing your roof can void the manufacturer warranty. ARMA-compliant soft washing preserves coverage.
Under 300 PSI Application
Cleaning solution is applied at garden-hose-level pressure. The chemistry does the work, not force.
Biodegradable Solutions
Sodium hypochlorite-based solutions break down into salt and water. Safe for landscaping when properly managed.
What Are Those Black Streaks on Your Roof?
Gloeocapsa magma — the cyanobacterium responsible for black roof staining across the Southeast.
Gloeocapsa Magma
A photosynthetic cyanobacterium (blue-green algae) that feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles. It produces a dark protective sheath that creates the distinctive black streaking visible from the street.
More Than Cosmetic
The organism retains moisture against the shingle surface, accelerating granule loss and UV degradation. Untreated roofs lose 10–15 years of service life. A $15,000+ roof replacement prevented by a $400 soft wash.
Spreads by Airborne Spores
Gloeocapsa magma spreads via airborne spores — once it appears on one roof in a neighborhood, adjacent roofs typically develop it within 1–2 years. Florida’s humidity accelerates colonization dramatically.
How FCPE Cleans Roofs
ARMA-compliant soft washing — protecting your roof while eliminating black algae.
Property Protection
We pre-wet all landscaping, cover sensitive plants, and protect outdoor surfaces before any cleaning solution is applied to the roof.
Chemical Application
Our Mo Flo soft wash system applies calibrated sodium hypochlorite solution at low pressure (<300 PSI). Solution is applied from ridge to eave in overlapping passes.
Dwell Time
Solution dwells on the roof surface for 15–20 minutes, chemically killing algae, moss, lichen, and mold at the root level — not just surface staining.
Low-Pressure Rinse
Garden-hose-level rinse removes dead organisms and cleaning solution. No high-pressure contact with shingles at any point in the process.
Landscape Rinse
Thorough rinsing of all surrounding vegetation, gutters, and ground surfaces to neutralize any cleaning solution that reached adjacent areas.
Quality Inspection
Final inspection verifies complete coverage and cleaning. Results are documented with photography for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered by our team.
Can I pressure wash my roof to remove black streaks?
No. ARMA explicitly prohibits pressure washing asphalt shingle roofs. High pressure strips protective granules, creates leak paths, and voids manufacturer warranties. Chemical-only soft washing is the only approved method.
How often should I have my roof soft washed in Florida?
Every 2 to 3 years in Northeast Florida. Black algae (Gloeocapsa magma) colonizes rapidly in our humid climate. Regular soft washing prevents the organism from degrading your shingles and extends roof life significantly.
Will roof soft washing damage my landscaping?
Not when performed professionally. We pre-wet all vegetation, cover sensitive plants, use calibrated chemical concentrations, and thoroughly rinse all surrounding areas after treatment. Our biodegradable solutions break down into salt and water.
What are the black streaks on my roof?
Black roof streaks are caused by Gloeocapsa magma, a cyanobacterium that feeds on limestone filler in asphalt shingles. It produces a dark protective sheath that causes the visible black staining. It spreads via airborne spores and is common across the Southeast.
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