If the siding or paint on your exterior is damaged, it can cause your whole house to look unfinished.
As homeowners, it is our responsibility to keep our homes in good condition. Nobody wants to be greeted by grumbling neighbors when they pass their house. This includes your roof.
Dirty roofs can ruin curb appeal and cause roof damage. Keep your roof clean.
More than dirt
Your roof is exposed to the elements every day. Dirt and other debris can build up on your roof. The appearance of dirt and debris is usually washed away by the natural rain. Other natural elements can cause dark stains or green spots on your roof.
Algae
Fungus/Lichen
Moss
These substances are more complicated than ordinary dirt and need to be explained.
Algae
Gloeocapsa Magma is also called GM. GM alga is a bacterium, which lives on both asphalt and limestone roofing. GM forms a light-colored blue-green color if there is not much sunlight.
This algae is more common in the areas that are shaded. It can also harbor different types of molds. This is why some roofs have only one side stained.
The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturing Association (ARMA), reports that these algae spores may be transported by wind and animals. They can quickly spread to other rooftops in areas with single-family homes, townhomes or apartment complexes.
Lichens
Lichens can be described as a mixture of algae and fungus. ARMA refers to lichens a fungus that grows in symbiotic relationships with algae.
These plant-like organisms form a branched growth of “rootlike tentacles,” which penetrate into the shingle’s organic, oil-base base for nourishment. Lichens can be hard to remove from the roof but will reappear when it rains or humidifies.
Moss
Moss is actually a plant unlike the algae and lichens. Moss requires moisture to survive because it has a very shallow root system. The areas that receive less sunlight will remain damper for a longer time.
Overhanging branches of trees provide shade as well as dropping debris that can be used to feed moss. Like alga, mossspores can easily spread through the neighborhood by animals and wind.
How can staining cause roof damage?
Through shingle decay and wood rot, the stains and growth spots caused by algae, moldus, and/or moss can lead to roof damage. Both of these can lead to costly repairs and decrease the roof’s lifespan. Roof cleaning Cardiff can reduce or eliminate these damages.
Shingle damage
GM alga, which is a bacterium, feeds off both asphalt and limestone. These organisms literally eat away at your roof shingles.
According to ARMA, roofs with algal stains absorb heat. This causes the attic to heat up very quickly, which can lead to a decrease in lifespan.
Shingles can be severely damaged by lichen colonies. The penetrating tentacles leave pock marks on the shingles and eventually cause damage.
Moss can be even worse for roof shingles. Moss can cause shingles to curl or lift at the edges, which is often the first sign of a roof replacement. Because moss is a moisture-holding material, it can freeze in winter and cause additional shingle damage.
Wood Rot
Moss is able to retain moisture and divert rainwater, making your roof deck more vulnerable to wood rot and water leaks. Moss prefers to grow between the shingles. This is the last place where water evaporates from a roof.
You can easily spot moss growth on your roofing. Wood rot is not always easy to spot. “You don’t know the extent of damage done to your house,” says Yanni, vice president of production at Long Roofing.
You might not be aware of a possible leak. This will cause wood damage even more.
Wood rot is not only dangerous for homeowners, but it can also reduce the roof’s lifespan.
Have you ever had guests on your roof or in your attic? When wood starts to rot, unwanted critters can do more damage.
Animals such as squirrels have been shown to damage roofs and attics by chewing through roof and supporting timber systems. This makes it easier for them to bore through the wood.
Professional Cleaning
Roof cleaning will not only keep your roof looking great, but it will also prolong the life of your roof. It is tempting to try to clean your roof yourself. However, it is better to hire professionals.
High-pressure, standard washers can damage your roof if you are trying to clean it. It is important to use special equipment that doesn’t damage the shingles or cause them to tear from high pressure.
Reputable roof cleaners will also use a biodegradable solution. A solution of water and bleach is usually used for DIY roof cleaning. This can be used to remove the algae from the roof but it is also harmful to the environment.
Future Growth Prevention
You can prevent regrowth by taking steps once the stains have been removed. ARMA says that the biodegradable cleaner can prevent future growths if it is reapplied every 18 to36 months.
ARMA also suggests steps that can be taken in order to discourage moss or algae growth.
Tree branches trimming
Remove any debris that may have accumulated on the roof
Make sure your roof has proper airflow. This will prevent debris from being driven under the shingle edges.
Cleaning your gutters regularly
Cleaning isn’t enough
In certain cases, algae, moldus, and moss growth can be so severe that they have already caused damage to your roof. This is when roof cleaning becomes insufficient.
Angi says that if you are missing shingles, your shingles exceed 25 years of age, granules have disappeared from your shingles, tabs keep flipping up or if your shingles seem fragile, then you may need a roof replacement.