Before you book anyone
Do not pressure wash a roof
High-pressure washing destroys shingles, voids warranties, and can cost thousands in premature roof replacement. We use soft washing, the method shingle manufacturers recommend, which cleans the roof without damaging it.
Those black streaks are eating your roof
If dark streaks have appeared on your roof, they are not dirt. They are Gloeocapsa magma, an algae that feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles, breaking down the protective granules as it goes.
Austin's climate gives it everything it needs: humidity, warm temperatures, and heavy shade from oak canopy. North-facing slopes that rarely see direct sun are the first to show it.
Why it is worth doing
A roof is the most expensive component on the property. Keeping it clean protects that.
-
Prevents premature aging
Algae and moss break down the shingle granules, so a roof rated for decades fails years early. Cleaning stops that process.
-
Maintains property value
A streaked roof reads as neglect to a buyer or an appraiser. A clean one does not, and it is the first thing seen from the street.
-
Improves energy efficiency
Dark algae absorbs heat and makes the air conditioning work harder. Clean, reflective shingles cost less to live under in an Austin summer.
-
Prevents expensive repairs
Moss lifts shingles and lets water in. Catching it early is the difference between a cleaning and a water damage repair.
What it actually is
Gloeocapsa magma, explained
Soft washing kills it completely and keeps it off for years rather than months.
- It feeds on the limestone filler in your shingles, literally consuming them
- Spores spread by wind, rain and animals, roof to roof across a neighborhood
- The black color is a UV-protective coating the organism makes, which also absorbs heat
- Colonies hold moisture against the roof, accelerating deterioration
- The longer it is there, the more damage it does and the harder it is to remove
Our roof cleaning process
- 01
Inspect and document
We assess the roof from the ground, documenting shingle condition, how far the algae has spread, and any damage that was already there. Photos provided.
- 02
Protect the property
Landscaping is pre-wet, air conditioning units are covered, and gutters are cleared so they drain properly during the work.
- 03
Apply and dwell
Low-pressure application across the whole roof, then 15 to 20 minutes of dwell time. The chemistry does the work, not the pressure, and rushing it is what makes a result that does not last.
- 04
Rinse, remove, document
A gentle rinse takes the dead growth off without disturbing shingles, any moss is hand-removed once its roots are dead, gutters are cleared again, and you get before and after photos for your records.
Roofing materials we clean
-
Composition shingles
-
Architectural shingles
-
Metal roofs
-
Tile roofs
-
Cedar shake
What it costs
Most roof washes run $900 to $2,500
What moves it: roof size, pitch, number of stories, how much growth has taken hold, the roofing material, and how safely the roof can be reached. A single-story composition roof with light algae sits at the bottom of that range. A steep two-story tile roof with heavy growth and difficult access sits at the top.
Roof cleaning also folds into an Exterior Reset, which starts at $1,200 and is usually better value than booking a single service on its own. If a single service is what the property needs, that is a project we are glad to take, subject to scheduling and availability.
After years of buildup, our roof looked terrible with black streaks everywhere. Live Oak used their soft washing method and the difference is incredible! They were careful with our plants and explained everything they were doing. Worth every penny!
Lisa Martinezvia Google
Common questions about roof cleaning
How much does roof cleaning cost in Austin?
Most roof cleaning projects in Austin run $900 to $2,500. What moves it is roof size, pitch, how many stories, how much algae or moss has taken hold, and how safely it can be reached. We are not the cheapest option in Austin and do not try to be. Bundling roof cleaning into an Exterior Reset is usually better value than booking it on its own, because the setup happens once.
What are the black streaks on my roof?
Those black streaks are Gloeocapsa magma, a type of algae that feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles. It is extremely common in Austin because of our humidity. Left untreated it spreads across the roof and shortens the roof's usable life.
Will pressure washing damage my roof?
Yes. High pressure can dislodge shingles, strip the protective granules, void warranties, and force water underneath. We use soft washing, a low-pressure method, which kills the algae and moss without that damage. Soft washing is the method shingle manufacturers recommend for exactly this reason.
How often should I clean my roof in Austin?
Most Austin roofs need it every two to four years depending on shade and exposure. Roofs under heavy tree coverage, or with north-facing slopes that rarely dry out, sit at the shorter end of that.
Is roof cleaning safe for all shingle types?
Yes. Soft washing is safe for composition shingles, architectural shingles, metal, tile and cedar shake. We adjust the solution and the pressure to the material and its condition rather than treating every roof the same way.
Will roof cleaning void my shingle warranty?
Soft washing will not. High pressure voids most shingle warranties, which is why we never use it on a roof. We can provide documentation of the method used for your warranty records.
How long does it take for black streaks to disappear?
The algae dies on contact with the solution, and you will see a difference within hours as the dead growth starts to rinse away. The full result usually shows within one to two weeks, as rain washes the rest of it off.
Can roof cleaning extend the life of my roof?
Yes. Algae and moss feed on the shingle, breaking down the protective granules and speeding up deterioration. Cleaning it off stops that process, and a roof that is kept clean lasts materially longer than one that is not. Against the cost of replacing a roof in Austin, keeping it clean is the cheaper side of that decision by a wide margin.
Let us look at your roof.
Tell us what you are working with and we will build your Reset around it.
Rather talk it through? 512-883-5420