Roof Cleaning in River Vale, NJ
Low-pressure soft wash that lifts black streaks, moss & algae without touching your shingles.
Roof Cleaning in River Vale, NJ
If you've driven down Rivervale Road or through the neighborhoods off Prospect Avenue, you've seen it: those ugly black streaks running down otherwise nice roofs. That's not dirt and it won't wash off in the rain. It's Gloeocapsa magma, a hardy algae that thrives in our humid North Jersey summers and clings to the asphalt shingles you'll find on most of the colonials and split-levels around River Vale.
We're Gallo Bros, a family-run exterior cleaning outfit from right here in Bergen County. For roofs, we don't use pressure. High PSI strips granules off your shingles and can void your manufacturer's warranty. Instead we soft wash: a low-pressure application that kills the algae, moss, and lichen at the root so the roof actually stays clean, not just looks clean for a week.
River Vale roofs take a beating. Shaded lots near the Pascack Brook stay damp and grow moss fast, and the freeze-thaw cycles we get from December through March make matters worse. We treat each roof for what it is instead of blasting through a checklist. Give us a call and we'll take a look before we quote anything.
- Local crew that knows River Vale homes
- Soft-wash & low-pressure methods that protect your surfaces
- Licensed, insured & background-checked
- Upfront pricing — same-week scheduling

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Roof Cleaning near River Vale
What neighbors say
5.0 · 854+ Google reviews“Absolutely outstanding job by the Galo Brothers today power washing our house! Honestly the best power washing job we have ever had done. The house looks brand new again, every detail was handled with care, and the difference is unbelievable. They were professional, thorough, hardworking, and took real pride in their work. It’s rare these days to find a company that exceeds expectations, but they absolutely did. Highly, highly recommend the Galo Brothers to anyone looking for top notch service and incredible results!”
Bruce Bosland
“Gallo Bros powerwashing team headed up by Joe, did a great job on our exposed, lakefront home. They went above and beyond to remove dirt and mildew from our house siding, soffits and multiple bluestone patios and walkways, as well as our dock and wood furniture. They also took great care to avoid or work around multiple bird nests which had recently hatched babies pre fledge. I will definitely call them in the future!”
Cathy Marshall
“We hired Gallo Bros Power Washing to power wash, re-sand and seal our 20 year old paver patio and front walk. They also performed a few repairs and reset a few areas that needed attention. We had never had this done professionally before. From the beginning estimating phase to the final coat of sealer, we were very happy with the services provided, the price and the final result, which they also warrantee for 1 year. I highly recommend Gallo Bros. Power Washing and will use them for other services in the future.”
Andrew O
Roof Cleaning in River Vale — FAQ
Will soft washing damage my shingles?
No. Soft washing uses low pressure and a cleaning solution to break down algae and moss, so we never blast granules off your shingles the way pressure washing can. It's the method most shingle manufacturers actually recommend.
Why does my River Vale roof have black streaks?
Those streaks are Gloeocapsa magma, a blue-green algae that loves our humid summers. It feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles and spreads across the north-facing, shadier sections first. It's extremely common on homes here.
How long does a roof cleaning last?
Because we kill the algae at the root rather than just rinsing it, results typically hold for a few years. Heavily shaded roofs near the Pascack Brook or under mature trees may need it a little sooner since they stay damp.
Do you clean moss and lichen too, or just algae?
Both. Moss and lichen are common on the shaded, north-side slopes of River Vale homes. Our soft wash treatment handles all three, though thick moss sometimes needs a follow-up as it dries out and releases from the shingle.
Are you local to River Vale?
Yes. Gallo Bros is a family-owned business based in North Jersey and we work throughout Bergen County, including River Vale. When you call, you're talking to us, not a call center.
How much does roof cleaning cost in NJ?
It ranges widely — from a few hundred dollars for a small ranch to several thousand for a large, steep or complex roof. Size, pitch, material, access and how much algae has built up all factor in. You get a firm price up front, free.
Will roof cleaning damage my shingles?
No. We soft wash with low pressure and a cleaning solution — the method asphalt-shingle makers recommend. High-pressure washing is what damages roofs; we never do that on a roof.
What are the black streaks on my roof?
That's a hardy algae called Gloeocapsa magma. It feeds on the limestone in your shingles and spreads in New Jersey's humidity. Soft washing kills it at the root, not just the surface.
How long does a roof cleaning last?
Usually 2–4 years. Because soft washing kills the algae instead of just rinsing it, the clean lasts far longer than a quick power-rinse.
North Jersey · 854+ five-star reviews
Pick your own time
Choose a slot that actually suits you and it's confirmed on the spot — no phone tag, no waiting on a callback.
- A real person comes out and prices the work in front of you
- Exact price before anything starts, in writing
- Free, and there's no obligation to book the job
Rather talk it through?
(973) 500-8155info@gallobrospw.com