Jetstream Blog

Roof Soft Wash in Fort Wayne, IN — What Those Black Streaks Really Are

What Are the Black Streaks on Your Roof?

Those dark streaks running down your shingles are not dirt or weather damage. They are Gloeocapsa magma — a type of algae that feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles. Left untreated, it spreads across your entire roof, holds moisture against your shingles, and accelerates their deterioration.

Why You Cannot Pressure Wash a Roof

High-pressure washing strips the protective granules off asphalt shingles — the same granules that reflect UV rays and protect the asphalt underneath. Pressure washing can void your roofing warranty and cut years off your roof's lifespan in a single afternoon.

How Roof Soft Washing Works

Soft washing uses a low-pressure application of a professional cleaning solution — typically a sodium hypochlorite blend — that kills the algae at the cellular level. The solution is applied gently, allowed to dwell, and then rinsed at low pressure. The algae is dead at the root. Results last 2 to 4 times longer than pressure washing.

What Fort Wayne Homeowners Can Expect

Before treatment, black streaks are visible across the shingles. Within 15 to 30 minutes of treatment, the algae begins to die and streaks start fading. Within a few weeks, the remaining residue washes off with rain and your roof looks years younger.

Does Roof Soft Washing Damage Landscaping?

Jet Stream pre-soaks all surrounding landscaping before treatment and rinses thoroughly after. Our solutions are diluted to safe concentrations and our technicians are trained in plant and landscape protection on every job.

Get a Free Roof Soft Wash Quote in Fort Wayne

Call (260) 310-4389 or contact Jet Stream online. We serve all Fort Wayne zip codes and surrounding Allen County areas. See our full roof washing services. Free estimates, no obligation.

Get a Free Roof Soft Wash Quote in Fort Wayne

We serve all Fort Wayne zip codes and surrounding Allen County areas. Free estimates, no obligation.