Black streaks on the roof and dark patches on the driveway can change how your whole home looks. For homeowners in Washington Township, Gloucester County, NJ, those two surfaces call for two different cleaning methods. Diamond Roof Cleaning soft washes asphalt shingles and saves pressure washing for hard surfaces that can take it. The goal is straightforward: treat the buildup with the right cleaning agents and equipment while taking care of your property.

What causes black streaks on asphalt shingles?

Those black streaks come from a type of bacteria (Gloeocapsa magma), commonly referred to as blue-green algae. They aren’t loose dirt that a quick spray will wash away. South Jersey humidity plays a part, and shaded roof sections or slopes that stay damp tend to show streaks first.

The streaks may stand out most on one side of your roof. That doesn’t mean the darker section needs a stronger blast of water. High pressure on asphalt shingles can loosen protective granules and force water underneath them, so Diamond never pressure washes roofs or house siding.

Our soft wash roof cleaning service uses low pressure and a roof-safe cleaning solution to treat the buildup. If you also see moss, mention it when you ask for an estimate. Moss is treated too, but it can take up to six months to release, so don’t expect it to disappear the same day.

What happens during a roof cleaning?

Knowing what to expect makes scheduling easier for Washington Township homeowners. The lead tech introduces himself and explains the work before getting started. Ladders go on the gutter line with a ladder standoff to protect the gutters.

The crew clears debris from the roof and gutters and checks for concerns such as leaking pipe collars, nail pops or ridge problems. If something turns up, you hear about it before the work goes ahead. Plants and landscaping below are protected while the roof is cleaned.

Next comes the roof-safe solution, applied at low pressure. It gets time to work before a careful, low-pressure rinse. This is a job worth handing to professionals: a trained crew brings the right equipment and cleaning agents, saves you the time, and lowers the risk of damage that comes with a DIY attempt.

Which outdoor surfaces can be pressure washed?

Concrete needs a different approach from shingles. Driveways, garage aprons, sidewalks and walkways collect dirt and organic buildup. Algae and grime can also make concrete slippery when wet, so cleaning it is about more than looks.

Our driveway and concrete pressure washing covers several hard surfaces around the home:

• Driveways and garage aprons
• Sidewalks and connecting walkways
• Concrete pads and porches
• Patios, pool decks and suitable pavers

The material is checked first so the crew can choose the right approach. Pressure washing can lift organic stains, mold, algae and dirt, along with grease and oil drips, tire marks, gum, fertilizer and leaf stains. Point out the marks that bother you most so they’re part of the plan before cleaning starts.

How does Diamond clean driveways and sidewalks?

A concrete cleaning starts with a pretreatment of our mold and mildew cleaner. After a few minutes of dwell time, the crew cleans with a surface cleaner that covers a wide, even path across the concrete. A wand then handles the detail work.

If your Washington Township property has a driveway plus adjoining sidewalks, it makes sense to talk through the full area when you request an estimate. Include the garage apron, front walk or concrete pad if those need attention too. That keeps the proposed work clear from the start.

Professional equipment and cleaning agents make this very different from spending a weekend with a consumer-grade washer. Hiring a crew saves time and cuts the risk of damage from using the wrong approach on a surface.

Plan your roof and concrete cleaning together

Start with the areas that bother you most, whether that’s a streaked roof, a dark driveway or slippery walkways. You can also ask about soft washing your house siding. Siding soft washing and driveway pressure washing can often be combined in one visit, so request a combined estimate to see the whole scope together.

Diamond Roof Cleaning has been serving homeowners in Washington Township and across South Jersey since 2006, from Turnersville to the rest of the township. Our crews are experienced, uniformed and fully insured, and we send email proposals so you can review the work before it’s scheduled. You can also see the South Jersey towns we serve.

Ready to talk about your roof, driveway or sidewalks? Get your free estimate and tell us which surfaces need attention.