What are the Black streaks on roof?
Curious what is growing on your roof? Is it discoloration, stain, or what? Black streaks on roofs are caused by a bacteria called Gloeocapsa Magma. This is a type of algae that grows and thrives in warmer, more humid environments. This type of algae can cause discoloration and staining of your roof. It does not look great! Unfortunately there are more problems that come with these black streaks other than their ugly appearance.
Problems with black streaks
The streaks can be very noticeable and can make the entire house look dirty and unkempt. This can be a major concern for homeowners as it can negatively impact the curb appeal of their property and decrease its value. Another problem caused by Gloeocapsa magma is the damage it can inflict on the roofing material. The algae can cause the roofing material to deteriorate faster than it would otherwise. This can lead to leaks, which can cause damage to the interior of the building and can also lead to mold growth. It is very important to remove this bacteria from the roof to maintain the integrity and longevity of shingles or tile.
The algae will eventually try out and cause the shingles to deteriorate much quicker and lose their granules. The granules are vital to preserving the integrity of the shingle by blocking out the UV rays. Often times when a roof has been overgrown with algae it can be a sign of negligence and a cause for concern for home buyers, as it can lead to many other problems down the road.
HOA Regulations for roof cleaning
We often hear homeowners mention that they have to get their roof cleaned because the HOA has issued them a letter or notice. Your home has a natural beauty that is being very clouded by the unsightly and ugly streaks along the roof.
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How to remove black streaks from your roof
The great news is that this algae is treatable. Most of the time professional companies can remove and kill the bulk of the bacteria. Often times after it has “sprouted” it needs to be professionally cleaned and treated as preventative maintenance to restrict it from returning.
- Soft washing: This method uses low-pressure water and a specialized cleaning solution to remove the algae safely and effectively from the shingles without causing damage.
- Chemical treatments: Professional roof cleaning companies may also use specialized chemical treatments to remove the black streaks. These treatments typically include a combination of cleaning agents, surfactants, and algaecides that are specifically designed to remove algae and other stains from roofs.
- Scraping: some professional roof cleaning companies may use soft bristle brushes or scrapers to remove the algae manually, this is the least common method used because it could damage the shingles if not done properly
- After the cleaning process is done, they will also rinse the roof thoroughly with a low-pressure water to remove any remaining cleaning solution and to prevent any damage to the shingles.
Common misconception
Many times, people view the black streaks on their roof as just discoloration. The black streaks on roofs are living organisms that are breeding grounds to spread and contaminate more of your roof over time! Getting your roof washed can transform the look of your home, and even bring your grimy, stain colored shingles back to life. Your home is one of your biggest investments! The roof is a crucial piece of protecting your home and structural integrity. This starts with taking care of and maintaining the roof to maximize the life of all shingles. Edwards Gutter Cleaning is equipped to handle all types of roof cleaning jobs with the best equipment to restore the beauty and integrity of your roof! Don’t let problems occur before you call.
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