Low-pressure soft washing for roofs, stucco, siding, and exterior surfaces — the method recommended by roofing manufacturers.
The black streaks you see on roofs across Southwest Florida are not dirt or pollution — they are Gloeocapsa magma, a cyanobacteria that feeds on the limestone filler in roofing materials. Combined with algae, lichen, and moss that thrive in Florida's warm, humid climate, biological growth on roofs and exterior walls is one of the most common and underestimated maintenance issues in the region.
Left untreated, these organisms do more than look bad. The bacteria that cause black streaks gradually consume roofing material, shortening the life of your roof. Algae on stucco holds moisture against the surface, accelerating deterioration. Some roofing manufacturers will void warranties if biological growth is present and untreated. Regular professional cleaning is not a cosmetic luxury — it is a maintenance necessity.
Rain Exterior Home Service specializes in soft wash roof cleaning and house washing throughout Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, and surrounding Lee and Collier County communities. Soft washing uses low-pressure application of professional biodegradable cleaning solutions that kill biological growth at the cellular level. Unlike pressure washing — which pushes growth off the surface temporarily — soft washing kills the organism so it does not return as quickly.
We clean tile, concrete tile, shingle, and metal roofs, as well as stucco, block, painted surfaces, soffits, siding, and screen enclosure frames. Every job is assessed individually to ensure the right cleaning method and solution for your specific surfaces.
What We Do
Low-pressure soft washing removes black algae streaks, lichen, and moss from tile, shingle, and metal roofs without damaging the surface or voiding warranties.
Learn more →Full exterior house washing removes algae, mold, dirt, and oxidation from siding, block, and stucco surfaces. Restores original color without paint damage.
Learn more →Stucco is fragile — high pressure can cause pitting and cracking. We soft wash stucco exteriors to safely remove algae and staining without surface damage.
Learn more →Screen enclosure frames and lanai ceilings accumulate algae, dirt, and oxidation. We clean aluminum frames, soffits, and screen panels without damaging the mesh.
Learn more →Wood, vinyl, and aluminum fences cleaned of algae and mold that thrive in Florida's humidity. Extends fence life and removes the green film that builds up rapidly.
Learn more →Results
How It Works
We identify the type of growth, the roofing material, and any areas needing special attention before applying any cleaning solution.
A professional-grade, biodegradable soft wash solution is applied at low pressure. It kills algae, mold, and lichen at the root — not just at the surface.
The solution is allowed to work for 15 to 30 minutes. This kills biological growth completely rather than just removing the visible surface layer.
A gentle rinse removes all residue. We inspect the entire surface and address any remaining spots before leaving the job site.
Common Questions
Soft washing uses low water pressure — typically under 500 PSI — combined with a professional cleaning solution to kill and remove biological growth. Pressure washing relies on high water pressure alone. For roofs and stucco, soft washing is the correct method because high pressure can crack tiles, lift shingles, erode stucco, and strip granules from asphalt. The cleaning solution does the work; the water just rinses.
No — soft washing is the manufacturer-recommended cleaning method for tile, shingle, and metal roofs. The ARMA (Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association) specifically warns against pressure washing asphalt shingles. Our soft wash process uses low pressure and biodegradable solutions that are safe for roofing materials, gutters, plants, and landscaping.
Most Southwest Florida roofs need professional cleaning every 2 to 3 years. The black streaks you see on roofs are caused by Gloeocapsa magma, a cyanobacteria that feeds on the limestone filler in roofing materials. Florida's heat and humidity accelerate its growth. Left untreated, it shortens roof lifespan and can void manufacturer warranties.
Our soft wash solutions are biodegradable and safe for landscaping when applied by a trained technician. We wet down plants and shrubs before and after cleaning as a precaution. For painted surfaces, we use solutions and pressure appropriate to the paint type. We have never caused paint damage using our standard house washing process.
Yes. Metal roofs develop algae and oxidation staining that soft washing removes effectively. We use solutions specifically formulated for metal roofing that will not cause discoloration or surface damage. Metal roofs in coastal areas near the Gulf may need more frequent cleaning due to salt air accelerating oxidation.
What Homeowners Say
"Our tile roof had black streaks all over it — had looked that way for two years. Rain Exterior Home Service came out and within a few hours it was completely clean. Looked like a new roof. Absolutely worth it."
"The stucco on our home had green algae all along the bottom third. They soft washed the entire exterior — stucco, soffits, garage door — and it looks completely different. Very professional team."
"I was worried about the cleaning solution on my plants and garden beds. They wetted everything down before starting and all my plants were completely fine. The house looks beautiful."
Serving Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Bonita Springs, and all of Southwest Florida. Most jobs quoted within 24 hours.
Rain Exterior Home Service
We Regularly Serve Homeowners in Southwest Florida: