What the treatment actually does.
Every South Florida roof is under constant biological pressure. Gloeocapsa magma spores travel on wind, rain runoff and bird traffic. Even a roof washed perfectly clean today will start showing visible algae within 18–24 months in this climate — the spores re-seed from neighboring roofs.
A residual biocide treatment is what closes that gap.
The chemistry bonds to the roof substrate after application and continues releasing low concentrations of biocide for 2 to 5 years. New spores landing on the surface die before they can colonize. The visible “clean” duration of a roof wash extends from less than 2 years to 4–5+ years.
What we apply.
Two product families depending on roof material:
- Quaternary ammonium blend — for asphalt shingle and metal roofs. Bonded to granule surface, photo-stable, doesn’t wash off in normal rain.
- Zinc–copper microbial inhibitor — for tile and concrete. Penetrates into the porosity of the tile, releases ions slowly as moisture activates them.
Both products are roofing-manufacturer approved (GAF, CertainTeed, Owens-Corning for shingles; major tile producers for concrete/clay).
When to apply.
Always immediately after a soft wash — when the surface is freshly cleaned, dry, and at the right temperature window for bonding. Applying to a dirty roof wastes product. Applying to a wet roof dilutes the bond.
Cost economics:
- Without treatment: roof needs full wash every 18–24 months in South Florida. At ~$400–550 per wash, that’s $400–550 every 18 months = ~$3,300 over 10 years.
- With treatment: roof needs full wash every 4–5 years. $400–550 + $300–500 treatment every 5 years = ~$1,800 over 10 years.
You save money and the roof has fewer wash cycles on it, which extends its useful life.
Pricing.
- Applied at time of soft wash (most clients): $0.18/sq ft
- Standalone application (no concurrent wash): $0.25/sq ft (extra mobilization)
- Re-treatment at 3-year mark (extends to 5 years total): $0.12/sq ft
Typical South Florida home (1,500–2,500 sq ft roof footprint): $250–550 added to a soft wash invoice. The 5-year math makes this one of the highest-ROI add-ons we offer.
The 5-year No-Algae guarantee.
When you book full soft wash + treatment together, we guarantee no visible algae return for 5 years. If you see black streaks within that window, we come back, wash the roof, and re-treat at no cost. Conditions: roof was structurally sound at original treatment, no new untreated roof installations adjacent (overhanging branches dropping debris, etc.). All in writing on the invoice.
What it’s not.
It’s not paint. It’s not a coating. The roof looks identical after application — same color, same finish. The product is essentially invisible. What you see is the absence of regrowth over the following years.
