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What Are The Black Streaks On My Roof?
Unsightly black stains or streaks on asphalt shingles are caused by a hardy type of algae called Gloeocapsa Magma. The algae feeds on the crushed limestone that is used in asphalt shingles. Rain spreads the algae down the roof causing the black streaks. These streaks are not only unsightly but cause the shingles to fail prematurely by not allowing the shingles to reflect heat properly.
50% Of Roofs Are Replaced Due To The Way They Look.
This is not because of their functionality. Half of the roofs ever replaced in the North East didn't need to be replaced, only cleaned. Just as mold and mildew can grow on your vinyl siding, wind blown algae can land and grow on your roof. Replacing your roof because of this algae is like replacing your siding instead of having it cleaned; it just doesn't make sense.
Some roofing contractors don't know what these black streaks are, saying it's the asphalt showing through the shingles or that it's water stains. Some contractors may know it's algae but tell you it can't be cleaned without damaging the shingles. In either case, they may tell you that the roof needs replaced. This is not true if your shingles are still in good shape. The algae can be killed and removed properly without damaging the shingles using a low pressure chemical application (recommended by shingle manufacturers).
Never use a pressure washer on an asphalt shingle roof, doing so will blow granules off the shingles and lessen the longevity of your roof.
Roof Cleaning Is Recommended By Shingle Manufacturers.
Companies like Owens Corning and GAF, and also the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association recommend a low pressure chemical application using certain cleaners to restore shingles suffering from roof algae, followed by a low pressure rinse. We use the cleaners and methods recommended by these companies, for a safe and damage free roof cleaning. If your shingles are still in good shape but have roof algae on them, having your roof cleaned will allow you to get the full life out of your shingles, saving you thousands of dollars.
Signs Of Aged Shingles Needing Replaced.
We do not recommend cleaning shingles that are in need of being replaced. If you're not sure if your roof needs replaced or cleaned, here are some signs of an aged roof:
1) brittle or crumbling shingles
2) excessive amount of shingle granules in your gutters
3) bottom corners of shingles curled up
4) wavy, warped, or heaved shingles
5) very thin or loose shingles
If you are still unsure about the status of your roof, we will be glad to evaluate it for you. We will not clean shingles that need replaced, because cleaning the roof won't solve the problem if the shingles are aged. On the other hand, if you call a roofing contractor, you may not get the whole truth and may be persuaded into replacing a roof that only needs cleaned.
Key Danger Signals - What's Growing On Your Roof?
Specifics: What's Growing On Your Roof?
Addressing The "Growing" Problems On Roofs Caused By Algae, Lichen, Fungus, and Moss
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Fact:
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Algae, or Gloeocapsa Magma, can spread... from one infested roof to another via the release of airborne spores. As more homes are built closer together, this hardy algae has been able to spread rapidly.
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Fact:
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Algae is well adapted to extreme conditions... heat, long dry spells, UV rays, heavy rain, intense cold, thick snow or high winds doesn't deter it.
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Fact:
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The dark color of Algae is a pigmented protective sheath... that encapsulates each cell to protect it from UV rays
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Fact:
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Copper and Zinc can both inhibit algae growth... Zinc (including pellets) however does have other inherent problems, such as: it's limited ability to be color matched to roofing shingles, attachment method to roofing shingles, cost and the occasional "bloom" effect due to the build-up of zinc oxide. Copper granules are used instead of zinc for these reasons.
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Fact:
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Copper is 10 times more effective against algae than Zinc... Zinc actually becomes less effective against algae quicker than copper
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Fact:
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AR shingles at work…some granules covering the shingle contain Copper encapsulated by a specially developed coating allowing Copper (cupric ions) to be time-released to prevent algae over a long period
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Fact:
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Dew is the dominant source of water for algae and is the "agent" best suited for the release of the copper in Algae Resistant shingles. Rainwater, although effective, runs off a roof too quickly to provide significant leaching of copper. Dew is also present more days than rain.
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Fact:
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Algae can go for long periods of time without water... It is unaffected by heat or downpours and is dormant in winter. Algae secretes a material that adheres them firmly to the shingle surface.
