
If you’ve noticed dark, vertical streaks running down your roof, you aren't looking at "dirt" or "soot." You are looking at a living organism called Gloeocapsa Magma, a hardy type of algae that thrives in the moisture-rich environment of Eastern Tennessee. This algae isn’t just an eyesore; it’s a parasite. It feeds on the limestone filler used in modern asphalt shingles, literally eating away at your roof's structural integrity day by day. If left untreated, these streaks turn into thick moss and lichen colonies that can lift shingles and cause premature leaks.
Many people think the solution is to climb up there with a pressure washer and blast the stains away. However, doing so is the fastest way to ruin a roof. High pressure strips away the protective ceramic granules that reflect UV rays and protect the asphalt. In fact, most roofing manufacturers will actually void your warranty if they discover the shingles were pressure washed. Skinner Cleaning LLC follows the gold standard of the industry by using the soft wash method, which is the only cleaning process recommended by the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA).

Beyond the obvious aesthetic improvement, a clean roof can actually save you money on your monthly utility bills. When your roof is covered in black algae, it loses its ability to reflect sunlight. Instead, the dark patches absorb heat like a sponge, baking your attic and forcing your air conditioning unit to work overtime during our hot Tennessee summers. A clean, light-colored roof stays much cooler, reducing the strain on your HVAC system and putting money back in your pocket over time.
Investing in a professional roof wash is a fraction of the cost of a full roof replacement. We see so many homeowners replace their roofs years earlier than necessary simply because they looked "old" or "dirty," when a thorough cleaning would have added another decade of life to the shingles. We handle the heights and the ladders so you don’t have to, providing a safe, effective service that protects your biggest investment from the top down.