May- What We are Seeing
Why Is My Roof Turning Black? The Real Story Behind Those Streaks (and How Ducky Fixes Them)
Spring and summer in Virginia bring plenty of sunshine, blooming gardens, and—if you look up—some not-so-pretty black streaks across rooftops. If your asphalt shingles are suddenly sporting dark stains, you’re not alone. We’re seeing it all over town, and it’s not just a cosmetic issue. It’s a sign your roof has become the perfect hangout spot for algae and moss.
At Ducky Power Wash, we’re all about keeping your home looking great and lasting longer. So let’s break down what’s going on up there, why it matters, and how we make it right.
The Trouble with Streaks: What’s Really Growing on Your Roof?
Those black streaks are actually a type of algae, Gloeocapsa magma, that thrives in warm, humid environments like ours. It feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles and retains moisture, which weakens your shingles over time. The algae forms colonies and spreads fast, especially as the weather heats up.
Even worse, that retained moisture can lead to moss growth. Moss is bulkier and holds even more water, which accelerates shingle deterioration and creates the perfect storm for roof damage and leaks.
So while it might just look like a streak here and there, what you’re seeing is really a slow, quiet threat to your roof’s longevity.
The Ducky Way: Our No-Pressure Roof Cleaning Process
We handle roof cleaning the gentle but thorough way. First, we generously apply a specially formulated treatment designed to kill algae, mold, and moss at the source. This isn’t a quick splash-and-dash job, we apply enough to penetrate deep into the growth and give it a proper eviction notice.
While the solution goes to work, we take care to rinse away any runoff from your siding, windows, and landscaping. Your home deserves the full treatment, not collateral messes.
Then comes our favorite part: letting nature pitch in. Sunshine helps activate the treatment, so we leave the product to dwell and let the heat do its magic. About a week later, we return to inspect your roof. If we see any lingering growth (some roofs are more stubborn than others), we’ll schedule a free follow-up treatment. You won’t pay a penny more.
Why Roof Cleaning Matters (More Than You Think)
Regular roof cleaning isn’t just about looks, though a streak-free roof definitely gives your home a clean, cared-for appearance. More importantly, it helps extend the life of your shingles by preventing premature wear and tear.
It also protects other parts of your home like your gutters and trim, which algae love to cling to and stain. Left unchecked, algae and moss can seep into the paint and metal, causing staining, corrosion, and even structural damage over time.
In short, roof cleaning is one of the easiest ways to protect your home’s value—especially when it’s done the Ducky way.
