Roof Washing & Moss Removal in the Hudson Valley
Kill the algae, keep the shingles — the manufacturer-approved way
Those black streaks running down your shingles are not dirt. They are Gloeocapsa magma, a hardy roof algae that feeds on limestone filler in asphalt shingles and spreads fast in the humid Hudson Valley summer. Left alone it holds moisture against the roof, invites moss and lichen, and shortens the life of the shingle.
Edge Shines roof washing uses the soft wash method endorsed by shingle manufacturers and the ARMA: a treatment applied at low pressure that kills the organism at the root, followed by a gentle rinse. No pressure washer ever touches your roof — pressure strips the protective granules and voids most shingle warranties.
What roof washing removes
One treatment addresses everything growing on the roof plane, not just what is visible from the driveway.
- Black algae streaks on asphalt and architectural shingles
- Moss clumps along shaded north slopes and valleys
- Lichen anchored into the granule surface
- Organic buildup on the ridge, in valleys and around chimneys and skylights
Soft washing protects your shingle warranty
A pressure washer removes the ceramic granules that shield asphalt from UV, which can take years off a roof and give a manufacturer grounds to deny a warranty claim. Soft washing does the same job chemically with no mechanical force, which is why it is the only method we use on a roof.
Signs your Hudson Valley roof is due
If you can see dark streaks from the street, spot green fuzz along a shaded slope, or notice granules collecting in the gutters, the roof is ready. Homes surrounded by mature trees — common through Cornwall, Warwick and New Windsor — tend to need attention every two to three years.
Safe access on steep and multi-story roofs
Most roofs are treated from the ground or from a ladder at the eave, so we rarely need to walk the surface. That keeps our crew safe and keeps foot traffic off your shingles.
Roof Washing FAQs for Hudson Valley homeowners
Is roof washing safe for asphalt shingles?
Yes, when it is soft washing. We apply the treatment at low pressure and rinse gently, which is the method asphalt shingle manufacturers recommend. We never use a pressure washer on a roof.
How long do the results last?
Because the treatment kills the algae rather than just blasting it off, most Hudson Valley roofs stay clear for two to four years, depending on tree cover and how much shade the roof gets.
Will the runoff hurt my plants?
We pre-wet plant beds, tarp sensitive areas and rinse everything down thoroughly after the treatment. Landscaping damage is avoidable with proper prep, and prep is part of every job.
Do you remove moss by hand?
Heavy moss is loosened by hand or with a soft brush where it is thick, then treated so the remaining root structure dies off and washes away naturally with rain.
Where we provide roof washing
Edge Shines is based in the Hudson Valley and serves homeowners throughout Orange and Dutchess County.
- Newburgh, NY
- Beacon, NY
- Middletown, NY
- Monroe, NY
- Goshen, NY
- Chester, NY
- New Windsor, NY
- Cornwall, NY
- Highland Falls, NY
- Washingtonville, NY
- Florida, NY
- Warwick, NY
Not on the list? Check our full service area or call (845) 542-7255.
Ready to book roof washing in the Hudson Valley?
Tell us about your home and we'll send a clear, honest quote — usually the same day.