Spread the Truth On Cleaning Roof Algae

There is a ton of confusion when speaking about unsightly black streaks on shingles. Maybe you have seen these black streaks on roofs, they usually first start to show on the north facing slopes of a roof. The north side has the prevailing amount of shade and moisture. Once the algae lands on the roof it does not go away. It will begin to feed on the shingles and will spread over time eventually taking over the whole roof. Roof cleaning is a great service to help with this problem of roof algae. When done properly, roof cleaning will restore the shingles appearance, increase curb appeal and home value, and will halt the damaging effects of the algae. The proper cleaning method is a low pressure chemical application that is recommended by the major shingle manufacturers such as Owens Corning. A power washer should not be used because the high pressure will damage the shingles. They also recommend a bleach based cleaner, it is safe to use on the roof and will kill the algae properly. No other chemical should be used according to the shingle manufacturers.
Not treating roof algae can lead to higher home and cooling costs and will deteriorate the roof. Roof algae can lessen the longevity of your roof because it does not allow the shingles to reflect heat like they need to. Years of life can be stole from the roof when algae is not dealt with. It is like anything else that is exposed to nature. For example, if vinyl is neglected it can also accumulate mold and algae and if left untreated it will lessen the longevity of the vinyl siding. Roof’s are no different, when they get infected by roof algae, they just need cleaned. It isn't rocket science but I am amazed at the number of homeowners and even roofing companies that are not aware of what roof algae streaks are.
I have heard all kinds of reasons of what these unsightly black stains are. I’ve heard it said they are water marks, rust from shingle nails, the felt paper showing through, shingle wear, and even tree sap. None of these are true! it is an airborne algae technically called Gloeocapsa Magma. It lands on roofs with no rhyme or reason, but once there it survives by feeding on nutrients in the shingles and it spreads down the roof by rain which creates the black streaks. It is no different than green mold on vinyl siding or mildew on a deck or concrete, it can be cleaned like anything else. Like noted earlier, the proper roof cleaners and cleaning methods are suggested by the major shingle manufacturers whom recognize roof algae as an ongoing problem. Educate your friends, family, and neighbors about this airborne algae because it can blow from roof to roof. This is why you’ll see many roof’s affected in some areas and no roofs affected in other areas. In the south where the climate is more apt to grow algae, roof’s are cleaned almost yearly. In the more northern states the algae is still a problem but once a roof is cleaned correctly it will stay clean for several years. But because roof cleaning is not as popular in the northern regions it seems that not many people know that it even exists nor what black streaks on roofs are. Please help spread the truth about black roof algae streaks and roof cleaning.