Exterior Cleaning Specialists

Professional Roof Soft Wash
for Northeast Florida Homes

ARMA-Approved Low-Pressure Cleaning That Kills Algae at the Root — Not Just the Surface

Those dark streaks on your roof aren't dirt — they're Gloeocapsa magma, a cyanobacterium that feeds on your shingles' limestone filler and actively shortens your roof's lifespan by a decade or more. Our low-pressure soft wash treatment follows ARMA (Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association) guidelines to kill algae, moss, lichen, and mold at the cellular level — without stripping protective granules or voiding your manufacturer warranty.

Serving Nocatee · Ponte Vedra · Jacksonville · St. Augustine · Amelia Island · Palencia

Licensed · Insured · Background-Checked · Safe for Asphalt Shingles · Tile · Metal · Flat Roofs

First Coast Property Experts technician applying low-pressure soft wash solution to residential roof from the roofline in Northeast Florida

FCPE technician applying ARMA-approved soft wash solution from the roofline — Northeast Florida

Why Roof Cleaning Matters in Northeast Florida

Your roof is the most expensive surface on your home

A quality shingle replacement in Northeast Florida runs $15,000–$40,000 depending on size and material. Tile roofs cost significantly more. Most roof damage in our climate isn't caused by storms — it's caused by organisms that colonize roofing materials and break them down slowly over months and years while homeowners assume the darkening is just age.

Gloeocapsa magma — the cyanobacterium responsible for those black streaks — produces a dark pigmented sheath to protect itself from UV radiation. As the algae feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles, it loosens the protective granules that shield your shingles from UV damage. A roof that should last 25 years may fail in 15 if algae colonization goes unchecked.

Communities like Nocatee, Ponte Vedra, Palencia, and Amelia Island — where heavy tree canopy, coastal humidity, and HOA standards intersect — are particularly susceptible. Regular roof soft washing isn't cosmetic maintenance. It's structural preservation.

Professional low-pressure soft wash being applied to residential roof edge and gutter line on a coastal Florida home

Low-pressure roofline treatment — Amelia Island, FL

10+ yrs

Potential lifespan lost to unchecked algae colonization on asphalt shingles

10–15°F

Attic temperature increase from dark algae absorbing more solar radiation

$15–40K

Typical roof replacement cost in NE Florida — preventable with periodic soft washing

2–3 yrs

How long a proper soft wash keeps your roof biologically clean

5 Signs Your Roof Needs Soft Washing

If any of these apply, your roof is being actively damaged

1

Black Streaks Running Downward

Dark streaks running from the ridge line toward the eaves are colonies of Gloeocapsa magma. The darker and wider the streaks, the more established the colony — and the more granule damage being done to your shingles beneath the surface. These streaks spread progressively and never reverse on their own.

2

Green Patches or Visible Moss

Moss is significantly more aggressive than algae. Its root-like structures (rhizoids) penetrate between and underneath shingles, lifting edges and creating direct entry points for water during Florida's heavy afternoon thunderstorms. Once moss lifts a shingle edge, water damage follows rapidly.

3

Granules Accumulating in Gutters

Significant granule accumulation in gutters (on roofs older than 2 years) signals that algae feeding or UV degradation is actively stripping your shingles' first line of defense. Granules protect the asphalt substrate from UV breakdown — once they're gone, the shingle deteriorates exponentially faster.

4

Visibly Darker Than Neighbors

In planned communities like Nocatee, Palencia, and World Golf Village, a visibly darker or streakier roof than neighboring homes of similar age means unchecked organic growth. It impacts curb appeal, property value, and in many cases, HOA compliance.

5

Rising Cooling Costs

Dark algae growth absorbs significantly more solar radiation than clean roofing material, increasing attic temperatures by 10–15°F. In Northeast Florida — where cooling season runs April through October — that translates directly to higher electricity bills. A clean roof reflects more heat and keeps your home cooler.

Roof Types We Clean

Every roofing material requires a tailored approach

We adjust chemistry concentration, dwell time, and application angle based on your specific roofing material. One-size-fits-all roof cleaning damages surfaces. Material-specific soft washing protects them — and keeps your warranty intact.