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Myth:
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Algae is killed immediately by copper. FACT: Algae cells are poisoned over time.
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Myth:
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Algae is a fungus. FACT: Algae, or Gloeocapsa Magma belongs to the Cyanobacteria branch in the Eubacteria family and is not a fungus.
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Myth:
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Installing a copper ridge or hip shingle with copper granules on an existing roof may overcome an existing colony of algae. FACT: AR granules have not been proven to kill existing algae.
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Myth:
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Are "FR" or Fungus Resistant shingles better?: FACT: "FR" is an inaccurate name since fungus is not the actual source of the suggested problem. Additionally, copper granules have not been proven to inhibit fungus growth.
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F.A.Q.'s - Algae ~ Fungus ~ Moss ~ Lichen
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What Does it Look Like?
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Dark/black or green stains or streaks on roof...
Also called "Blue-Green Algae" (Cyanobacteria) and
"Gloeocapsa Magma"
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Green, connecting colonies…
Includes mold & mildew
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Green, spongy clumps…
can be random growths.
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Orange, White
or Yellowish spots… in a star burst shape
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What's Needed for Growth?
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Moisture, inorganic food sources (asphalt fillers), airborne spores, proper temperature
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Moisture, organic food sources (soil), spores,
proper temperature - 40 F to 100F.
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Where Does it Grow?
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Nationwide; 80% +/-. Mostly SE, coastal, Pacific NW. High humidity. See map.
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High humidity, heavy shade, any exposure.
Heavy and/or low tree coverage aids growth.
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Typical Roof Exposure?
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Mainly North facing, but can occur on all exposures.
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Any exposure. Heavy and/or low tree coverage aids growth.
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Impact on Roof?
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Aesthetics Only
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Aesthetics, poor drainage, slippery, potential to
lift shingles, possible premature deterioration.
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Are Algae Resistant Shingles Effective?
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Yes…
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No, may inhibit growth in early stages only,
will not prevent growth.
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How Do You Get Rid Of It?
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Wash the Roof Shingles with "Anti-Algae Solution"*. Apply at low pressure, wait 15 min. rinse with low pressure water. Protect plants/shrubs. Do not power wash. Use Fall Protection.
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Remove initial bulk of growth with stiff brush or broom. Then treat the roof as you would for algae.
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Big Picture: Can You Identify What's Growing on Your Roof?
4 Types: 1. Algae 2. Lichen 3. Fungus 4. Moss
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ALGAE GROWTH
• Extensive Algae growth -
in both green and black.
• Different colors are evident.
• Dark appearance is a protective layer the algae have developed to protect itself from damaging UV rays.
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ALGAE, LICHEN, FUNGUS
• Evident are Lichen, Fungus & algae.
• Notice the vent metal has inhibited growth. This observation is what initially prompted researchers into finding metals that prevent algae growth to take place.
• Exposure: Note the algae-free surface on dormer roof.
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ALGAE GROWTH
• Extensive algae growth.
• The area below the window is free of algae due metal flashing... run-off of the metal inhibits growth
• Algae predominantly grows from the bottom - up, due in part to the amount of time water is on the roof.
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LICHEN & FUNGUS GROWTH
• Fungus - predominantly at the shingle edges and key ways.
• Left to grow may eventually damage the shingles by lifting them and further inhibiting water run-off.
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MOSS
• Moss due partly to low slope, shady location, organic material & exposure.
• Water is retained on the roof; thus essentially aiding the growth.
• Organic material needs to be present for growth or moss cannot take root.
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White: Very Low Algae, Moss, Lichen and Fungus Growth
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Yellow: Low Alga, Moss, Lichen and Fungus Growth
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Blue: Moderate Algae, Moss, Lichen and Fungus Growth
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Red: Severe Algae, Moss, Lichen and Fungus Growth
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Call Magical Touch first to see how you can have the look of a new roof with out spending thousands of dollars on a new roof!!!
Contact
Magical Touch today to schedule a FREE ESTIMATE! 631.482.7775 |
