Asphalt Roof Cleaning and Maintenance Services
As if homeowners don’t have enough chores to keep them busy, many shingle manufacturers now recommend periodic cleaning of the roof surface.
You heard right. Many roofs need to be washed to keep them in good shape. The black streaks seen on many roofs are algae growth which, left unchecked can shorten the life expectancy of the roof by feeding on the limestone filler used in some newer shingles, according to GAF Materials Corp. of Wayne, N.J., a manufacturer of roofing products since 1886. Proper cleaning can eliminate the algae.
Bea Stevens of Laingsburg, MI., noticed the stains on her roof several seasons ago. After replacing the original roof, which Stevens says never had algae problems, she noticed the unsightly streaking on her new roof only a few years after it was installed. “ It was downright ugly,” she says.
Unsightly algae stains on roofs, Cleaning is a good idea.
This type of service is relatively new to Michigan but is quite common in the Southern States, where algae can be an extreme problem. Afflicted roofs have dark streaks that are usually most prominent on the lower section of the roof and taper off as they reach the ridge. The discoloration is caused by the algae’s protective heath, which turns dark to protect the organism from ultraviolet rays.
Protect Your Home and Restore Your Curb Appeal with TRC Pressure Washing
Your roof makes up nearly 40% of your home’s visible exterior. In Mid-Michigan, our humid summers and heavy winter snows create the perfect breeding ground for destructive algae, moss, and lichen.
If you see dark stains, black streaks, or green patches on your roof, it isn’t just dirt—it is a live bacteria called Gloeocapsa Magma. This organism actively feeds on the limestone filler inside your asphalt shingles, rotting them from the inside out.
At TRC Pressure Washing, we never blast your roof with high pressure. We use a specialized, ARMA-approved soft washing method that completely eliminates biological growth at the root, protecting your shingles and adding years to your roof’s lifespan.
Core Reasons to Clean a Mid-Michigan Roof
- Stop Shingle Decay: Algae and lichen digest the limestone filler in modern asphalt shingles, causing them to warp, crack, and break down decades ahead of schedule.
- Prevent Winter Freeze Damage: Michigan winters are brutal on compromised roofs. Moss acts like a sponge, trapping water. When that trapped water freezes, it expands, lifting your shingles and opening the door for massive winter leaks.
- Halt Granule Loss: The colored granules on your asphalt shingles protect your home from UV rays. Biological growth loosens these granules, washing them into your gutters and leaving your roof defenseless.
- Instantly Boost Curb Appeal: Black streaks look ugly and drag down your property value. TRC completely erases these stains, making your roof look brand new in just one afternoon.
The dark stains on roofs increase utility cost. Ninety percent of homeowners did not know roofs can be cleaned. Fifty percent of homeowners replace the roof because of appearance. Don’t replace your roof! Erase the stains. Roof cleaning cost 1/10th of the cost to replace your roof. We hope to convince you of dollars and cents reasons for keeping your roof healthy and clean.
The Benefits of Partnering with TRC
1. Zero-Risk Soft Wash Technology
Standard pressure washing can instantly rip off shingle granules and force water directly under your roofing material. TRC uses a low-pressure delivery system—no stronger than a garden hose—combined with premium, biodegradable treatments to clean safely and effectively.
2. Protect Your Manufacturer Warranty
The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) explicitly warns against pressure washing asphalt shingles. Blasting your roof can void your warranty entirely. TRC’s soft washing method strictly adheres to ARMA guidelines, keeping your warranty 100% intact.
3. Lower Energy Bills During Michigan Summers
Dark, algae-stained roofs act as giant heat magnets. They absorb massive amounts of solar heat and transfer it right into your attic, forcing your AC to run constantly. By restoring your shingles to their original color, TRC Pressure Washing helps your roof reflect heat, keeping your attic cooler and your energy bills lower.
4. Satisfy Insurance & HOA Requirements
More and more Michigan home insurance providers are canceling policies due to moss and algae buildup, which they view as a high leak risk. Our professional cleaning keeps you in compliance with your insurance provider and your local HOA.
Let TRC Pressure Washing make your roof look new again!

