Roof and house washing: restoring your curb appeal safely

Don't let algae and grime age your home prematurely.

In coastal North Carolina, high humidity and heat create the perfect breeding ground for organic growth. You have probably noticed unsightly black streaks on roofs or green mold growing on the north side of houses throughout Jacksonville and New Bern. This is not just dirt. It is a living organism called Gloeocapsa Magma, a type of algae that feeds on the limestone filler in your shingles. Over time, this buildup does more than just look bad; it traps heat, increases your cooling bills, and can shorten the lifespan of your roofing materials.

Smith Roofing and Restoration provides specialized exterior cleaning services to remove this buildup safely. We do not blast your home with high pressure water which can damage siding, blow out window seals, and strip granules off your shingles. Instead, we use a technique called soft washing. This method uses low pressure water combined with specialized cleaning solutions to kill the algae and mold at the root, leaving your home looking fresh and new without the risk of damage.

The difference between soft washing and pressure washing

Understanding the difference is vital for protecting your property. Pressure washing relies on the sheer force of water to blast dirt away. While this is great for concrete driveways, it is terrible for your roof and siding. High pressure can force water behind your vinyl siding leading to mold in your walls, and it can tear up the surface of your shingles, voiding your roof warranty.

Soft washing is different. It relies on chemistry rather than force. We apply a biodegradable cleaning solution that breaks down dirt, kills mold spores, and dissolves algae. The water pressure we use to rinse it off is about the same as a garden hose. This ensures your home gets a deep clean that lasts longer because we are actually killing the organism causing the stain, not just blasting off the surface layer.

Roof washing services

Those black streaks on your roof are making your home look older than it is. Our roof washing service restores the original color of your shingles. This is a fraction of the cost of a roof replacement and can add years to the life of your roof by removing moss and lichen that lift shingles and cause leaks.

Safe for shingles. We follow the cleaning guidelines recommended by major shingle manufacturers like GAF and Owens Corning. We never use pressure washers on asphalt shingles.

Instant results. You will see the difference immediately. As soon as we rinse the roof, the black streaks are gone and your home looks brighter.

Preventative maintenance. Regular washing prevents moss from taking root. Moss has a root system that digs into the shingle and can cause permanent damage if left unchecked.

House washing and surface cleaning

We clean more than just roofs. Our house washing service covers your siding, soffits, fascia, and gutters. We remove the green algae, salt spray residue, and spider webs that accumulate over the seasons. For durable surfaces like concrete driveways, walkways, and brick patios, we do utilize professional surface cleaners with appropriate pressure to lift oil stains, tire marks, and embedded dirt. This comprehensive approach ensures your entire property looks well maintained.

Get a free cleaning quote

Questions and answers

Common washing questions

Here are answers to the questions we frequently hear about our exterior cleaning methods.

Yes, high pressure will damage asphalt shingles by stripping away the protective granules. That is why we strictly use soft washing for roofs. It is the only method approved by roofing manufacturers and it cleans without causing any granular loss.
Yes. We take great care to protect your landscaping. We wet down all plants around the house before, during, and after the cleaning process. This dilutes any runoff so it does not harm your grass or flowers. We also bag downpipes to catch runoff if necessary.
Rust stains typically require a different chemical treatment than organic growth like mold or algae. We can remove rust stains from siding and concrete, but please let us know in advance so we can bring the specific products needed for that job.
We recommend keeping pets inside while we are spraying and until the surfaces are dry. Once the solution has been rinsed and dried, it is perfectly safe for your pets to be in the yard again.

In our coastal environment, we recommend washing your house every one to two years. Houses closer to the water or with heavy tree coverage may need it annually to prevent salt buildup and mold growth.
Eventually, yes. The algae is airborne so it will return over time. However, our soft wash treatment kills the spores completely so it typically takes a few years for the streaks to reappear, unlike pressure washing which leaves spores behind to grow back quickly.
No. As long as we have access to an exterior water spigot and you have closed all windows and moved cars out of the driveway, we can complete the job while you are at work. We will send you photos when we are done.
Yes. Algae and moss trap moisture against the shingles which can cause them to deteriorate prematurely. Moss specifically can lift shingles and break seals. Keeping the roof clean allows it to function properly and dry out as intended.