Roof cleaning is a chore most homeowners ignore for too long, which can lead to black streaks appearing across it. The stains are not only unsightly, but they can pose a risk to your home and health if not properly cleaned. If you’ve noticed these stains on your roof, the guide below will explain what causes them, and why washing your roof is so important.  

How to Keep Your Roof Clean of Spores

What Causes the Black Streaks?

Gloeocapsa Magma is an airborne algae that feeds on the limestone and asphalt of your roof. The algae thrive in cool, shaded areas, which is where you should check for the bacterium the most. At first, they look like a blue-green moss. When left alone, the algae reproduce, creating black streaks on your roof. The stains absorb heat, damaging the shingles, possibly increasing your air conditioning bills during the summer, and decreasing the lifespan of your roof by years.

When left unchecked, Gloeocapsa Magma algae eventually evolves into lichens. Traditional roof cleaning methods can’t remove them. The lichens eat away at the top layer of the shingle, making them weaker, and leave permanent visible damage. The lichens are very moist, making it easier for more algae to grow and thrive.

Moss is thick green plants that root into the shingles, essentially anchoring themselves to the roof. It catches windblown particles like Gloeocapsa Magma algae, growing, and thickening. The moss holds and diverts moisture. In the winter, it can freeze, causing more damage to the shingles, and potentially leading to wood rot.

While moss is easy to spot, wood rot isn’t. It will cause roof leaks, and if gone unnoticed, the growth of mold, which is unhealthy for everyone in the house. Removing moss is incredibly difficult, often requiring each shingle, or the entire roof, to be replaced.

Why is Roof Cleaning So Important?

Roof Cleaning professionals are best equipped to handle the removal of algae. Their methods include power-washing and using biodegradable cleaning solutions that remove the growths without damaging the environment or cause further damage to your shingles. Once cleaned, you can make sure the growths never return by trimming nearby tree branches, removing debris from your gutters, and ensuring your roof has proper ventilation.
 

The technicians of W. Reardon’s Painting LLC can remove the black stains on your roof. These bonded, licensed and insured contractors have been servicing the Lorain, Ohio and surrounding areas for almost 50 years. With a variety of offerings ranging from power-washing and roof cleaning to industrial painting, and masonry refinishing, they can handle any interior or exterior project for their clients. To view their excellent residential and commercial work, visit their website. To schedule a free estimate, call (440) 233-6852.