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Jan 12
2010
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Let's face it...you are tired of seeing them. Yes, I am talking about those ugly roof stains. Are the roofs in your complex covered with black streaks & stains? If so, then you may be surprised by what the staining you see actually is. It is a form of algae called "Gloeocapsa Magma" which feeds on crushed limestone used in common asphalt shingles. The good news is it can be removed using the right roof cleaners and cleaning technique. Many people don't realize what causes the stains on your roof. We have heard almost everything...from residue of jet fuel to the shingles rotting from the insideout.
The truth is shingle roofs are manufactured with different degrees of quality. Most roofs applied by builders and roofing contractors are in the low quality to at most mid quality range with few, if any, fungus fighting elements like zinc or copper.
Contributing Factors: - Black fungus requires three things to grow: heat, moisture, and a nutrient. Nutrients can be found within the shingle themselves while other variables contribute to and hasten fungus growth. The algae develops an actual root system and lifts granules off the shingles. The north side of the roof is usually the first to exhibit staining because the moisture remains there longer. Add to that, the type, grade and manufacturer of the shingle, the age of the roof, the close proximity of trees, pools, or lakes, how hot and humid the weather is and if there are leaves accumulating on roofs. Now, you have most of the answer to the question why your roof turns black.
What Can You Do?: - If you do nothing, your 25-year roof will most likely last about 15 years and your roofs will remain an unhealthy eyesore. Roof stains will increase energy costs, can cause health issues and its just plain UGLY. You can clean your roof yourself or hire an unqualified contractor, both are a risky proposition, or you can hire a professional and get the results you need. Roof stains can be easily removed with NO PRESSURE and proper safe cleaning compounds. NEVER let anyone use high pressure to clean your roofs. A safe & effective NO PRESSURE wash will add years to the life of your roof.
Jeff LeCours
JL Pressure Washing
www.JLpressurewashing.com
I always wonder why people and or complexes will leave their roofs with the ugly stains, have a beautiful house or building and landscaping, but a horrible looking roof.
Black roofs do cover up for sure, but the main problem is the algae is still eating at the shingles. Most roofs after cleaning last 2-4 years before you see staining again and you dont have to re-clean for 3-5 years.I rather spend the little bit to clean it and get an extra 5-10 years out of a roof, just more cost effective. I know some just aren't aware that you can safely clean a roof
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This is great information. I can't tell you how many ugly stained roofs I see when I visit properties across the country. Ugly roofs are like having a pimple on your nose for prom, it is
the thing you notice first and most. One other help in this area is choosing a dark roof. The darker the roof the more it hides the stains but more important, in my view as a architectural color consultant, is that a dark roof makes the buildings look more grounded and solid. There is a lot of talk about light roofs being better now because the reflect heat but if you
have proper insulation the advantage is negligible. And we all now how badly a light roof stains. So dark is better from all points of view.