If you are one of the millions of homeowners who look up and see black stains on your roof, you clearly are not alone! The good news is that it isn’t mold. The bad news is that it still looks bad! The black splotches that are covering your roof are probably something called Gloeocapsa, which is really just a fancy word for algae.
Algae is incredibly prevalent in areas like ours, where there are humid and moist conditions throughout the year. Its growth is only enhanced by the shade and dew that comes with cooler temperatures. Initially, stains tend to grow on the part of your roof that faces north, where it gets less sunlight, or in places where you have trees shading a portion of your roof.
Algae is like mold in that the spores become airborne, so if your neighbor has it on their roof, it will usually sprout on yours, and soon everyone in the community will be sharing the wealth. And this type of algae is a sucker for asphalt due to the calcium carbonate that it gives off, and over time, it can start to age your roof at warp speed.
Pressure Washing is NOT the Answer
In the past, it was common for roof washers to take a pressure washer to those dark stains to remove them, but pressure washing is not safe for shingled roofs and can lead to degradation and damage. Instead, the cure for this kind of algae is using a solution of trisodium phosphate, Sodium Hypochlorite , and water with a soft washing technique.
The secret is to let it sit for about 20-30 minutes on a cloudy day so that it doesn’t evaporate before it has time to really work.. After waiting for the allotted time, use a soft-washing method to remove the remaining concoction.
Not All Surfaces Are clomifene citrate dose affected
If you look closely around your flashing, skylights, or chimney, you will probably see that they aren’t affected by the algae. In those spots, there are metal particles that stop the growth of algae. To have the same effect and stop future spore growth, you can install zinc or copper strips at the roof’s ridge under the shingles, which will create a hostile environment for further growth.
The strips should be about ten feet by six or seven and you can adhere them with ring-shank nails or screws. If your roof is already nearing the end of its lifespan, then start fresh by using a shingle with built-in metal granules like GAF, CertainTeed, or Owens Corning. It might cost you a bit more, but it will ensure that your roof is algae-free for its entire lifespan.
Green Stains Are a Different Story
If you see green stains instead of black, then you probably have a moss issue that stems from low-lying trees. The solution, however, is the same – both figuratively and literally. You might need a little more force, like a broom, to scrape some of the clingy growth off. Next, it is a good idea to trim back trees – not just to reduce moss from growing, but to prevent them from falling during a good storm.
Roof washing is always a good idea to maintain the lifespan of your roof, but only if it is done correctly. Never pressure wash a shingled roof; however, you can find a pressure washing company that offers both pressure and soft washing to get the job done safely. At Taylor Pressure Washing Services , we are leaders in the industry who work to keep your outdoor areas looking amazing and safe for the long term. Contact us to schedule your pressure and soft washing appointment today!