|
The Cause of Roof Stains
The ugly, dark stains that are so prevalent are caused by a very hardy “blue-green” algae, Gloeocapsa magma, that thrives on the asphalt (also called fiberglass or composite) shingled roofs in much of the country, especially in the more humid areas. Growth normally starts on the north side as well as shaded areas of the roof. As the algae grows, it holds moisture allowing the growth to accelerate. Thus the roof stains get worse and worse over time as well.
Algae, moss & lichen spores are carried by wind, birds, squirrels, etc. If your roof is currently clean, it likely won’t stay that way if other houses in the area are already stained.
Years ago, stains on asphalt shingled roofs were not a significant problem. Today it is a big problem because the design of asphalt shingles has changed over time. For the last 30 years or so, asphalt shingles have been manufactured using limestone as the base filler. Unfortunately, limestone is a favorite food of this strain of algae. Due to a lack of food, algae used to starve to death when it landed on your roof - now it thrives on your roof.
There are other types of stains and growths found on roofs. Green roof stains are often caused by mold and mildew. Lichen & moss are common growths found on roofs in some parts of the country. Roof-Be-Clean â also removes and prevents stains and growths caused by all these organisms.
Algae, Moss & Lichen also Damage the Roof & Shortens Roof Life
It is bad enough that algae causes ugly roof stains, unfortunately it also damages the roof The algae takes root on the shingles dislodging the granules which protect & color the roof. It holds water to the roof's surface and can cause decay & rot of the roof's underlayment. Not only is your roof being discolored by the algae, but it is shortening the life of the roof leading to an early roof replacement. Moss and lichen do the same - however the damage normally occurs much faster.
There are Three Ways to have a Clean Roof Again
1. Re-roof - an expensive option. Your roof likely has more useful life.
2. Power Wash or Brush Clean - damages the roof shingles by breaking away the granules that protect & color the roof shortening the life of the roof.
3. Apply Roof-Be-Clean â - just spray it on (after proper dilution as directed) with an ordinary garden pump sprayer. As it goes to work over the next few months, it continues to be effective. When it rains, the stains are gently washed away revealing your roof’s true colors once again (normally in about 3 to 9 months). For heavily stained roofs, additional applications are recommended in 30-45 day intervals until the desired results are obtained. After, your roof is clean, use Roof-Be-Clean â every 12 to 24 months to prevent future staining (see Roof Applications for more details).
If fast removable of stains is a necessity, apply Roof-Be-Clean â as directed. Wait several days and wash off the roof from the bottom up using a garden hose with a standard spray nozzle. Take care to avoid spraying water under the shingles and avoid walking on the roof if at all possible. We do not recommend this approach since any washing of the roof can result in loss of roof granules. Our desire is that you achieve a clean roof without doing any damage in the process. That is why we always recommend application and then allow nature to do the washing over time.
Roof-Be-Clean â Contains NO Harmful Bleach, Chlorine or Phosphates
Bleach, chlorine and phosphates are harmful to the environment and can damage plants and bushes around your home. These chemicals have no lasting effect. Bleach, when used incorrectly, can actually bleach out the color in your roof – we have seen this happen a number of times. Bleach can also neutralize some types of chemicals used for termite protection around your home and damage aluminum gutters.
|
![[ZincShield.com]](/t//ZincShield_35_1-Roll.jpg)
