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Ugly Roof Stains
GOOD NEWS! Ugly roof stains can be removed from your roof, quickly, easily, safely, and affordably. Your roof can look like new again for a fraction of the cost of re-roofing. Don't replace it just because it is stained!
What are those ugly roof stains?
Ugly roof stains are not caused by trees, birds, leaves, or pine
needles. The stains are caused by the air-born spores from black
algae, fungus and mold. The spores land on your roof and grow on
the asphalt material the shingles are made from.
Why do the stains only grow on one side of my roof?
Black algae usually grows on the North side of the home as well as areas
under trees. The North side of the home gets the least amount of sun and
therefore stays wet the longest. The same is true with the area
under trees where there is the most shade and the trees drip rain water
keeping the surface wet for longer. The moisture allows the algae
to flourish.
Will the algae harm my shingles?
Yes, if left untreated for long enough. Over time the algae growth
can cause your shingles to dry, crack and curl. Leaks will result
leading to premature roof replacement. With proper maintenance,
your roof should last at least as long as the warranty period.
Can I use chlorine bleach to remove the stains?
Some contractors and home owners do use chlorine bleach to clean their
roofs, but it is not advisable. Bleach will clean the surface of
the shingle but will not kill the whole algae colony. The stains
usually start to reappear within 12 to 18 months. Chlorine will
also kill your plants, and is harmful to the environment. In some
cases, the chlorine runoff from the roof can void your termite warranty
due to the interaction with the chemicals in the ground guarding your
home. In short, using chlorine is not worth the risk when there
are other much safer and less costly alternatives.
Will cleaning my roof with a pressure washer harm
my roof?
YES! Never use a standard commercial pressure washer to clean your
roof. Using a pressure washer will clean the stains from your roof
but will also remove the surface of your shingles. Many homeowners
have replaced their roofs within just a few years after cleaning it with
commercial pressure washers.