Professional Roof Cleaning in Marietta & Metro Area
See those ugly black streaks running down your roof? That's not just dirt—it's algae, and it's slowly eating away at your shingles. The good news? We can fix that.
At First Response Home Services, we use a safe, low-pressure soft wash method to remove algae, moss, and lichen from roofs across metro Atlanta. No harsh pressure that damages shingles. Just a clean roof that looks great and lasts longer. Homeowners in Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta, and throughout the Atlanta area trust us to make their roofs look new again.
Why Clean Your Roof?
A dirty roof isn't just ugly—it can actually cause real damage to your home. Here's why regular roof cleaning matters for Atlanta homeowners.
Extend Your Roof's Life
Algae and moss feed on your shingles. Over time, they break down the protective granules that keep your roof working. Cleaning removes these growths and helps your roof last years longer.
Boost Curb Appeal
Black streaks make even a newer roof look old and neglected. A clean roof instantly makes your whole house look better. Great if you're selling or just want to be proud of your home.
Lower Energy Bills
Dark algae stains absorb more heat from the Georgia sun. This makes your attic hotter and your AC work harder. A clean, lighter roof reflects heat better.
Prevent Water Damage
Moss holds moisture against your shingles like a wet sponge. This constant moisture can lead to rot, leaks, and expensive repairs down the road.
Maintain Home Value
A stained roof can knock thousands off your home's value. Buyers see a dirty roof and wonder what else is wrong. Keep your investment protected.
Meet HOA Requirements
Many neighborhoods in Atlanta have rules about roof appearance. Regular cleaning keeps you in good standing with your HOA and avoids those pesky violation letters.
What Are Those Black Streaks on Your Roof?
Those dark streaks you see on roofs all over metro Atlanta aren't dirt or tree sap. They're caused by a type of algae called Gloeocapsa magma. Don't worry—that's just its fancy science name. Most people just call it "roof algae" or "black algae."
This algae loves Georgia's warm, humid weather. It travels through the air and lands on your roof. Once it takes hold, it starts feeding on the limestone filler in your shingles. Yes, it's actually eating your roof.
The black color you see is the algae's way of protecting itself from the sun. The darker it gets, the more algae there is. Left alone, it spreads across your entire roof and speeds up wear on your shingles. The good news is that our soft wash treatment kills this algae at the root and washes it away.
Common Roof Growths in Georgia
Black Algae (Gloeocapsa Magma)
Appears as dark streaks that start near the top of your roof and run downward. Very common in humid climates.
Moss
Green, fuzzy growth that loves shady, damp areas. Often found on north-facing roof sections or under tree cover.
Lichen
Light green or gray crusty patches. It's algae and fungus growing together. Has tiny roots that dig into shingles.
Mildew
White or gray powdery coating. Usually appears in areas that stay damp and don't get much sun.
Our Roof Cleaning Process
We follow a proven, step-by-step process that gets your roof clean without causing any damage. Here's exactly what happens when you hire us.
Inspection & Prep
We start by looking at your roof to see what we're dealing with. We check for algae, moss, lichen, and any areas that need extra attention. We also protect your plants, cover anything that needs covering, and make sure your gutters are ready to handle the runoff.
Apply Cleaning Solution
We spray our biodegradable cleaning solution across your entire roof. This isn't some harsh chemical—it's a safe formula that kills algae, moss, and lichen at the root. The solution does the hard work so we don't need to use damaging high pressure.
Let It Work
The solution needs time to break down all that growth. We let it sit and do its job. You'll see the algae and moss start to change color as it dies. This is the key to getting results that last, not just surface cleaning.
Low-Pressure Rinse
We rinse your roof with a gentle, low-pressure spray. This removes the dead growth and cleaning solution without blasting away your shingle granules. No damage, no mess left behind—just a clean roof.
Final Check & Cleanup
We do a final walk-around to make sure everything looks great. We clean up our equipment, rinse off any overspray from your landscaping, and leave your property looking better than we found it.
Roof Cleaning Methods: Why We Use Soft Wash
Not all roof cleaning is the same. The method matters a lot. Here's why we use soft washing instead of pressure washing on roofs.