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Asphalt Shingles

The most common roofing material in Northeast Florida — and the most vulnerable to Gloeocapsa magma. ARMA specifically recommends soft washing over pressure washing to protect granules and maintain manufacturer warranty coverage. High-pressure water strips the very granules your shingles depend on for UV protection.

Common in: Nocatee, Ponte Vedra, Palencia, Jacksonville

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Concrete & Clay Tile

Tile roofs are porous and prone to moss and lichen growth in humid climates. Pressure washing cracks tiles, breaks barrel tile edges, and dislodges underlayment fasteners. Our soft wash treatment cleans safely while preserving the tile's surface integrity and the waterproof barrier beneath it. Florida's Spanish Colonial and Mediterranean estates rely heavily on tile — protecting them requires specialized care.

Common in: St. Augustine, Amelia Island, luxury estates

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Metal Roofing

Standing seam and metal panels develop oxidation, algae staining, and salt deposit buildup — especially on Amelia Island and Ponte Vedra Beach coastal properties. Our soft wash restores the original finish without scratching, denting, or damaging factory coatings, paint, or protective sealant layers.

Common in: Coastal properties, modern builds, commercial

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Flat & Low-Slope Roofs

Modified bitumen, TPO, and EPDM membranes require specialized care. These roofing systems are especially vulnerable to standing water and organic growth because their low slope promotes moisture retention. Our low-pressure treatment removes biological growth without compromising membrane integrity, seam adhesion, or flashing details.

Common in: Commercial properties, modern architecture, additions

Our 6-Step Roof Cleaning Process

Six deliberate phases — no shortcuts, no skipped steps

I

Roof & Property Inspection

Thorough assessment of roof condition from ground level and (where safely accessible) the roofline — identifying roofing material type, algae severity, moss colonies, lichen patches, damaged areas, flashing conditions, and any surfaces requiring special attention. We document existing conditions before work begins.

II

Landscape & Surface Protection

All landscaping, outdoor furniture, vehicles, pools, and sensitive surfaces below the roofline are pre-wetted and protected before any chemistry is applied. We ensure windows and doors are closed and verify all drainage paths to manage runoff safely away from plant material and hardscape.

III

ARMA-Approved Chemical Application

Using our Mo Flo 14 GPM soft wash system, we apply ARMA-approved cleaning solution at low pressure (under 500 PSI). The solution kills Gloeocapsa magma, moss, lichen, and mold at the cellular level — no high-pressure wands ever touch your roofing material. Application begins at the ridge and works downward with gravity for full coverage.

IV

Dwell & Targeted Re-Treatment

The solution is given appropriate dwell time based on contamination level — typically 15–30 minutes for standard algae, longer for heavy moss or lichen colonies. North-facing planes, areas behind dormers, and shaded sections near tree canopy receive focused additional treatment since these zones harbor the most aggressive growth.

V

Low-Pressure Rinse & Landscape Care

A complete rinse removes solution residue from the roof, gutters, siding, windows, and all surrounding surfaces. Dead organisms release from the surface over the following 2–4 weeks as natural rainfall washes residue away, leaving a biologically clean roof. We thoroughly re-wet all landscaping as a final protective measure.

VI

Final Inspection & Roofline Detail

We clean gutters, fascia, and soffits during the service for a complete roofline transformation — not just the shingle field. Quality inspection verifies full coverage from all vantage points and identifies any areas that need a second application. We don't leave until the roofline meets our standard.

Why You Should Never Pressure Wash a Roof

The single most damaging thing you can do to your roof — besides ignoring it

ARMA Recommended

Soft Washing

Pressure

Under 500 PSI

Method

Chemistry kills organisms at root

Granule Impact

Zero granule loss

Results Last

2–3 years typically

Warranty

Preserves manufacturer warranty

Never Use on Roofs

Pressure Washing

Pressure

2,500–4,000 PSI

Method

Blasts organisms off (leaves roots)

Granule Impact

Strips protective granules

Results Last

3–6 months (organisms regrow)

Warranty

Voids most manufacturer warranties

Pressure washing a roof voids most manufacturer warranties. If your roof ever needs a warranty claim, evidence of high-pressure cleaning will disqualify it. Soft washing is the only method recommended by ARMA and endorsed by major roofing manufacturers. There is no legitimate reason to pressure wash a roof — ever.

