When you look up at your home, what’s the first thing you notice? For many homeowners in the Cape Fear region, it isn’t the landscaping or the front door—it’s those unsightly dark streaks running down the roof. Recently, Tidewater Pro Wash headed out to a beautiful residence in the 28412 zip code to tackle a roof that was losing its luster to stubborn organic growth.
While these stains are often mistaken for dirt or soot, they are actually a living organism. If left untreated, they don’t just hurt your curb appeal; they can actually shorten the lifespan of your shingles. Here’s how we helped this Wilmington neighbor restore their roof to its original beauty in just one afternoon.
[Roof Cleaning in Wilmington] Project Overview
The homeowner reached out to us because they were concerned about the “black streaks” that had begun to take over their roof. Like most homes in the 28412 area, this property is subject to high humidity and coastal moisture—the perfect breeding ground for Gloeocapsa Magma.
The Problem: More Than Just an Eyesore
- The Infamous Dark Streaks: The roof was covered in heavy, vertical black stains. This type of hardy algae feeds on the limestone filler used in modern asphalt shingles.
- Heat Retention: Beyond the look, a stained roof absorbs more heat. Those dark patches act like a sponge for the North Carolina sun, driving up cooling costs during our hot summers.
- Reduced Property Value: The roof is one of the largest surface areas of your home. These stains made the entire property look aged and neglected, despite the rest of the house being well-maintained.
The homeowner wanted a solution that was effective but, more importantly, safe. They knew that high-pressure water and shingles don’t mix, which is why they called the experts at Tidewater Pro Wash for professional roof washing in Wilmington.
Our Cleaning Process: The Safe & Scientific Way
When it comes to roof cleaning in Wilmington, the method is just as important as the result. At Tidewater Pro Wash, we strictly follow the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) guidelines to ensure your warranty remains intact and your shingles stay damage-free.
1. Protection First
Before a single drop of cleaner was sprayed, we set up our ladder stabilizers. These are crucial because they allow us to access the roofline without the ladder ever actually touching (and potentially bending or scratching) your gutters. We also take great care to pre-wet and protect the surrounding landscaping to ensure your plants stay healthy throughout the process.
2. The Low-Pressure Soft Wash
We never use high pressure on a roof. Pressure washers can strip away the protective granules from your shingles, leading to premature leaks. Instead, we utilized our professional-grade soft wash roof pump.
This system allows us to apply a specialized, biodegradable detergent at a pressure no stronger than a garden hose. This solution does two things:
- It instantly breaks down the dark algae streaks.
- It kills the algae at the root (the spores) to ensure the stains don’t return a few months later.
3. Immediate Results
The beauty of our soft wash process is the speed of the transformation. As our detergents work, you can literally watch the stains disappear. Because we use professional-grade equipment, we can achieve a uniform clean across the entire roof surface, including those hard-to-reach peaks and valleys.
If you’re interested in how we handle other parts of the home, feel free to explore our house washing in Wilmington services.
Final Results: A Roof That Looks Brand New
The results for this 28412 project were immediate and dramatic. By the time we finished the final rinse, every single dark streak had been eliminated. The homeowner was stunned—the roof went from looking like it needed a total replacement to looking brand new in just a matter of hours.
Why This Matters for You:
- Same-Day Results: No waiting for rain to wash the “dead” algae away. Our process leaves the roof clean the moment we leave.
- Extended Shingle Life: By removing the algae, we’ve stopped the organism from eating away at the shingle integrity.
- Enhanced Curb Appeal: The home’s aesthetic was instantly refreshed, making it the cleanest house on the block.
Whether you are dealing with a few streaks or a fully darkened roof, Tidewater Pro Wash is your reliable local partner for roof cleaning in Wilmington. Check out our blog post on why soft washing is the only way to clean a roof to learn more about the science behind our work.
Is Your Roof Streaky? Get a Free Quote Today!
Don’t let algae damage your shingles and drive up your energy bills. If you live in Wilmington, Leland, or the surrounding areas, let us provide the professional care your home deserves.
Contact us today for a FREE, no-obligation quote!
Tidewater Pro Wash Wilmington, NC 📞 (910) 756-1385 🌐 Visit us online: https://tidewaterprowash.com/ 👍 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChooseTidewater/ ⭐ Read our Google reviews: https://maps.app.goo.gl/thkxhDofoK8VCCaq6
