Have you inspected your roof recently? Have you had a recent storm and uncertain of roof damage? At SRW we not only provide annual roof inspections for free, but we are also proud to offer storm damage inspections as well.
We are continuing to closely monitor developments in the COVID-19 outbreak and how we can best serve and support you during these trying times. As always, we are committed to providing the superior service and support that our customers have come to expect and remain fully operational during this time with no impact to service levels.
As the leaves turn to their autumn hues, a homeowner’s mind will often turn to their winter preparation checklist. For maximum peace of mind as winter rolls in, be sure to include a roof inspection on that list.
If you drive down virtually any residential street in the U.S. or Canada, there’s a chance you’ll see at least one roof stained with black or dark brown streaks. Many homeowners mistake these stains for mold, mildew, moss, or even tree sap. They’re often actually caused by tiny bacteria called Gloeocapsa magma, AKA “blue-green algae.” When you see the dark stains, you’re looking not at the algae, but at the hard, dark coating it generates to protects itself from damaging UV rays.
Gloeocapsa magma travels on the wind — which means if your neighbor has it, your roof has probably been exposed as well. It thrives in moist environments and can get nutrients from dust in the air. It is more likely to appear on the north and west sides of the house. According to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA), there’s no scientific evidence that algae is damaging to asphalt shingles. Yet it can definitely affect the appearance and resale value of the home. And by darkening the roof, it can negatively impact long-term performance of highly reflective cool roofs.
That’s the bad news. The good news is that Gloeocapsa magma is both treatable and, if you plan ahead, preventable.
Treatment: A number of commercially available cleaning solutions will help remove the stains and impede algae growth for a year or more. ARMA recommends a simple 50/50 solution of chlorine bleach and water. Apply the solution to the roof, and rinse off after 15 – 20 minutes. Other cleaning chemicals or methods should not be used without approval of the shingle manufacturer. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Prevention: Certain metal ions, like copper and zinc, can help prevent algae growth. Copper and zinc strips are sometimes installed at the roof ridge, where rainwater will pick up the algae-preventing ions and distribute them on the roof. This is not the most effective method, since algae doesn’t rely on rain to find moisture. In fact, it can feed on the moisture from humidity and morning dew. A more effective preventative is copper-containing granules like those found in GAF StainGuard® Shingles.
Regular roof maintenance can also help discourage algae growth:
If you’re going to the effort and expense of installing a beautiful new roof, it makes sense to protect that investment against ugly algae stains by choosing GAF shingles with StainGuard® protection.
