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Q. What Are Those Streaks on My Roof? And How Do I Get Rid of Them?
A: The “black streaks” or “stains” that appear on your roof are living organisms that are feeding off of your asphalt roof! Eating your roof alive, literally!
by Ryan Morse,
Founder, NYS Metal Roof Co-Op
Roof stains are sweeping the country in alarming proportion. Until recently most of us thought this to be purely cosmetic.
This however is not the case. The stains that appear on your roof are living organisms (Gloeocapsa magma -a type of blue-green algae and fungi – MOLD). These organisms feed on the base of the shingle (primarily the limestone filler) causing the reflective ceramic granules to loosen and end up in your gutter.
As these granules ‘disappear’ you will notice as rise in your homes utility bills. Unable to effectively reflect the suns rays away from your home in summer your air conditioner will find itself working overtime to keep your house cool.
The black streaks also absorb and hold heat to your roofs surface. In winter your heating bill will inch upward as the shingles are less likely to retain the heat in your home as they did when they were new.
If the area of growth is left untreated the stains will spread causing more issues!
An infected roof not only reduces your homes curb-appeal and property value but can also have an adverse effect on the occupant’s respiratory system.
Asphalt roofs in climates with warm, humid summers like ROCHESTER are largely affected. The spores on the northern exposure of the roof stand a better chance of survival because that portion of the roof is the last part to dry after rain or morning dew. This raises the humidity on the surface of the shingle, thus creating a perfect breeding and feeding ground.
The algae spores are carried to our roofs from water sources by the wind and birds, and then from roof to roof where it grows and feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles.
Shingle manufactures changed from all asphalt to fiberglass shingles some time ago. The limestone in the fiberglass shingles which, is added for weight, attracts the bacteria and begins to spread.
The tar used in roofing is fossilized, dead organic matter — and an important food source for fungi. Asphalt, at the granule base, is normally consumed first. Once these granules dislodge, accelerated deterioration will occur. Ceramic granules represent the outer hard shell that protects against hail and other falling debris. Ceramic granules protect against damaging UV radiation and insulate the roof against extreme heat. So you can understand that their dislodgement by the growing fungal colonies can be detrimental to our roofs’ longevity.
As I mentioned, the “dark stains” on a roof act as a sponge to absorb the sun’s heat, which causes a rise in the temperature inside a home or building, creating higher air conditioning bills.
The spores, which are on your roof, can get inside your home because they end up on the driveway and walkways from rain, and are easily tracked inside. They can even be drawn into our air conditioning systems and eventually populate our ducts.
After 9 years of research and testing, ROOF REVIVER(TM) Roof Cleaner has become the finest product in America for treating roofs infected with algae and fungi.
Here’s why Roof Reviver(TM) is your best choice:
Roof Reviver(TM) is EPA Registered for roof cleaning and approved by shingle makers GAF, Elk and Owens Corning. Roof Reviver(TM) is biodegradable and won’t damage your roof, or void its warranty.
Roof Reviver(TM) is safe to use around children and pets. It won’t kill your plants, grass and flowers like chlorine bleach. Runoff won’t poison lakes and waterways.
Roof Reviver(TM) does not cause the shingles to crack or curl like harsh chemicals do. It won’t corrode roofing nails, gutters, flashings or metal.
Roof Reviver(TM) is safe enough to be sprayed on shingles without rinsing. This is ideal for maintenance and prevention of roof stains.
We are the only Roof Reviver cleaning specialists in the area. We don’t just clean your roof, we inspect and correct! Our exclusive roof cleaning package comes complete with inspection and sealing of flashings and penetrations.
Until you are ready for a new Stone Coated Steel roof, which is not susceptible to the problems that asphalt roofs are experiencing, extend the life and protect the future of your current roof. We can view your roof, stains and measurements, using our satellite-imaging program and give you a price right over the phone! Call 585-703-4982
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