Those black streaks on your roof are not dirt. They are a living organism, and they are shortening the life of your shingles.
Gloeocapsa magma — the algae responsible for the dark streaking common on roofs across the Pocono lake communities — feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles. Left alone, it deteriorates the shingle surface, causes granule loss, and creates conditions where moss and lichen can take hold. Moss and lichen root into shingles and lift them. Once that happens, leaks follow.
Connor Cox removes roof algae, moss, and lichen using soft washing — low-pressure chemical treatment that kills the growth at the root without the pressure that cracks, chips, or lifts shingles. Call or text: (570) 599-1877.
What Soft Washing Does That a Power Washer Does Not
The roof cleaning debate is not complicated. High-pressure washing blasts the surface clean but does three things in the process: it removes shingle granules (the protective layer that gives shingles their UV resistance), it can force water under shingle overlaps and into the decking, and it voids most manufacturer warranties, which specify that roofs must be cleaned at low pressure.
Soft washing treats the problem chemically. A sodium hypochlorite-based solution at the correct dilution for your roof's surface is applied at low pressure. The solution kills the algae, moss, and lichen cells. The dead growth rinses away or breaks down over the days following the wash. The shingles are not stressed. The granule layer is intact. Manufacturer warranty requirements are respected.
Connor's Facebook posts say it plainly: "Severe organic growth on your roof can cause a variety of issues. Moss, lichens and algae can deteriorate your shingles causing leaks and reducing their lifespan by years. Don't wait until it's too late."
He means that. It's not an alarm to generate a call — it's the reason the service exists.
What Roof Soft Washing Covers
- Asphalt shingles — the most common roof material in Pocono lake homes, and the most affected by algae streaking
- Cedar shake roofs — require specific dilution rates and low pressure to avoid raising the grain
- Flat and low-slope roofing surfaces — TPO, rubber, and modified bitumen where organic growth pools after rain
Ridge caps, valleys, and flashing perimeters get full attention — not just the visible field.
After the wash, it is normal for some residual discoloration to linger for a few days. The neutralized growth takes time to dissipate. By week two, the difference is clear.
How Often Does a Pocono Roof Need Washing?
The Pocono Lake corridor has specific conditions that accelerate growth: heavy tree canopy over many roofs, high annual humidity from proximity to the lakes, and warm-wet summers. Most roofs in this corridor need washing every two to three years under normal conditions. North-facing slopes under tree cover can need attention annually.
If you can see black streaks or green patches from the driveway, growth has already established itself well enough to be causing shingle wear. That is the time to call.
Protecting Your Plants and Landscaping
A common question: will the cleaning solution damage my plants? Connor pre-soaks and post-rinses landscaping around the foundation before and after every roof wash. The dilution rates used in soft washing are specifically calibrated to be effective on biological growth without burning established plants when handled correctly. Connor takes the precaution on every job, not when asked.
Serving Roof Washing Across the Lake Communities
Pocono Lake, Arrowhead Lake, Locust Lakes Village, Pocono Pines, Blakeslee, Tobyhanna, Coolbaugh Township, Long Pond, Lake Naomi Estates, Albrightsville, and Lake Harmony.
Get a Free Roof Estimate
Call or text Connor: (570) 599-1877
He'll tell you what he's seeing on your roof — honestly, whether it needs washing now or has another season in it — and give you a real estimate. No obligation.
Soft Wash Exteriors of Pocono Lake — licensed and insured, owner-operated, 5-star rated on Google.
