What you need to know about asphalt shingles: Say bye bye to black streaks

What you need to know about asphalt shingle roofs

The most common class of roof algae is Gloeocapsa magma, a bacterium that eats water and expels oxygen. It causes the black stains you may see on your roof. The black stains are buildups of algae that can prevent the sun from burning off the bacteria. Roof lichen is a combination of both algae and fungus. 

Roof algae is primarily a visual problem although it reduces the lifespan of your roof over time, but roof mold is not. Roof mold could cause real, lasting damage to your roofing system if left untreated.  

Knowledge is power.   

1. Appearance. One of the first problems homeowners experience with roof algae has to do with appearance. Most homeowners only realize they have algae when it causes ugly black streaks, dark spots, or green mossy fuzz on the roofing system. Roof algae can significantly decrease curb appeal. 

1. Home value. If a homeowner is trying to sell their home, they may run into issues if they have roof algae. Roof algae are signs that their roofing system could have considerable damage and may need replacing. This can decrease their home’s resale value, until and unless they schedule repairs. 

1.  Algae and lichen can adhere to their roof, cause permanent stains, and ultimately damage the underlying materials. 

1. Wood rot. If moisture sinks down into the wood of their roof, they could have a serious problem on their hands. Standing water can soften and rot the wood, permanently compromising its strength and safety. Wood rot can lead to roof leaks, expensive repairs, and wood replacement. 

1. Mold. Another risk of moisture trapped in their roofing system is the development of real mold. Standing water and humidity, paired with growing algae spores, can be a breeding ground for harmful mold. Mold can pose serious health risks to their family. 

1. Integrity. If they allow an algae and/or mold situation to stay on their roof, it could damage its integrity beyond the point of simple repairs. Letting algae take over their roofing system for years may make the tiles irreparable, and significantly shorten a new roof’s lifespan. Rotting wood could force them to replace an unstable roof. 

1. Damage to other structures. Algae spores can travel on the wind and easily attach to other structures on their property. Roof algae may start on their home, but it won’t be long until they notice similar growth beginning on the roofs of sheds, barns, and carports. It could even travel to neighbors’ homes, spreading the issue throughout the neighborhood. 

1. Health. Lastly, but more importantly, roof algae can damage health. If algae turn into a mold or mildew problem, their family could be breathing in dangerous bacteria while spending time in their home or yard. The sooner you deal with roof algae, the better for their health and safety. 

Roof algae, fungus, mildew, moss, and mold could ultimately hurt their health. Breathing in mold or mildew spores can cause respiratory problems and diseases, allergies, asthma, nausea, vision problems, and other health hazards. It is important to act quickly once you identify algae on their roof. 

Here at Complete Exterior Power Washing LLC, we have the solution for you! 

Soft wash roof cleaning will remove black algae, moss, and lichen safely. Our process is a low-pressure chemical treatment to kill the algae and moss clear down to the roots with no high-pressure water and no granule loss. 

Providing your clients with a cost-effective solution, the ONLY solution that is approved by ARMA-The asphalt roofing manufacturers association. 

Using high pressure washing or surface cleaners on asphalt shingle roofs WILL damage shingles, causing granule loss, reducing the life of the roof or worse ruining its integrity.   

Roof wash done by our team of professionals in Bedford County 

Contact us for a free consultation to ensure your roof is a good candidate for soft washing.

Complete Exterior Power Washing LLC 

814-617-2090