Your entire home will look dingy if your siding is stained or peeling.
As homeowners, we understand that our homes must be kept in good repair. Nobody wants to leave their home looking dingy and nobody wants to live in a house where neighbors make muttering noises every day. This applies to your roof.
Dirty roofing can damage your roof and ruin your home’s curb-appeal. You should keep your roof clean.
More than Dirt
Your roof is constantly exposed to the elements. It can collect dirt and debris. Most dirt can be washed off by rain. But, other elements may cause green and dark spots to appear on your roof.
Algae
Fungus/Lichen
Moss
These substances are trickier than regular dirt and will require more explanation.
Algae
Gloeocapsamagma (or GM) is what causes black stains. GM algae, a bacterium that lives off asphalt roofing and limestone roofing, is found in moist and cool areas of the roof. GM forms a green-blue color when there’s very little light.
These algae are more likely to grow on the roof’s shaded areas. They can harbor many types of molds. This is why some roofs only have one side stained.
According to an Asphalt Roofing Manufacturing Association report, the algae spores are carried by wind and animals. They can easily spread quickly from rooftops to rooftops within a neighborhood of single-family houses, townhomes, or apartment buildings.
Lichens
Lichens are basically a combination between algae and fungus. ARMA describes lichens in this way: They are fungus and algae that co-exist.
These plant-like organisms form a “root-like tentacle” growth that penetrates the shingle’s natural oil base to nourishment.
Moss
Moss is a living plant and not an algae or lichen. Moss has a thin root system and needs a lot moisture to survive. Areas that get less sunlight stay damper longer.
The shade provided by overhanging branches from trees is not only more, but also provides a food source for moss. Like algae, mossspores can easily be spread from one neighborhood to another by animals and wind.
How can staining damage a roof?
Your roof can be damaged by shingle degradation and wood decay due to the growth and staining of algae, fungus or moss. Both can result in costly repairs that will reduce the life expectancy of your roof. This damage can often be prevented or minimized by roof cleaning.
Shingle Damage
GM algae, which can be found in both asphalt or limestone, is a bacterium. These organisms can literally eat your shingles.
ARMA also states that roofs stained with algae absorb heat. This heat can create a high temperature in the attic which can result in a reduction in the life expectancy of the shingles.
Lichen colonies can cause severe damage to shingles. The penetrating insects can leave pockmarks on the shingles, eventually causing them to fall.
Moss is also a problem for roof shingles. Moss can cause the edges and corners of your roof shingles to curl, or lift. This is often the first sign you need a replacement roof. Moss also holds moisture and can freeze in winter, causing more damage to the shingle.
Wood Rot
Moss can trap moisture and divert it water. This makes roof decks more susceptible to wood decay and leaks. Moss is most likely to grow in gaps between shingles. These are the last places water escapes from roofs.
It’s easy to notice moss growth under your roof. However, the signs of woodrot may not be obvious to most homeowners. “You don’t realize how much damage your house has sustained,” says YanniAvramidis (Vice President of Production for Long Roofing).
“You might have a leak, but you don’t know it.” This can cause even more wood destruction.”
Wood rot can reduce the life expectancy of your roof and can lead to mold growth. This can be dangerous for homeowners as well as their pets.
Are you worried about unwanted guests who may be living in your attic, or on your roof? The wood can rot faster than you would like and attract unwanted creatures.
Squirrels are known to chew through roof and attic areas, causing damage. These animals can easily bore through rotted wood because it is easier to do so.
Professional Cleaning
Roof cleaning maintains a roof’s beauty and protects your investment. It’s tempting to think that roof cleaning can be done yourself. But it is best to hire an expert roof cleaner.
If you use standard high-pressure washers to clean your roof, they can cause damage. It is essential to use special equipment so that your roof does not suffer damage from the high-pressure washers.
Reputable roof companies will also use biodegradable cleaning solutions. A DIY roof cleaning job typically involves a solution of bleach and water. It can eliminate algae from your roof, but it can also cause damage to the environment.
Future Growth Preventable
Once you have removed the stains, you can take steps for preventing regrowth. ARMA points out that the biodegradable chemicals cleaner can protect against future growths if used every 18 to 36 month.
ARMA also recommends steps you can take to stop moss growth and algae growth.
Trimming tree branches
Cleaning up any roof debris
You should ensure your roof has sufficient airflow to prevent debris getting under the edges of the shingle.
Cleaning your gutters regularly
It’s not enough to clean
Sometimes the algae, mushroom, or moss growth can cause severe roof damage. In these cases, roof cleaning will not suffice.
Angi recommends that you replace your roof if there are missing shingles.
