As the heart of the Lowcountry, the Greater Bluffton, SC area (including Hilton Head Island) is a vibrant community full of amazing history and great neighborhoods. From tropical palm trees to the bright colors of a seaside town, driving thru these neighborhoods, it’s easy to get the sense that we live near the sea. However, the warm, moist environment that we love creates a unique situation that can be tough on the roof of each and every home here in Bluffton and Hilton Head. It’s something you have seen, and may even have on your roof, but have never taken the time to think about what it is. We are talking about black streaks – the kind that starts at the spine of your roof and extends down to the drip edge. These black streaks are really a cry for help from your roof and are a surefire sign that you should call the roof cleaning experts at Lighthouse Softwash.

What Are Those Black Streaks On Your Roof?

First, let us tell you what they are not. Some homeowners think that these black streaks are the result of mineral runoff that gets deposited by rain as it falls and travels over your shingles. Unfortunately, that is just not the case. Black streaks on your roof represent a very real threat to both your home and your wallet. Gloeocapsa Magma, remember that name. It’s the name of the bacteria that has invaded your roof. This uninvited houseguest is a prevalent problem along the eastern seaboard of South Carolina. Carried about by the wind, these bacteria thrive on two things – moisture and limestone, both of which it can find on your asphalt shingles. The filler material that makes up modern shingles is filled with minerals like limestone, which these bacteria voraciously feed on. Once established, Gloeocapsa Magma does what any good bacteria does, it spreads. This is the reason that what started out as a small black patch on the side of your roof has become large streaks extending over most of your home.

How They Hurt Your Roof (And You!)

By consuming parts of your shingles, black streaks weaken the water-repelling ability of your shingles, making them brittle and full of tiny holes where the root systems have taken hold. Over time, these black streaks can lead to serious problems such as roof leaks, which require a very expensive roof replacement. But along the way, black streaks can hurt your wallet in another way. As a color, black absorbs heat from the sun. The more surface area of your roof that is covered by these black streaks, the hotter the air in your attic will be, which leads to a significant increase in energy costs as your a/c unit has to work harder and harder to cool your home!

Our Soft Wash Roof Cleaning Solution

So, how do you get rid of these black streaks from your roof? Shingles, especially asphalt shingles, were never meant to absorb the intense pressures that are associated with traditional pressure washing techniques. Never let anyone on your roof who claims they can “safely” pressure wash your roof. It will lead to very expensive damage to your shingles and force water into your roof.

At Lighthouse Softwash, we offer a superior way to clean your roof, called soft wash roof cleaning. Our expert technicians combine specially formulated cleansers with water at very low pressure to kill 100% of the bacteria that cause black streaks. Then, our gentle, low pressure water rinse clears your roof of any contaminants, debris, and dirt. Our roof cleaning process leaves behind a rejuvenated roof that adds to the curb appeal of your home and is ready to protect your family from the elements for years to come!

Bluffton’s Roof Cleaning Experts

At Lighthouse Softwash, we operate under one guiding principle – deliver the best results, period. Your roof is one of the most important structures on your home, and you can’t afford to trust its care to anyone else other than our experienced soft wash roof cleaning experts. With our state-of-the-art cleaning technology and dedication to your satisfaction, your roof will be black-streak free and fully functional for years to come!