Have you been noticing black streaks on your roof? Sometimes it looks like someone poured oil down your roof. Other times it looks like water building up. Whatever it looks like to you, its certainly unsightly for any home owner and your HOA may have even sent you a violation letter. Those black streaks on your roof are actually algae growing! Crazy huh?
Those black streaks on your roof are actually algae.
By the time you start to notice the black streaks on your roof, they have been growing for 3 months or longer. Sometimes it takes homeowners even longer to notice. The algae growing on your roof is known as blue green algea or gloeocapsa magma. It travels through the air via wind, birds, bugs, etc. The weather, sun light, birds and bugs in a certain area can determine how much algae grows on roofs in a certain neighborhood. You’re probably not the only one with a dirty roof in your neighborhood.
What about the moss on my roof?
Maybe the black streaks have been on your roof for a while and you’re starting to see moss growth. When a perfect combination of shade, moisture and fungus is present, moss or lichen may begin to grow on your roof. This moss is much more difficult to remove than the black algae streaks mentioned above. The lichen and moss develop very fine root systems that dig into your shingles. They cling onto the roof and feed off the shingle filler to continue to grow.
Will algae or moss damage my roof?
Your concerns about roof damage are valid. Algae and black streaks alone are not a major concern for damage but if they are left for too long, the algae will breakdown the UV protective granules and dry out your shingles. They will eventually need replacing. The moss and lichen growth can cause more severe damage if left too long.
How do I get rid of the algae and moss on my roof?
Any damage to your roof can be costly but we have great news! There is a simple and cost effective way you can remove that algae and moss growth. Roof Soft Washes are a great way to get your roof clean and reduce your concern of roof damage. Roof Cleaning from a Soft Wash company keeps your roof safe with little to no pressure and long lasting results. Those black streaks will be gone in a blink of a eye and the moss/lichen will be gone in 4-6 months. If your roof has grown the moss, the tiny root systems take a little bit longer to fall off. The roof soft wash will kill the roots but they often take months before they lift and release. You do not want to scrape the moss of your roof as that can cause more serious damage. Allow them some time to fall off.
Contact Red Door Pro Wash to book your roof wash today! We offer a 7 year warranty to ensure that your roof is protected now and in the years to come. If you’re planning to sell your house, you can let your buyers know that they are covered by the Red Door Pro Wash roof warranty.
Concerned that your roof has been damaged?
If you are concerned about your roof’s shingles being damaged or dried out by moss or age? Give our friend, Nick Roberge, a call at RoofMaxx.
“Asphalt shingles contain small, sand-like pebbles that stick together when shingles natural oils are intact. Once those oils start to dry out with age, you may see the granules flaking off in your gutters or downspouts. You might also notice black stains and streaks or shingles cracking, breaking, and curling. Since each roof is different, your local dealer will perform a free inspection to tell if Roof Maxx can help you.”