Soft Wash (What We Use)
- Uses low pressure—like a garden hose
- Cleaning solution kills algae at the root
- Won't damage shingles or remove granules
- Safe for all roof types
- Keeps your warranty valid
- Results last 2-5 years
- Recommended by shingle manufacturers
Pressure Washing (Risky)
- High pressure can reach 3,000+ PSI
- Only removes surface growth
- Blasts away protective granules
- Can force water under shingles
- Often voids roof warranties
- Algae grows back faster
- Can cause immediate damage
Protect Your Warranty
Most major shingle manufacturers—including Atlas, Owens Corning, and GAF—specifically recommend soft washing for roof cleaning. High-pressure washing can void your warranty. Our soft wash method keeps you covered.
Types of Roofs We Clean in Metro Atlanta
Our soft wash method works safely on all common roof types. Whatever covers your Atlanta-area home, we can clean it.
Asphalt Shingles
The most common roof type in Georgia. Our soft wash is perfect for removing algae streaks without damaging the protective granules that keep your shingles working.
Tile Roofs
Clay and concrete tile roofs are beautiful but can collect algae and moss in the grooves. We clean them gently to restore their original look.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofs can develop oxidation, algae, and mildew stains. Our cleaning brings back that clean, sharp appearance.
Flat Roofs
Commercial and residential flat roofs often grow algae and collect debris. We clean them without damaging the membrane or coating.
How Often Should You Clean Your Roof in Georgia?
Georgia's warm, humid weather makes roof algae grow faster than in other parts of the country. Here's a general guide for Atlanta-area homes.
Shaded Roofs
If your home is surrounded by trees or your roof stays shaded most of the day, you'll likely need cleaning more often.
Recommended: Every 2-3 years
Trees keep your roof cool but also drop leaves, hold moisture, and block sunlight. This creates the perfect environment for moss and algae.
Sunny Roofs
If your roof gets direct sunlight most of the day with few trees nearby, you can usually go longer between cleanings.
Recommended: Every 3-5 years
Sunlight helps dry out moisture and slow down algae growth. But even sunny roofs in metro Atlanta still get algae eventually.
Signs It's Time to Clean Your Roof
- Black streaks visible from the ground
- Green moss or fuzzy growth
- Roof looks darker than it used to
- Neighbors have cleaner-looking roofs
Will Roof Cleaning Damage My Shingles?
This is the most common question we get, and it's a good one. The short answer: not when done right.
Our soft wash method is completely safe for your shingles. We use low pressure—about the same as a garden hose—combined with a cleaning solution that does all the heavy lifting. There's no blasting, no scrubbing, and no damage to your shingles.
The reason some homeowners worry about roof cleaning is because they've heard horror stories about pressure washing. And those stories are real—high-pressure washing CAN damage roofs. It strips away the protective granules, can crack tiles, and forces water under shingles where it causes leaks.
That's exactly why we don't use pressure washing on roofs. Our soft wash method is the same approach recommended by shingle manufacturers like Atlas, Owens Corning, and GAF. It kills the algae, moss, and lichen without harming your roof.
In fact, NOT cleaning your roof is more likely to cause damage. Algae feeds on your shingles. Moss holds moisture that causes rot. Lichen digs its roots into the surface. Getting these growths off your roof actually helps it last longer.
What to Expect: Before & After Results
Roof cleaning results vary based on what's growing on your roof. Here's what most Atlanta homeowners experience.
Immediate Results
Light algae staining and most black streaks show dramatic improvement right away. Many homeowners are amazed at how different their roof looks within hours of our service.
2-4 Weeks
Heavy moss and lichen take a bit longer. Our treatment kills them, but the dead growth washes away gradually with rain. You'll notice improvement each week as nature does its work.
Long-Term
Results typically last 2-5 years depending on your roof's sun exposure and surrounding trees. Sunny roofs stay clean longer; shaded roofs may need cleaning sooner.
Want to see what we can do for your roof? Call us for a free estimate. We'll take a look at your specific situation and let you know exactly what to expect.
Call (404) 797-8115Roof Cleaning Across Metro Atlanta
We provide professional roof cleaning services throughout the Atlanta metro area. No matter where you live, if you can see black streaks on your roof, we can help.
Don't see your city listed? Give us a call at (404) 797-8115. We serve most of north Georgia and are happy to discuss your project.
Ready for a Clean Roof?
Stop letting algae eat away at your shingles. Get a free estimate for professional roof cleaning from metro Atlanta's trusted home services company.
We'll inspect your roof, explain what we find, and give you an honest quote. No pressure, no surprises—just a cleaner, better-looking roof.