It can make your whole house look dirty if the siding is damaged or peeling.
We as homeowners know that we are expected to maintain our homes. No one wants to return home to a messy house, no one wants the house that neighbors complain about every time they pass it. Your roof is also included.
A dirty roof can not only ruin the curb appeal of your home, but can also cause damage to your roof. It is important to maintain your roof.
More than dirt
Your roof is exposed all day to the elements. It will be covered in dirt and debris. Most dirt is washed away by natural rainfall. The dark spots and green areas on your roof may be caused by other elements.
Algae
Fungus/Lichen
Moss
These substances are more complex than dirt, and they require explanation.
Algae
Gloeocapsa magma, also known as GM, is the name for black stains. GM algae is a bacterium which feeds on asphalt and limestone roofing. It can be found in moist, cool, and shaded areas. GM algae forms a blue-green color when there is little light.
These algae can grow in areas that are less shaded. This is why roofs can be stained only one way.
According to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturing Association, these algal spores can be transported by animals or wind. These spores can spread quickly from rooftop to roof in the vicinity of single-family homes, townhomes, and apartment complexes.
Lichens
Lichens are basically a combination of algae with fungus. ARMA defines lichens as fungus which grows in a mutually beneficial relationship with algae.
These plant-like organisms form a branching structure of “root-like tentacles” that penetrate the shingle’s oil base. They can be difficult to remove and may reappear in rain or humidity.
Moss
Moss is a real plant, unlike lichens and algae. Moss is a small-rooted plant that requires high levels of moisture to thrive. Less sunlight makes areas more humid.
Overhanging tree branches provide shade and also help to collect debris which can be used as a food source. Moss spores, like algae, can be easily spread by animals or wind and can also be transferred to other areas.
What can stain do to a roof?
Algae, fungus, and moss can cause shingle deterioration or wood rot to your roof. Both can cause costly repairs and shorten the lifespan of your roof. This damage can be minimized or eliminated by roof cleaning.
Shingle Damage
GM Alga is a bacterium which feeds on both asphalt and limestone, as mentioned previously. This means that they are literally eating away your shingles.
According to ARMA roofs that have algae stains absorb heat. This can cause extreme heat to build up in the attic.
Shingles can be very damaged by lichen colonies. The penetrating tentacles can cause pockmarks and eventually destroy shingles.
Roof shingles are even more vulnerable to Moss. Moss can cause shingles’ edges to curl or lift, which is often the first sign that a new roof is required. Moss can also freeze in winter due to its moisture retention, which can cause more damage to shingles.
Wood Rot
Moss can hold moisture in and divert water from your roof deck, making it more susceptible to wood rot or leaks. The last place that water evaporates from a roof is where Moss grows, and this is where it tends to be found.
It is easy to see moss growth on your roof. The signs of wood decay aren’t always obvious to homeowners. “You don’t know what damage has been done to your home,” says Yanni Aramidis, vice-president of production at Long Roofing.
You may not even be aware that you have a water leak. This will cause more wood damage.”
Wood rot can not only reduce the lifespan of your roof but can also cause mold growth that can pose a danger to homeowners and pets.
Are there any guests living in your attic? Wood rot can lead to more damage from unwelcome critters.
Squirrels and other animals have been known for causing roof and attic damage through chewing on roofs and supporting wood systems. These creatures can bore through rotted wood much easier than if it was not.
Professional Cleaning
Roof cleaning Newport is not only beautiful, but also protects your investment by prolonging the roof’s life. Although it may seem easy to do a roof clean yourself, it is best to hire a professional.
When you try to clean your roof with standard, high-pressure washers, it can cause damage. You should use special equipment to ensure that the shingles are not damaged by the high pressure and torn.
Reputable roof cleaning firms will use a biodegradable cleaner. Most DIY roof cleaning projects use a mixture of bleach and water. Although it can remove algae from the roof, it can also be harmful to the environment and plants.
Future Growth: Preventing it
After the stain has been removed, you can take steps that will prevent future growth. ARMA states that the biodegradable chemical cleaner can be used to prevent growths for as long as it is reapplied every 18-36 months.
ARMA recommends several steps to prevent moss and alga growth, including:
Pruning trees
Eliminating any debris from the roof
To avoid debris from getting under the shingle edges, ensure that your roof has adequate airflow
Cleaning your gutters regularly
Cleaning is not enough
Sometimes, algae, fungus, or moss growth can cause significant roof damage. Roof cleaning is no longer enough.
Angi suggests that if you have missing shingles and your shingles have been more than 25 years, if your tabs are not flipping up, granules on your shingles or shingles are brittle then you will need a replacement roof.
Copyright – Classicalnet