How Often Should You Clean Your Roof?

Timing recommendations based on your property's specific conditions

2–3 yrs

Standard Recommendation

Most roofs in Northeast Florida benefit from soft washing every 2–3 years. This prevents algae from establishing deep enough to cause irreversible granule loss and keeps your roof looking clean year-round.

18–24 mo

Heavy Canopy / North-Facing

Heavily shaded roofs, properties surrounded by mature live oaks, or homes with significant north-facing roof planes retain more moisture and develop algae/moss faster. Earlier treatment prevents costly remediation.

Annual

Visual Inspection

Walk your property annually and examine the roof from all four sides at ground level. Algae and moss tend to establish on back roof planes, areas behind dormers, and shaded sections you can't see from the street. Catching growth early saves money.

Not sure if your roof needs treatment? We'll assess your roof's condition during our free evaluation and give you an honest recommendation. If it doesn't need cleaning yet, we'll tell you — and let you know when to schedule it.

Bundle & Save

Complete property transformation — one visit, one crew

Roof cleaning pairs naturally with our other exterior services. Most clients add a house wash — the combination transforms your entire property's curb appeal in a single visit.

Roof Cleaning Service Areas

Serving the finest communities across three Northeast Florida counties

Roof Cleaning FAQs

Answers to the questions homeowners ask most

Will roof cleaning void my warranty?

No — our soft wash method follows ARMA guidelines, which is the manufacturer-recommended approach for cleaning asphalt shingles. Pressure washing will void most warranties. Soft washing will not. We can provide documentation of our cleaning method for any warranty-related inquiries.

How long until I see full results?

You'll see a significant improvement immediately after treatment. The full transformation happens over 2–4 weeks as dead organisms release from the surface and natural rainfall washes away the residue. This gradual process is normal, expected, and a sign the chemistry is working correctly — the organisms are dying from the inside out.

Is roof soft washing safe for my landscaping?

Yes. We pre-wet all landscaping before application and rinse thoroughly after treatment. Our solutions are biodegradable and plant-safe at proper dilution ratios. Protecting your landscaping is part of our standard operating procedure — we've never damaged a single plant. Your garden is always a priority.

Can you clean my gutters and fascia at the same time?

Yes — we treat gutters, fascia, and soffits as part of our complete roofline service at no additional charge. Bundling roof cleaning with house soft washing and window cleaning is our most popular combination — and the best value for a full exterior transformation.

Does roof cleaning improve energy efficiency?

Yes. Dark algae absorbs significantly more solar radiation than clean roofing material, increasing attic temperatures by 10–15°F. In Northeast Florida — where cooling season runs April through October and represents the majority of your utility bill — a clean roof reflects more heat and measurably reduces cooling costs. The difference is most noticeable on lighter-colored shingles.

What's the difference between roof cleaning and house soft washing?

Both use the same low-pressure soft wash method, but the chemistry concentration, application technique, and dwell time are adjusted for roofing materials vs. siding materials. Roof-specific treatment is formulated to kill stubborn Gloeocapsa magma and lichen that require stronger chemistry than typical wall-growing algae and mold. Many clients combine both for a complete exterior treatment.

Do I need to be home during the roof cleaning?

No — as long as we have water access and any gates are accessible, you don't need to be present. We'll complete the work and send you before-and-after photos when finished. All team members are background-checked and insured. We do ask that windows and doors be closed before we arrive.

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The Gold Standard, Every Time.

Licensed · Insured · Background-Checked · Locally Owned & Operated

Ready for a Cleaner, Longer-Lasting Roof?

Request your free roof evaluation. We'll assess your roof's condition, identify any areas of concern, recommend the right treatment, and provide a clear, detailed quote — no pressure, no surprises.

Request Your Free Roof Evaluation

We respond within one business day — often sooner.