5 Signs Your Florida Roof Needs Cleaning

Most Florida homeowners don't think about their roof until something goes obviously wrong—missing shingles, a leak, water stains on the ceiling. But by then, the damage is done and the repairs are expensive.

Here's the thing: your roof will tell you when it needs attention. You just need to know what to look for.

We've been cleaning Florida roofs for years, and we've learned that certain signs appear long before major problems develop. Catch them early, and a simple cleaning can add years to your roof's life. Ignore them, and you're looking at premature replacement.

Here are the 5 telltale signs that your Florida roof needs professional cleaning—and what each one means for your home.

This is the most common sign, and the one homeowners notice first. Those dark streaks running vertically down your shingles aren't dirt, weathering, or "normal aging." They're Gloeocapsa magma—a type of algae that feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles.

Why it matters: This algae doesn't just look bad. It literally eats your shingles, shortening their lifespan by 5-10 years. The dark color also absorbs heat, making your home hotter and forcing your AC to work harder.

What to do: This is the #1 reason people call us, and for good reason. Soft wash cleaning removes the algae completely and can extend your roof's life significantly. The sooner you address it, the better.

"In Florida's humid climate, if you can see black streaks, the algae has already been growing for months. The good news? It's completely reversible with proper cleaning."

See fuzzy green growth on your shingles? That's moss. Notice crusty white or gray patches? That's lichen. Both are more serious than algae because they actually root into your shingles.

Why it matters: Moss and lichen lift shingles as they grow, creating gaps where water can penetrate. Once water gets under your shingles, you're dealing with rot, leaks, and structural damage. This is especially common on north-facing sections of Florida roofs that get less direct sunlight.

What to do: Don't wait on this one. Moss and lichen cause real damage and should be removed as soon as you notice them. The longer they grow, the more shingles they compromise.

Pull out a photo from when you first moved in (or when your roof was new). Compare it to today. If your roof looks noticeably darker or more discolored, that's organic growth—even if you don't see obvious streaks yet.

Why it matters: This is the early stage. The algae, mildew, and mold are there, they're just spread evenly enough that you might not notice dramatic streaking. But they're still feeding on your shingles and absorbing heat.

What to do: This is actually the best time to clean your roof—before the growth becomes severe. Early cleaning is easier, more effective, and prevents the organisms from establishing deep roots.

Let's be honest: nobody likes getting letters from their HOA. But if you received a notice about your roof's appearance, they're not wrong—they're just the messenger.

Why it matters: HOAs notice roof discoloration because it affects neighborhood appearance and property values. But more importantly, if your neighbors can see the problem from the street, the algae growth is significant enough to be causing real damage.

What to do: Don't view this as just an HOA hassle. Use it as motivation to address a real issue. We've helped hundreds of homeowners resolve HOA violations while simultaneously protecting their roof investment.

"HOA violations are annoying, but they're often the wake-up call homeowners need. Think of it as free roof inspection from your neighbors."

Here's the truth: in Florida's humid, rainy climate, roofs don't stay clean forever. Even if you don't see obvious growth yet, the organisms are there—microscopic at first, but growing.

Why it matters: Prevention is cheaper than correction. Regular cleaning (every 2-4 years depending on your specific conditions) prevents heavy buildup and the damage that comes with it. It's like changing your oil—you do it before the engine fails, not after.

What to do: If it's been several years, schedule an assessment. We'll look at your specific conditions—shade coverage, nearby trees, roof pitch, sun exposure—and give you an honest recommendation about timing.

What About DIY Cleaning?

We get this question a lot. Here's our honest answer: please don't pressure wash your roof.

High-pressure washing blasts away the protective granules on your shingles. Those granules are what protects your roof from UV damage and weathering. Remove them, and you've just shortened your roof's lifespan by years—and probably voided your manufacturer's warranty in the process.

Soft wash cleaning uses low pressure and specialized solutions to kill organisms at the root without damaging shingles. It's the method manufacturers recommend, and it's what we use on every job.

When to Call Us (and When to Wait)

You don't need to panic at the first sign of a tiny streak. But you should act before the problem becomes severe. Here's our honest recommendation:

Call us now if:

• You see obvious black streaks covering significant portions of your roof
• You notice moss or lichen growth (green fuzzy patches or crusty white/gray areas)
• You received an HOA violation notice
• It's been 3+ years since your last professional cleaning
• You're preparing to sell your home and want maximum curb appeal

You can probably wait if:

• You only see a few faint streaks in isolated areas
• Your roof was cleaned within the last year
• The growth is minimal and you're on a tight budget (but schedule for within 6-12 months)

When in doubt, get a free assessment. We'll tell you exactly what we see, what it means, and whether cleaning is urgent or can wait. No pressure, no scare tactics—just honest expertise.

What Happens If You Ignore the Signs?

We're not trying to scare you, but you should know what you're risking:

• Shortened roof lifespan: Algae can reduce your roof's life by 5-10 years
• Higher energy costs: Dark algae absorbs heat, making your home hotter
• Structural damage: Moss and lichen lift shingles, allowing water infiltration
• Voided warranty: Many manufacturers require regular maintenance
• Premature replacement: A roof that should last 25 years might need replacement at 15

Here's the thing: a professional roof cleaning costs a few hundred dollars. Premature roof replacement costs $15,000-$30,000. The math is pretty straightforward.

The Bottom Line

Your Florida roof works hard. It endures intense UV exposure, 60+ inches of rain annually, high humidity, and occasional hurricanes. It deserves maintenance.

If you're seeing any of these 5 signs, your roof is telling you it needs attention. Listen to it.

The best time to clean your roof was a year ago. The second-best time is now.

Don't wait until you need a new roof. Clean the one you have.

Get your free roof assessment today →