Black streaks and algae gone - without pressure damage.
Soft-wash roof cleaning for shingle roofs across the Shenandoah Valley. We remove the algae streaks and biological growth that age your roof, without the high-pressure damage that shortens shingle life. Backed by our 5-Year Streak Free Warranty, transferable to new homeowners.
What this service actually is
Those dark black streaks running down your roof from the ridge? That's not dirt. It's Gloeocapsa magma, a species of algae that feeds on the limestone in modern asphalt shingles. It's alive, it's growing, and it's literally eating your roof. Worse, most Valley homes develop it on the north-facing and shaded slopes first - exactly the spots hardest to see from the ground.
Roof cleaning removes the algae, kills the growth at the root, and returns the shingles to their original color. The right method is a low-pressure soft wash - specialty cleaning solution applied at garden-hose pressure, not a high-pressure blast. High pressure tears shingle granules off the surface and shortens the life of the roof dramatically. Soft washing is the manufacturer-recommended method for exactly this reason.
A properly soft-washed shingle roof can look like a new roof from the street. More importantly, you've extended the life of your roof by 5 to 10 years - turning a 30-year shingle into a 40-year shingle and putting thousands of dollars back in your pocket. Manufacturers recommend two roof cleanings in a shingle's lifecycle - around 12 to 15 years in and again around 25 years - and as long as there are no leaks, proper soft washing can significantly extend the roof's serviceable life.
Insurance companies have also been cracking down on roofs, requiring them to be cleaned properly to maintain coverage with the carrier. Many of our customers come to us after their insurance company flags their roof - don't wait for that call. The dark streaks aren't just stains. It's mold, mildew, algae, and lichen that will cause leaks if left untreated. Stay ahead of the problem and protect your investment.
What's included
Every job comes with a clear, specific scope - no vague “we'll clean” promises. Here's exactly what a standard roof cleaning job covers:
- Roof assessment before treatment
- Specialty soft-wash solution applied at low pressure
- Coverage of all visible shingle surfaces
- Algae, moss, and lichen killed at the root
- Controlled rinse (or dwell-and-rain-rinse method)
- Gutters and downspouts flushed after (if bundled)
- Plant and landscape protection during application
- Walk-around with you before and after
- 5-Year Streak Free Warranty included (transferable)
Need something added? Just ask when we walk through before we start. Every job is customized to your home.
How it works - from the first call to the walk-through
Four steps from booking to done. No surprises, no upsell pressure, no “that'll be extra” on your way out the door.
Quote from a photo or a walk-around
Roof cleaning pricing is based on square footage and the severity of the algae growth. We can quote from a photo or a quick walk-around of the house.
Safe application, protected landscape
We pre-wet landscaping near the house before applying the cleaning solution, and we work on calm, dry days so the solution stays where it's applied.
Soft-wash application
Low-pressure application of the soft-wash solution across every shingle surface. No high-pressure anything - that's what damages roofs.
Results develop over days
Some staining lifts immediately; most continues to fade over the days following the treatment as the solution finishes killing the growth. Full results are usually visible within a week.
Why Valley neighbors choose Lambert for this
Every cleaning company in the Valley claims to care about quality. Here's what actually makes our approach to roof cleaning different:
5-Year Streak Free Warranty
Every Lambert roof cleaning comes with our 5-Year Streak Free Warranty. If the streaks come back within five years, we come back. The warranty is also transferable to new homeowners if you sell the property, which is a genuine selling point for real estate transactions.
Manufacturer-recommended method
Shingle manufacturers (and ARMA, the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association) specifically recommend soft washing as the correct approach. High-pressure cleaning voids most shingle warranties and shortens the life of the roof.
Kills the growth at the root
Pressure washing just blasts away the surface. Soft washing actually kills the algae, so the clean stays clean for years - not months.
Natural pairing with house and gutters
Most customers book roof cleaning with soft washing the siding and cleaning the gutters. Same day, same visit, complete exterior refresh. No other Valley cleaning company covers all three.
No ladder damage to your landscaping
We use proper roof-cleaning equipment, not just a long ladder and a pressure washer. Our technique doesn't require walking the roof (safer for the technician) and doesn't damage the shingles or the plants underneath.
The difference, before and after
Photos from real Valley homes are on their way. For now, here's what to expect: a visible, photograph-worthy improvement that your neighbors will notice.
Real before photos from Valley homes we've cleaned - coming soon.
Real after photos showing what Lambert's work looks like in practice.
Questions we get asked a lot
What does the 5-Year Streak Free Warranty cover?
If the black streaks or algae return within five years of our roof cleaning, we come back and re-treat at no charge. The warranty is also transferable - if you sell the home, the warranty transfers to the new owner. This is a genuine differentiator that no other Valley roof cleaning company offers.
Will soft washing damage my shingles?
No - soft washing is specifically the method shingle manufacturers recommend. It's a chemical clean applied at low pressure, not a high-pressure blast. High-pressure washing shingles is what damages roofs; our approach is the safe alternative.
Are those black streaks really algae?
Yes. Gloeocapsa magma is a species of algae that eats the limestone filler in modern asphalt shingles. It's alive, it's growing, and it's literally consuming your roof. The streaks are most visible on north-facing and shaded slopes where the algae thrives.
How long does roof cleaning last?
Soft-wash roof cleanings typically last 3 to 5 years before meaningful regrowth is visible. Some Valley homes get longer; homes under heavy tree cover with lots of shade may see earlier regrowth. Either way, it's dramatically longer-lasting than high-pressure cleaning.
Is the cleaning solution safe for my plants?
With proper precautions, yes. We pre-wet landscaping before applying anything, and we rinse thoroughly afterward. Our applicators are trained to handle the solution safely around ornamentals.
Do I need to be home?
Not necessarily - roof work happens entirely outside. As long as we have access to the home from the exterior and the ability to reach an outdoor water spigot, we can do the job while you're at work or away.
Do you clean the gutters too?
Yes. Exterior gutter cleaning is included as part of our soft washing service. When we soft wash your home and roof, the gutters get cleaned as part of the same visit.
Serving homes and businesses across the central Shenandoah Valley
We come to you - from our Staunton headquarters, our teams reach every corner of the central Valley. That includes Staunton, Waynesboro, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Charlottesville, Fishersville, and every town between, plus Augusta, Rockingham, Rockbridge, and Albemarle, and Nelson counties.
Ready to book?
A free quote takes sixty seconds. Tell us what you need, and we'll take it from there.
Black streaks on your roof?
Get a free roof cleaning quote with our 5-Year Streak Free Warranty included. Bundle with soft washing the house and cleaning the gutters for the complete exterior refresh.