Roof Cleaning in Keswick, VA

Your Roof's Black Streaks Are Gone

Professional soft wash roof cleaning that removes algae and extends your roof’s life—without voiding your warranty.

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Professional Roof Washing Keswick

What Clean Roofs Actually Do
Your roof looks new again. Those embarrassing black streaks disappear completely, and your home’s curb appeal returns to what it was when you first moved in. But here’s what most people don’t realize: cleaning your roof isn’t just cosmetic. Gloeocapsa magma algae feeds off limestone granules in your shingles, decreasing your roof’s ability to reflect UV rays and shortening its lifespan. When we remove it properly, your roof actually lasts longer. You might even notice lower electric bills since algae-covered roofs absorb more heat, making your attic hotter and your AC work harder. A clean roof reflects heat instead of trapping it.

Keswick Roof Cleaning Experts

Why Keswick Trusts Blue Ridge
We’ve been serving Central Virginia for over 14 years, establishing ourselves as the premier pressure washing and soft washing company in the region since 2010. We’re Central Virginia’s only full-time roof cleaning company. Virginia roofs face unique challenges with algae like gloeocapsa magma, which creates those dark green and black stains that spread across shingles. We’ve seen this problem in neighborhoods throughout Keswick and Albemarle County, and we know exactly how to handle it. Our team brings certifications from industry leaders like Spray Wash Pro, Spray Wash Academy, and the National Soft Wash Alliance. But what really sets us apart is our commitment to old-fashioned values—you’ll always get a real person on the phone, clear communication from our crew, and honest, upfront service.

Soft Wash Roof Cleaning Process

How We Clean Your Roof Safely
We start with a thorough inspection of your roof to identify the type and extent of algae growth. Most Keswick homes deal with gloeocapsa magma, the bacteria that creates those black streaks you see spreading down from your roof line. Our low-pressure soft wash system applies specially formulated cleaning solutions that kill algae at the root without the damage caused by high-pressure methods that can void your warranty. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association specifically recommends non-pressure, chemical cleaning methods for shingle roofs. The cleaning solution does the work—not brute force. We let it dwell on the surface to break down the algae, then rinse everything away with low pressure. This process not only removes existing growth but prevents further algae development for 1-3 years. Your roof comes out looking like new, and the protective granules stay right where they belong.

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Roof Cleaning Services Keswick

What's Included in Professional Cleaning
Every roof cleaning includes complete algae and stain removal using manufacturer-approved methods. We clean all roof surfaces, including areas around chimneys, vents, and gutters where algae typically starts growing. Living in Keswick, you’re familiar with the beautiful red clay soil that’s characteristic of this area, but it can also contribute to staining on your home’s exterior surfaces. We address these local challenges with cleaning solutions designed for Virginia’s specific environmental conditions. We also inspect your roof during the cleaning process, looking for any potential issues like loose or damaged shingles. If we spot anything concerning, we’ll point it out—no surprise repair bills or hidden agendas. Our goal is to help you maintain your roof properly and avoid expensive problems down the road.

How long does roof cleaning last in Keswick, VA?

Professional soft wash roof cleaning typically prevents algae regrowth for 1-3 years, depending on environmental factors like shade, humidity, and nearby trees. Most professionals recommend annual cleaning to catch problems early and prevent mold, moss, and algae from forming. In Keswick’s climate, homes with more shade or tree coverage might see algae return sooner than homes in full sun. North-facing roof sections often develop algae first because they stay in shade longer, allowing moisture to accumulate. We can give you a more specific timeline based on your roof’s orientation and surroundings during our initial inspection.
Yes, high-pressure washing systems are likely to damage asphalt roofing and should not be used to remove algae or for any other cleaning purpose. Improper use of pressure washers works like a hailstorm, removing protective granules from shingles and often voiding the roof’s warranty. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association specifically recommends non-pressure, chemical cleaning methods for shingle roofs. That’s exactly what we use—our soft wash system applies cleaning solutions at low pressure, letting chemistry do the work instead of force. This approach removes algae completely while keeping your warranty intact and your shingles undamaged.
Those black streaks are caused by gloeocapsa magma, a type of algae that forms a protective dark-colored outer coating to shield itself from UV rays. The algae spores are airborne and spread quickly from rooftop to rooftop in neighborhoods. Modern asphalt shingles contain fillers like fiberglass and limestone that actually encourage algae growth, unlike older shingles that were made primarily of asphalt and felt. The bacteria accumulates over time as it feeds on moisture and calcium carbonate, eventually breaking down the limestone granules embedded in your shingles. Once you see the stains, they’ll continue getting worse each year until professionally treated.
Professional roof cleaning averages around $550, while roof replacement ranges from $5,000 to $14,000—making cleaning a fraction of the replacement cost. Most homeowners can expect to pay between $300 and $600 for professional roof cleaning, depending on roof size and complexity. By educating customers about gloeocapsa magma, we help them understand that spending a few hundred dollars on cleaning saves several thousand dollars in premature replacement costs. Untreated algae buildup leads to earlier roof replacements, lowered property values, and some insurance companies even cancel policies on severely stained roofs. Regular cleaning is preventive maintenance that protects your investment.
DIY roof cleaning is not advisable because it can lead to hazardous falls, scrapes, and burns, making it a dangerous project. According to the CDC, around 165,000 Americans require medical attention for ladder-related falls each year, and 97% of those accidents occur at home. Using the wrong cleaning solution or method could damage your roof, and some DIY roof cleaning products actually speed up roof deterioration. Professional cleaners have the right chemicals, tools, and safety equipment to complete the job without risking injury or roof damage. We often clean roofs from the ground using specialized equipment, but when ladder work is necessary, we have the training and safety gear to do it properly.
Professional roof cleaning should be done annually on average to catch problems before they become extensive and help prevent mold, moss, and algae from forming. Because algae spreads by wind, annual roof care and prevention is needed to prevent colonies from regrowing to the point of being visible. Virginia’s humid climate creates ideal conditions for algae growth, especially during hot summers. Coastal, warm, and humid climates create the friendliest environments for algae growth, and even areas with cold winters still have problems with roof streaks because of hot, humid summers. In Keswick, we typically recommend annual cleaning for most homes, though properties with heavy tree coverage or north-facing sections might benefit from more frequent attention.