WHAT ARE THESE BLACK STREAKS ON MY ROOF?


At Roof Time, we have heard people explain those black streaks on roofs as being caused by everything from chimney smoke settling, or acorns cracking on the surface, to tree sap or shingle weathering due to granule loss. One roofer even told a homeowner that lived by the airport, that jet fuel dropping from the sky was the culprit (That would spice up a back yard bar-b-que)!

The fact is that in most cases, the stains and streaks are a form of algae. Black streaking is actually caused by a specific type of living algae known as Gloeocapsa Magma.

The staining is a relatively new occurrence locally. Cutting back on tree canopy, or forgoing the use of a fireplace will not correct the problem. The spores are air-borne and as such, are driven through-out the neighborhood by the wind, settling when and where they will. To grow into a visible colony, they require the correct amount of three key elements.

Þ        Humidity (welcome to our summers!)

Þ        Limestone (a key shingle ingredient)

Þ        Sunlight

So you might ask, if this is true, how come my neighbor has nothing and my roof looks like swamp thing walked all over it?! The sunlight is probably the culprit. Too much sun, and the colony burns up, too little and it never gets started! That’s why even on the same home, only certain roof faces are affected, and not others.

Metal oxidation also helps as a colony preventative. Look directly under the chimney, soil pipe flanges, and other metal roof protrusions, and you will likely find that the roof is free of discoloration.

To properly element roof staining, you should always consider that COPPER stripping be applied after the cleaning phase to help prevent a new infestation.

We would not reccomend the use of ZINC because of it's harmful potential as it relates to cisterns, animals drinking from downspout puddles, and the fact that it can act as a corrosive agent when in contact with aluminum, (your gutters)!

At Roof Time, we offer free written estimates as to the cause and cure for all types of roof problems, call us at 513.528.TIME for help! 



 

Roof moss   is different and more dangerous because it will grow underneath the roof shingle and act like a sponge soaking up water after a good rain.  Eventually the moss will cause roof leaks if not treated.  Roof moss also accumulates on the North side of the home or where shade is most prevalent. Only a professional roofer should attempt to remove roof moss, as it almost always requires some shingles to also be replaced. At Roof Time, we offer free written estimates as to the cause and cure for all types of roof problems, 

  

 Call our FUNGUS EXPERT at 513.528.TIME for help! Ask for SAM.

Roof algae, once attached to a shingled roof, feeds on the dead organic matter used in the manufacturing process of the shingle.  As the fungus breaks down the asphalt shingle, the ceramic granules protecting the surface of the shingle are loosened and begin to fall off.  This causes the roof to deteriorate prematurely and diminishes the roof's abilities to reflect heat rays.  

If not treated, the roof moss may reduce the life of your roof, diminish your home’s curb appeal and increase your home cooling expenses.

The initial removal of roof algae and moss is always more difficult then the prevention of roof algae or moss once the roof is cleaned.  A standard practice should be to clean your roof and then apply a preventative such as zinc bars, Z-stop, or copper strips, to keep the stains from returning. With the advent of new products designed to fight discoloration, and companies accepting work to clean shingles, roof cleaning and prevention has never been easier. But a word of caution; there is a right and a wrong way to fight the problem. Roof Time has responded to many homeowners over the past ten years that have caused their roof to begin to leak, by doing all the wrong things!

NEVER:

Þ        Force water up and under the shingle seal

Þ        Scrub the roof with a hard bristle brush

Þ        Dump pure bleach over the shingles

Many people spend countless hours and money cleaning their respective homes every year only to ignore one of the most visible and important aspects of the home; the roof.  Adding a roof algae/moss prevention program to your annual spring cleaning chores will result in a beautiful home that looks fresh and clean!

When it becomes time to replace your old roof, having your roofer bid shingles specifically manufactured to fight discoloration, such as those made by CertainTeed, will help to eliminate the problem from coming back!