Rumson Estate Exterior Restoration: Slate Roof Wash, Stucco House Cleaning & Travertine Restoration

For a Rumson homeowner, a slate roof is more than shelter, it is a lifetime investment. On this two-day project in Rumson, NJ, Above & Beyond Softwash addressed heavy black streaking and organic growth on the home’s north-facing slate sections. The streaks were identified as Gloeocapsa magma, a hardy bacteria that feeds on moisture and gradually degrades a roof’s appearance.

Slate requires a specialist’s touch because it is fragile and porous. We used a calibrated, low-pressure soft wash solution designed to remove organic growth at the root. That no-pressure approach removes black mold and biological staining while avoiding cracked tiles or any compromise to the roof’s structural integrity. Allowing the slate to return to its original architectural brilliance through natural weathering was a key goal of the roof washing service.

Cleaning the slate was the primary mission, but the property called for a full exterior reset. We coordinated our workflow to move from the detached pool house to the main residence, performing a two-story Stucco House Wash. Stucco attracts environmental pollutants, and an annual soft wash helps prevent permanent staining and substrate decay. Our soft wash method gently lifts soils and contaminants without aggressive scrubbing or pressure that could damage the stucco surface.

Next we focused on the property’s hardscapes, including the travertine walkways and the pool deck. In Rumson’s shaded corridors, travertine and seashell pavers develop a slick, invisible biofilm that creates a severe slipping hazard. We treated these delicate stone surfaces with products and techniques suited to natural stone, removing the biofilm and restoring the stone’s natural traction in time for the family’s summer season.

A distinct part of this project was our Advanced Plant Protection Protocol, because this Rumson estate features dozens of prize rose bushes and flowering plants. To protect those plantings we implemented a strict Soak-Neutralize-Rinse cycle. First we thoroughly saturated root systems, then we applied a specialized plant-protective neutralizer before any cleaning took place, and finally we followed with a high-volume freshwater rinse immediately after cleaning.

This Soak-Neutralize-Rinse cycle ensures that the roof and stucco are effectively sterilized while high-value gardens remain healthy and vibrant. That level of technical care is why many Rumson homeowners choose Above & Beyond Softwash for slate roof washing and full exterior cleaning, rather than a generalist. If you own a slate roof in Rumson, NJ, consider a specialist who understands that preservation is the only goal, and who coordinates roof, stucco, hardscape, and plant protection into a single, careful plan. Give us a call. You'll be glad you did.

Location: Rumson, NJ