Pressure washing
Roof soft wash
Black streaks on asphalt roofs in this humidity are often algae, not dirt. The wash is a low-pressure soft wash and a rinse. Pressure washing architectural shingles strips granules and shortens the roof.
We connect Nashville homeowners with independent, vetted local pros.
Typical estimates
| Job | Typical estimate | What the range assumes |
|---|---|---|
| Typical two-story asphalt roof | $350–$750 | Standard Nashville house, walkable or treatable pitch. |
| Steep or three-story | $600–$1,100 | More risk and more setup. Some pros will not take it. |
| One-story, light streaks | $300–$550 | Smaller, simpler roofs only. |
What’s included
- A soft wash aimed at algae streaks, not a scouring of the shingles
- Plant protection and a rinse plan so runoff is not ignored
- A refusal when the roof is too brittle, too steep, or already losing granules
What this is not
- Repairs, replaced shingles, or leak diagnosis
- Walking a fragile roof as a default. Some pros treat from the eaves and ladders only
- A warranty that streaks never return. Shade brings algae back
Around Nashville
North slopes under trees streak first. That pattern shows up in Green Hills, Bellevue, and lake-humid Hendersonville more than on a brand-new Spring Hill roof with no shade yet.
Tile, wood shake, and very old three-tab shingles are often a no. A careful pro will decline. That is a better outcome than a cheap wash.
What changes the price
Pitch and height
Steep roofs cost more and are declined more often.
Shingle condition
Granules in the gutters are a reason to stop, not a reason to scrub harder.
Shade
Heavy streaks take more dwell time than a light shade line.
How to choose a pro
- Ask them to say soft wash out loud. If the plan is a surface cleaner on the shingles, do not hire them.
- Ask whether they will walk the roof. You can prefer a crew that stays off it.
- Ask what they do for foundation plants. Runoff management is part of the job.
Questions
Are the black streaks mold?
On asphalt in this region they are commonly algae. A soft wash is the usual cleaning method. It is not a roof replacement and it does not fix leaks.
Will it void my shingle warranty?
Some manufacturers object to pressure washing and to harsh mixes. Ask the pro what method they use, and check your warranty if the roof is new. We do not publish a chemical recipe.
How long do results last?
Shaded roofs can streak again in a few years. Sunnier roofs hold a clean look longer. Nobody honest sells a permanent result.