Soft wash roof cleaning on a Cincinnati home

Roof Cleaning In Cincinnati, OH To Remove Black Streaks And Roof Algae Safely

Those dark streaks running down your roof are not dirt, they are algae. Our Cincinnati soft wash roof cleaning removes them without the high pressure that can damage shingles.

Learn More About This Service

Soft Wash Roof Cleaning For Cincinnati Homes


The black streaks and stains on so many Cincinnati roofs come from a hardy blue-green algae called Gloeocapsa magma. It feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles and spreads fastest on shaded, north-facing slopes where our humid Ohio River Valley summers keep the surface damp.

Left alone, that algae, along with the moss and lichen common on heavily shaded roofs, holds moisture against the shingles, can shorten roof life, and drags down the look of the whole house. Most shingle manufacturers call for low-pressure, solution-based cleaning rather than pressure washing, which can strip protective granules.

Our roof cleaning uses a soft wash approach. We apply the right cleaning solution to treat the algae, moss, and lichen at the source, then let it rinse clean. No blasting your shingles with high pressure, just a safe, manufacturer-friendly method that restores a clean roof.

Why Cincinnati Homeowners Get Their Roof Cleaned


  • Removes Black Streaks At The Source

    Soft washing treats the Gloeocapsa magma algae causing the streaks rather than just rinsing the surface, so the roof stays cleaner far longer.

  • Protects Your Shingles

    Low-pressure cleaning follows the method most shingle makers recommend, avoiding the granule loss that high pressure can cause.

  • Helps Your Roof Last

    Clearing algae, moss, and lichen removes growth that traps moisture against the roof and works into shingle edges over time.

  • Instantly Lifts Curb Appeal

    A clean, streak-free roof is one of the biggest visual upgrades you can make to a home, especially from the street.

Our Roof Cleaning Process

Step 1

Roof And Property Assessment

We look over the roof slopes, identify algae, moss, and lichen, and protect plants, landscaping, and the surfaces below before we begin.

Step 2

Low-Pressure Soft Wash

We apply a roof-safe cleaning solution that breaks down algae, moss, and lichen without putting high pressure on the shingles.

Step 3

Treat At The Source

The solution is given time to work through the growth so it is treated at the root, not just rinsed off the top.

Step 4

Gentle Rinse And Final Check

We rinse appropriately for the roof type and review the slopes, gutters, and surrounding areas to leave everything clean.

Roof Cleaning FAQs


  • Why does my Cincinnati roof have black streaks?

    Those streaks are a blue-green algae called Gloeocapsa magma. It thrives in Cincinnati humidity and spreads on shaded, north-facing slopes, feeding on the limestone in asphalt shingles.

  • Is roof cleaning safe for my shingles?

    Yes. We use a low-pressure soft wash method rather than pressure washing, which is the approach most shingle manufacturers recommend so the protective granules are not stripped from the shingles.

  • How long until the streaks come back?

    Because soft washing treats the algae at the source, results last far longer than a surface rinse. How long depends on shade and tree cover, and periodic maintenance cleaning keeps it looking its best.

  • Can you treat moss and lichen too?

    Yes. Heavily shaded Cincinnati roofs often grow moss and lichen along with algae, and our soft wash process is designed to treat all three.

Customer Reviews

Real customer reviews. Results you can trust.

Jillian Kuethe profile picture

Jillian Kuethe

Google

"Jason did great work on our home's driveway and front walkway. I didn't even notice just how dark some spots had gotten, especially our front steps, until he pressure washed them. I was amazed at the before and after! They look so much better now!"

Jim Jacobs profile picture

Jim Jacobs

Google

"Jason replied promptly with a competitive estimate immediately after I reached out to him. He was able to fit me in his schedule the next day. He did a great job cleaning the dirt and algae off my brick patio. I will reach out to him with future needs and highly recommend him."

John Hutten profile picture

John Hutten

Google

"Jason did a great job with the pressure washing of my house. He first contacted me about a month ago. (I think I had clicked Angi's List or something similar.) But anyway, when he first called me, I told him I work in taxation and would not have time to think about projects until after tax season was over, and to call me after April 17. And... unlike just about every other service provider - who would call me daily... Jason called me on April 18. And we went back and forth for a few days - mostly me asking questions... until we agreed he would pressure wash the house, patio, and driveway. And then he was available within that week! And stayed a bit longer to be sure everything was done right. Plus... he's the OWNER and started the business himself - not just someone who bought a franchise. (which is important to me - I like to support local business, even more so if it's an entrepreneur and not a franchisee.) And every time I pull into my driveway, I smile"

Noah Ferro profile picture

Noah Ferro

Google

"We had a great experience with Jason at Clear Exterior! Scheduling was easy, and he did a thorough and professional job at an affordable price. He got our siding and our concrete looking fresh again. Highly recommended if you need some pressure washing done!"

Rhondalyn Bomkamp profile picture

Rhondalyn Bomkamp

Google

"Jason did an awesome job on our large driveway - it's never looked so clean. It was easy to schedule with him and he was prompt to the appointment. I would highly recommend him (Clear Exteriors, LLC)"

Submitting your request...

Get Your Free Estimate

Call, text, or fill out the form. We will respond shortly.

Fully insured • Free estimates • No obligation

(513) 402-2112

Please enter your name.
Please enter your phone number or email address.
Please enter a valid email address.
Please enter a valid address. (select from list)
Upload images of the area needing service.

Satisfaction guaranteed — if something isn't right, we'll make it right.

Serving Cincinnati and Nearby Communities

We help homeowners across the Cincinnati area keep exterior surfaces clean, safe, and well maintained.

Service Area Map

Based in Cincinnati, we serve homeowners across Cincinnati and nearby communities.

Madeira

Montgomery

Blue Ash

Loveland

Mason

West Chester

Liberty Township

Hyde Park

Pleasant Ridge

Sharonville

Milford

Batavia