Reprinted from technical bulletin 217-RR-89 from ARMA, the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association
For many years, roof discoloration caused by algae has been observed throughout the United States and Canada. This is commonly referred to as "fungus growth". The discoloration usually has a brown to black appearance, and may be mistaken for soot, dirt, moss, or tree droppings.
The primary species of algae being observed is Gloeocapsa Magma. This type of algae is contained in and transported through the air, and tends to collect and grow upon roofing structures. Natural pigments produced by this algae may cause a white or light colored roof to gradually turn dark brown or black. The algae discolorations should not be confused with moss or tree droppings, which typically produce only localized discolorations.
This type of roof discoloration has been most widespread in the Gulf States and along the Northwest and Eastern Seaboards. It is not, however, confined to only these regions. Algae growth occurs to varying degrees in all regions of the country, especially those subjected to warm, humid conditions. It should be noted that almost all types of roofing systems are susceptible to algae discoloration. It is, or course, most readily visible upon white or pastel roofs, while it is not so visible upon darker shades of roofing.
It should be noted that All-Star House Washing uses the chemical and procedure guidelines recommended and approved by ARMA.
Visit ARMA at www.asphaltroofing.org
Also visit the Center for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov
For many years, roof discoloration caused by algae has been observed throughout the United States and Canada. This is commonly referred to as "fungus growth". The discoloration usually has a brown to black appearance, and may be mistaken for soot, dirt, moss, or tree droppings.
The primary species of algae being observed is Gloeocapsa Magma. This type of algae is contained in and transported through the air, and tends to collect and grow upon roofing structures. Natural pigments produced by this algae may cause a white or light colored roof to gradually turn dark brown or black. The algae discolorations should not be confused with moss or tree droppings, which typically produce only localized discolorations.
This type of roof discoloration has been most widespread in the Gulf States and along the Northwest and Eastern Seaboards. It is not, however, confined to only these regions. Algae growth occurs to varying degrees in all regions of the country, especially those subjected to warm, humid conditions. It should be noted that almost all types of roofing systems are susceptible to algae discoloration. It is, or course, most readily visible upon white or pastel roofs, while it is not so visible upon darker shades of roofing.
It should be noted that All-Star House Washing uses the chemical and procedure guidelines recommended and approved by ARMA.
Visit ARMA at www.asphaltroofing.org
Also visit the Center for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov
Will this problem damage my shingles?
Yes! The type of growth you have determines the amount of damage. These growths hold moisture, which very slowly causes premature degrading. Customers often forget the visual damage this growth causes to their roof. Most roofs are replaced today due to the way they look, and have nothing to do with the functionality. We are finding many people are replacing their 25 year roof in as little as 10 years because they look so bad. Often a roof cleaning is all they need.
Yes! The type of growth you have determines the amount of damage. These growths hold moisture, which very slowly causes premature degrading. Customers often forget the visual damage this growth causes to their roof. Most roofs are replaced today due to the way they look, and have nothing to do with the functionality. We are finding many people are replacing their 25 year roof in as little as 10 years because they look so bad. Often a roof cleaning is all they need.
Why does my roof turn black?
Pollution, tree sap, and jet exhaust are the first things customers think of when they see staining on their roof. Black staining is caused by the growth of algae and fungus spores that land on your roof. These spores need three things to grow: Heat, Moisture, and Nutrients. The nutrients come from dirt and the shingle itself, primarily the limestone filler used in manufacturing the granules.
Pollution, tree sap, and jet exhaust are the first things customers think of when they see staining on their roof. Black staining is caused by the growth of algae and fungus spores that land on your roof. These spores need three things to grow: Heat, Moisture, and Nutrients. The nutrients come from dirt and the shingle itself, primarily the limestone filler used in manufacturing the granules.
What will happen then?
The more the moss or algae grows, the more moisture it will hold, keeping the roofs surface wet which, in turn, causes rot. The algae's roots work their way through the shingles and into the wood decking causing tremendous damage.
The more the moss or algae grows, the more moisture it will hold, keeping the roofs surface wet which, in turn, causes rot. The algae's roots work their way through the shingles and into the wood decking causing tremendous damage.
How does All-Star Pressure Washing clean roofs?
We carefully apply a mixture of 4 chemicals to your roof shingles. This chemical mixture is endorsed and recommended by ARMA - the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association. We clean the shingles the way that the shingle manufacturers say to clean them! After a brief dwelling time, the mixture is then gently rinsed off to reveal the clean shingles, bringing back the beauty of your roof to almost new condition.
Will this "blast" off my shingles?
Absolutely NOT! The chemical mixture is applied to your roof at around 45psi (Pounds per Square Inch). As a comparison, the water pressure at your outside water faucet is 60 to 80psi, depending on your community's water system.
Have that dirty eyesore professionally cleaned for a fraction of the cost of a new roof. Contact the pros at All-Star Pressure Washing today to discuss your needs.
We carefully apply a mixture of 4 chemicals to your roof shingles. This chemical mixture is endorsed and recommended by ARMA - the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association. We clean the shingles the way that the shingle manufacturers say to clean them! After a brief dwelling time, the mixture is then gently rinsed off to reveal the clean shingles, bringing back the beauty of your roof to almost new condition.
Will this "blast" off my shingles?
Absolutely NOT! The chemical mixture is applied to your roof at around 45psi (Pounds per Square Inch). As a comparison, the water pressure at your outside water faucet is 60 to 80psi, depending on your community's water system.
Have that dirty eyesore professionally cleaned for a fraction of the cost of a new roof. Contact the pros at All-Star Pressure Washing today to discuss your needs.
Click HERE to see a short video of me cleaning this very roof!
Before
During
After
*** NO PRESSURE WASHERS ARE USED ***
TO CLEAN YOUR ROOF - NEVER!
TO CLEAN YOUR ROOF - NEVER!
Before...
... and AFTER!
Did a roofer just tell you that you needed a new roof? Why? I don't know of any roofers who will tell you that you can simply clean your roof. Why would they? Why would they give up the chance to take all your money? Truth is, unless it is leaking, many roofs just need to be cleaned. Be careful of the "Free Roof Inspections" that a roofer gives. I have seen some roofers target homes with dirty roofs and tell them that they have this mysterious "hail damage". Unreputable roofers will file a claim on your insurance, and many times just accept what the insurance pays and move on. When you need them to come to your house and correct something, don't be surprised when you can't find them! After hurricane Katrina, the insurance companies got wise to this scheme and started craking down on this practice. That being said, there are many legitimate roofing contractors that do honest work. If your roof just needs to be cleaned, we will be glad to help, however, if we feel that your best interests are in a new roof, we will be glad to refer you to a list qualified roofing contractors.
Do you REALLY need a new roof?
Are you sure about that?
Are you sure about that?
Residential and Commercial
Pressure Washing
Pressure Washing
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