Posts by Aqua Clean Solutions, Inc.
Complete Guide to Exterior Cleaning
Published November 18, 2025 – Updated July 11, 2026 Michael Thorgersen, Owner, Aqua Clean Solutions, Inc. Overview Exterior cleaning is the removal of dirt, algae, mildew, and pollen from a property’s outdoor surfaces using two main methods: soft washing for delicate surfaces, such as siding and roofs, and pressure washing for hard surfaces such as…
Read MoreFrequently Asked Questions About Soft Washing Your Property’s Exterior
Published November 18, 2025 – Last reviewed February 3, 2026 Michael Thorgenson Owner, Aqua Clean Solutions, Inc. In a Nutshell Understanding how your home’s exterior reacts to weather, moisture, and organic buildup can help you decide when and how to maintain it. Many homeowners have questions about what soft washing is, why it is used,…
Read MoreHow Proper Maintenance Prevents Cracking and Surface Damage on Concrete
Published November 18, 2025 – Last reviewed February 21, 2026 Michael Thorgenson Owner, Aqua Clean Solutions, Inc. Concrete is a mixture of cement, water, and aggregates that harden through a chemical reaction called hydration. In Northern Virginia, the repeated temperature swings, humidity, deicing salts, and soil movement place added stress on concrete surfaces. Over time,…
Read MoreGloeocapsa Magma AKA ‘Black Streaks – Algae’ Explained
A Summary in Brief Those dark streaks running down your roof are more than just stains. In most Northern Virginia neighborhoods, they are caused by Gloeocapsa magma, a roof-eating bacterium that feeds on the protective granules in your shingles. Over time, it makes your home look neglected, can trigger HOA notices, and can shorten the…
Read MoreWhy Black Streaks Appear on Your Sidings and Roofs
Published November 18, 2025 – Last reviewed February 21, 2026 Michael Thorgenson Owner, Aqua Clean Solutions, Inc. Introduction Black streaks on roofs in Northern Virginia are primarily caused by Gloeocapsa magma, a cyanobacteria (blue-green algae-like organism) that feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles, forming protective dark pigmented sheaths that create vertical dark gray…
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